Walnut grass is a common plant found in Central Asia and is commonly used as a seasoning by locals. The plant is popular not only in cooking, but is also used as medicine. This is due to the diverse chemical composition of the crop. Below is a detailed description, properties and uses of walnut grass.
Description of the plant
This plant is also called sytya or cyperus. On the stem part of the crop there are tuberous thickenings that are located underground.Single-type stems are characterized by a triangular shape. They are covered with foliage near the base and have a characteristic smooth surface. The average height of the aboveground part is 10-40 centimeters. The leaves are linear in type. Moreover, they are predominantly shorter than the stem and have a maximum width of 2-4 millimeters.
The grass flowers form loose umbrella inflorescences that have rays of different lengths. Near the base there are 3-4 leaves, which can protrude beyond the boundaries of the inflorescence. The spikelets are characterized by an elongated linear shape. They are narrow and sharp and have a rusty-red hue. The covering scales are characterized by an ovoid shape and have a shortened, sharp end.
After flowering is completed, fruits form on the bushes. They are presented in the form of an ordinary triangular gray nut. Its length does not exceed 1.5 millimeters.
Distribution area
Walnut grass is considered a light-loving and heat-loving plant that needs high humidity. The culture tolerates sandy soil well. Under natural conditions, it is found in South America, Central Africa and Central Asia. In Russia, syt has become widespread in the Kuban and Caucasus.
Chemical composition
This plant resembles an ordinary weed in appearance. Moreover, it contains many valuable components. This is precisely what the beneficial properties of nut grass are associated with. So, the food contains the following components:
- Essential oils. Despite the small amount of these components, they are clearly felt in taste and smell.
- Tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids.
- Sesquiterpenes.
- Fatty acid.
- Wax.
- Ascorbic acid.
- Minerals. Walnut grass contains zinc, iron, magnesium and selenium.
Beneficial features
It has long been used as an antiseptic.The plant has been used since ancient times to fight streptococci, disinfect drinking water, and treat wounds and bruises. The plant was also used as an aromatic agent.
Walnut grass has antibacterial properties. She successfully copes with pain and destroys helminths. In addition, the plant is an effective insecticide. It is characterized by diaphoretic and antipyretic properties that help cope with fever.
Fullness successfully eliminates various disorders in the functioning of the digestive organs. With its help, it is possible to get rid of peptic ulcers, gastritis, and dysentery. Walnut grass is also considered a strong aphrodisiac. It helps increase libido and stimulate blood circulation in the genital area.
How to properly collect grass
The dry seasoning is made from the tubers of the plant. You can procure raw materials at any time. In this case, the tubers need to be dug up, the soil removed and the above-ground part removed. After which they need to be thoroughly rinsed several times in running water.
After this, it is recommended to lay out the raw materials under a canopy. This should be done on a paper or fabric mat. It is important to keep plant materials in a well-ventilated place. It is recommended to harvest the crop in the summer, when the air temperature is quite high. In this case, you can easily dry the grass in the fresh air.
After prolonged drying, it is recommended to place the tubers in canvas bags and put them in a dry and dark place. They can be stored for a maximum of 2 years. If necessary, dry tubers are removed and crushed. After which they are used for cooking and for treatment.
Application of the variety
The herb has found wide application in various areas of life. Its greens can be used to repel blood-sucking insects. Tubers are often used in cooking and medicine. Also, satiety extracts are often added to cosmetics. Decorative varieties of crops can be planted in open ground or grown in pots.
In medicine
It has a varied chemical composition, which allows it to be actively used in medicine. The grass is used to solve the following problems:
- To strengthen the immune system. Systematic use of decoctions and tinctures of the plant increases the body's resistance and improves metabolic processes. Antioxidants help slow down the aging process and prevent the appearance of malignant tumors.
- For the treatment of ARVI. The plant has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to this, it successfully copes with viral infections.
- To combat diseases of the digestive organs. The minerals contained in the plant successfully eliminate the symptoms of ulcers, gastritis, colic, and dysbacteriosis.
To make a universal decoction, it is recommended to prepare the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of dried satiate tubers;
- 250 milliliters of boiling water.
To prepare a useful composition, you need to do the following:
- Grind the tubers to a powder.
- Pour boiling water over the raw materials.
- Leave the composition for an hour.
- Strain the mixture and pour into a glass container.The resulting infusion can be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days.
It is recommended to take the product 4 times a day. A single dose is 2 tablespoons. The composition successfully strengthens the immune system and improves metabolism. In addition, it has pronounced tonic properties and has a diuretic effect.
In other areas
In eastern countries, nut grass is actively used in cooking. In this case, the above-ground part of the crop is used. The plant can be used dried or fresh. It is added to meat dishes, salads, and drinks. The seasoning is also added to baked goods.
Walnut grass is a fairly common crop that has a number of beneficial properties and has a pleasant aroma. This allows the plant to be used in folk medicine and cooking.
