In nature there are more than 10 thousand varieties fern. All of them are scattered around the world and over the years of growth have adapted to the terrain. In the climate of our country, several types of fern grow here, one of which is Orlyak.
Large plant - perennial. It appeared 55 million years ago and is one of the few oldest lichens who not only survived to our time, but also retained their appearance without changes. It reaches almost 70 centimeters in height, and some up to 2 meters in the southern regions, and is unpretentious to the soil.
The name of the fern is associated with the similarity of its oblong leaves to eagle feathers. He poisonous for all representatives of the fauna, but is successfully used by man for decorating rooms, for medical purposes and even in cooking.
At home, the Orlyak fern will live much longer than in natural wild conditions. With proper care, the plant will delight with the violent growth of the crown for up to several decades.
You can more clearly see the Orlyak fern in the photo below:
Home care
fern bracken can be grown at home. A responsible approach and observance of all the nuances is a guarantee that it will be possible to grow a healthy and beautiful plant.
Features of care after purchase
The first step on the road to success is buying a healthy fern.
Having brought Orlyak home, you should leave it for a day in a shaded place. Then transplant into a previously prepared spacious pot with soil mixture.
The substrate for planting should consist mostly of sand.
Ferns like well-drained soil, they will not be comfortable in a clay environment, so broken bricks are often placed on the bottom of the pot.
Dig a deep hole in the pot, cover with a thin layer of compost and carefully place the roots of the plant in the recess. Water immediately after planting by special means, which will soften and accelerate adaptation.
Lighting
In the house, the bracken fern will feel good in a dark place away from batteries central heating . Sunny window sills are categorically contraindicated for him - it is better to place a pot with a large plant on the opposite side of the window.
Temperature
fern bracken withstands a fairly wide range of temperatures - from +10 degrees to +25.
For the summer period, the plant can be taken outside to places protected from direct contact. sun rays, detrimental to the lichen. The main thing is that it be protected from cold drafts and wind.
Air humidity
IN home care behind the bracken fern, it is important to maintain humidity. In summer, the lush crown and trunk of the plant must be constantly moistened. Leaves should be sprayed with a spray bottle daily, irrigating and air around. In a dry environment, the fern begins to hurt.
Watering
Orlyak loves abundant watering from the beginning of spring to late autumn - the soil is moistened 2 times a week, as it dries out the slightest.
IN winter time years, watering is reduced, performing the procedure 1 time in 2 weeks. During this period, daily spraying is sufficient to maintain needed by the plant moisture level.
Fertilizers and top dressing
Fern Orlyak is very sensitive to chemical fertilizing.
Fertilize the plant after hibernation to restore strength and give impetus to growth. They are applied once a week according to the indicated dosage.
Transfer
The plant rarely needs repotting. This is only appropriate in the case of planting an adult, strengthened fern in open ground for a warm summer period or if the pot in which it grows has become small for an overgrown root system.
In the garden Orlyak is transplanted into a deep hole, shaded from sunlight place without drafts. All transplant work is carried out only in the spring, when the plant enters the phase active growth.
pruning
The fern crown does not need seasonal pruning. At home, the maintenance of Orlyak does not shed its leaves. A representative of the lichen family growing in the garden wilted leaves in the spring it will “replace” with new ones that will return it to its former healthy appearance.
reproduction
An unpretentious plant reproduces in several ways. It is possible to determine which of them is the simplest after a detailed consideration of each option.
Reproduction by spores
In the wild, the bracken reproduces by spores, as it is an asexual plant.
In the conditions of home propagation in the fall, a leaf is cut from the plant, cut into it and put to dry in a paper envelope.
At the end of January, spores, which are a fine powder, are poured into prepared boxes with soil mixture, irrigated with a spray bottle and covered with thick glass.
After 2 months on the surface of the soil appears green moss- this is the basis for future seedlings. During this period, the glass is removed to provide access to oxygen.
When individual elements grow together and increase in size, they can be transplanted into separate pots of small diameter. By spring, the seedlings are ready and can be planted in another soil. It's pretty the hard way and rarely use it, preferring a lighter alternative.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Most easy way get a lot planting material- divide the bush into separate parts. The developed and strong root system of the plant allows you to do this without harming the main fern and get a lot of child elements ready for planting.
The procedure is carried out in early spring, after the end of frost, as soon as the thermometer of the thermometer shows consistently above 0.
Fern Orlyak does not reproduce by tubers and shoots.
Diseases and pests
Beneficial features
Fern Orlyak is used not only for decorative ornament home or garden.
Its successful use in medicine and cooking is known. However fern Eaglet has not only beneficial features but also contraindications.
Greetings to all who are not indifferent to their health!
Today we will find out what is fern good for. Often people mistakenly ignore important things. So, for example, at first glance, an ordinary plant keeps secrets great history and great value for our body.
In the article you will find answers to many questions regarding the fern. You will learn: why it is useful, what properties experts attribute to it and how to use it correctly.
The fern is unusual plant, with which ancient legends are associated, and the leaves are somewhat reminiscent of the open wings of a proud eagle. This plant has been growing on the planet for 400 million years.
To our time, more than ten thousand varieties of ferns have come down to us. Of course, not all of them are beneficial to humans, there are poisonous or simply useless varieties.
The composition of this plant is rich in trace elements necessary for our body. Even in ancient times, people understood the value of ferns. All parts of this plant are used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. In addition, it is a low-calorie product that is quite easily digested due to the proteins included in the composition.
This plant has long been an important part of the diet of the peoples of oriental cultures. In order to find out how fern is useful, first we will briefly review the chemical composition. Ferns contain a variety of saponins, alkaloids and essential oils.
Young shoots saturated with a vitamin complex of groups A, B, E and PP are very useful. In addition, the composition includes fats and flavonoids. This is far from full list useful substances. Chemical composition differs depending on the variety, age and individual part of the plant (leaves, rhizome, "snails").
It is strictly forbidden to use fern without pre-treatment. A fresh plant can cause food poisoning, vomiting, nausea and general intoxication of the body.
The most popular fern called "bracken". He is very helpful. This plant grows in almost all countries. Only young shoots, the leaves of which have not yet blossomed, are used for food. With age, bracken becomes poisonous and, of course, it can no longer be used in cooking.
- strengthening the immune system
- normalization of the cardiovascular system
- improvement of the thyroid gland
- normalization of blood sugar levels
- improving blood composition
- positive effect on the endocrine system
- strengthening of bone tissue
- normalization of the digestive tract
- increasing the efficiency of the body
- improving metabolism
The usefulness of the fern is difficult to overestimate. In addition to the above, its use contributes to the removal of toxins, toxins and radionuclides from the body. The active components of the plant help to cope with stress, it also has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system.
In addition, this component is useful in self-care. It is often used in cosmetology. Bracken shoot contains substances that slow down the aging process, which means that its regular use will help maintain a young and fresh appearance.
In ancient times, people often used the leaves of this plant to make various charms to protect themselves and their homes from evil spirits and damage. Nowadays, the most common use of the fern is in cooking. It is useful, of course, only if it is prepared correctly.
Salting ancient plants for the winter is popular. For this, petioles of one of edible varieties fern - bracken or ostrich. The cooking method resembles salting mushrooms and takes place in three stages with breaks for several weeks. After processing, bracken petioles taste like mushrooms, and the second type of fern is more like sauerkraut.
Before preparing a fresh plant, of any variety, it must first be boiled in salt water for ten minutes. After that, the water is drained, and the healthy product is stewed, marinated, fried, etc.
Salad from this ancient plant is very useful. For its preparation, fern leaves are soaked in water for a day, after which they are cut and boiled for thirty minutes. Next, fried onions with meat are added to it. All this is seasoned with soy sauce and simmered. Chilled salad is served on the table.
Fern cabbage soup, special roasts, delicacies and other dishes are also popular. Rice with the addition of this plant is very healthy, it is widely popular among eastern peoples. There are actually a lot of cooking options. So everyone can find something to their taste.
Fern is not always and not for everyone useful. Before eating it, it is recommended to consult a doctor or an experienced herbalist. There are a number of contraindications:
- It is strictly forbidden to use this plant during pregnancy.
- The presence of serious diseases internal organs are a weighty argument for refusing to use ferns
An overdose of this product is very dangerous. In some cases, convulsions, vomiting and nausea are possible. Dizziness, low blood pressure, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system, etc. can also be caused. If alarming symptoms are ignored for a long time, even death is possible.
In any case, the fern is useful, but only if you consume it in moderation and follow all the advice and recommendations of experienced professionals. It should also be remembered that decoctions alone are not enough to maintain health. It is important to give up all bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. Only in this case you will be able to maintain your health for many years.
If we talk about health, then see also. Now there are many different techniques and methods for creating an ideal body and maintaining healthy lifestyle life. It is important to remember that not all of them are universal, and what works well for one person may, on the contrary, be harmful to another.
If you found here useful information share the article with your friends in social networks. Take care of yourself and your health. All the best!
Share this article with a friend:Bracken Fern (Pteridium aguillinum)
Description
The scientific name of the plant comes from the following words: pteron in Greek means "wing", and aquila - in Latin "eagle". The leaves of this fern really resemble the wing of a huge bird.
The bracken stem grows underground. Young leaves - fronds are formed in May and at first resemble a snail, and as they grow, they unfold and look like a hook. The petiole of a leaf is called a rachis. Ferns reproduce by spores.
Interesting Facts
The fern is one of ancient plants on earth, preserved until today. Scientists believe that the compressed wood of ancient ferns has become the main forming material of coal.
Everyone knows the belief that whoever finds a fern flower on the night of Ivan Kupala will be able to find all the treasures and open all hearts. It's just a legend - the fern never blooms.
Compound
Bracken fern rhizome contains starch, alkaloids, saponins, hydrocyanic and bracken-tannic acid, essential oils, flavonoids, fat, tannins. Young shoots are rich in vitamins, tocopherol, riboflavin, carotene, nicotinic acid.
Bracken fern proteins in their properties and composition are close to the proteins of grain crops, they are easily digested. Fern has long been eaten by taiga residents Far East as well as residents of Korea and Japan. The use of fern favorably affects the growth processes, helps the formation of the skeleton, metabolism, the activity of the nervous system, increases efficiency, improves the state of the endocrine system, and contributes to the removal of radionuclides from the body.
Application
Fern is used in cooking around the world. Salads are prepared from young leaves, “snails” are boiled, fried, pickled and salted for the winter, used as a seasoning for meat. Bracken fern rachis taste like mushrooms. Fresh fern is not used!
Beneficial features
Fern has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. Inside, a decoction of rhizomes and herbs is taken for diseases of the spleen and intestines, for aching joints, diarrhea, jaundice, headache and chest pain, for dry pleurisy, noise in the head, and as a laxative, diuretic, analgesic and anthelmintic.
Outwardly, a decoction of fern rhizomes is used for wounds, eczema, scrofula, abscesses. The infusion can be used for ulcers and rheumatism in the form of baths.
Contraindications
Fern infusions and decoctions should be used very carefully, under the guidance of an experienced herbalist, since the fern is poisonous.
You can not be treated with fern during pregnancy!
An overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, convulsions, lowering blood pressure, respiratory depression, weakening of the heart, and even death.
Calorie and nutritional value of fern
Fern calories - 34 kcal.
Fern nutritional value: proteins - 4.55 g, fats - 0.4 g, carbohydrates - 5.54 g
The beneficial properties of the fern are primarily determined by the amazing ability to remove radiation, toxic substances from the body. The inhabitants of Japan were the first to pay attention to this feature: after the nuclear bombings, living organisms that easily survived them were ants. To be more precise - the kind of them that feeds only on bracken fern.
Subsequently, it turned out that of all existing varieties of this plant, only 2 are suitable for food, one of them is the bracken fern. It is used as a separate ingredient for various salads, as an unusual seasoning.
Bracken has a fairly low calorie content, which makes it an attractive component of the diet menu. By the way, many nutritionists successfully use this plant in their practice: they recommend that patients add it to salads and to meat dishes, drink useful infusions and decoctions.
The calorie content of bracken is 34 kcal per 100 g. If we talk about nutritional value of this miraculous plant in its properties, it is amazing due to the unusual percentage:
- carbohydrates - 5.54 g;
- fat - 0.4 g;
- proteins - 4.55 g.
The rhizome of this plant contains medicinal components:
- tannins, which provide excellent digestion;
- various essential oils and fats;
- flavonoids;
- eagle-tannin, glutamic, aspartic, nicotinic and hydrocyanic acids;
- alkaloids;
- starchy substances and saponins;
- riboflavin, tocopherol and carotene (contained in young shoots);
- various enzymes, in particular glycoside and thiaminase (an enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of thiamine).
The valuable composition of the bracken is represented by the following trace elements:
- nickel and potassium;
- magnesium, copper and sulfur;
- phosphorus, sodium and manganese;
- calcium and.
The proteins that make up the bracken, in their properties, are somewhat akin to cereals (wheat, oats). But the most important benefit of the fern is associated with a high concentration of biologically active elements.
Amazing Benefits
Doctors have long and very successfully used bracken in their practice: the beneficial properties of this plant help to treat many diseases. For example, it is indicated for patients who suffer from:
- dry and wet pleurisy;
- headaches and chest pains;
- jaundice (Botkin's disease);
- aching joints and pain in the bones;
- diarrhea
- tinnitus;
- malfunctions of the intestines, stomach and spleen.
On this medicinal properties eagles do not end. A decoction prepared from its leaves and roots helps with constipation. The plant is also used to relieve pain, get rid of worms, excrete urine (in case of violation of the diuretic function).
By the way, people have known about the pain-relieving ability of this plant for a long time. Many centuries ago, the fern was applied to wounds, burns, and bruises. And he removed even the most severe pain.
- It is especially useful for those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. For example, he spends a lot of time at the computer or watching TV.
- Due to the bracken saves a person from leukemia and radiation sickness.
- In an accelerated mode, it restores impaired metabolism, thereby contributing to quick and comfortable weight loss.
- Perfectly removes the excitation of the nervous system and strong tension, normalizes the pulse.
- Restores in full the lack of vitamins in spring beriberi.
- Removes heavy and harmful metals, radionuclides, improves the activity of the endocrine system. The working capacity of a person after the use of bracken increases significantly.
- Bracken is also used for ulcerative manifestations, convulsions. He actively treats rheumatism, hemorrhoids, sciatica.
As you can see, the medicinal properties of this variety of fern are truly limitless. The main thing is to learn how to harvest the plant and apply it correctly.
Rules for collection and use
If the fern leaves are young, they are used to make salads. In addition, bracken can be prepared for the future - pickled or pickled. It is an excellent seasoning for meat and fish dishes. But the old leaves of the plant should not be eaten, they can be dried and later used for infusions, lotions and decoctions.
If a person is concerned about sciatica, rheumatic and other pain, vegetable raw materials must be steamed and added to the bathroom.
For the fern to be beneficial, it should be harvested in early spring. After all, in summer and autumn it loses some of its healing properties.
Young shoots should be stored in the refrigerator, and no longer than 2 days. If you do not have time to use bracken within the specified period, it will become poisonous and harmful to the body.
Harm and contraindications
Despite such an abundance of useful properties, bracken has its own contraindications. First of all, it should be remembered that this plant contains toxic substances. That is why it is necessary to consult an experienced herbalist or homeopathic doctor before using it.
Dosage must be observed during preparation medicinal product. If you ignore this rule, you may experience nausea, severe dizziness, vomiting, convulsions, and severe headaches.
Even death is possible, especially if you used low-quality shoots or fern leaves for treatment. Have you noticed any of the above symptoms after using the plant? Call your doctor right away and have a good gastric lavage.
The fern is considered one of the oldest plants on the planet. Its appearance is attributed to the Devonian period. A legend is connected with the appearance of the plant that it arose from the ancient Greek goddess Venus, who dropped her hair.
There is a belief that a person whoever finds a fern flower, all secrets and possibilities will be revealed. Is it really? This question remains unanswered.
This perennial has a wide geography and is found in almost every corner of the planet, not counting the northern latitudes.
Its height is different, from 30 to 150 centimeters. Inhabits coniferous and deciduous forests.
Likes poor soil and can form whole thickets. It reproduces vegetatively.
They say that the plant is really mysterious. But let's leave the legends and myths and consider how the fern grows, what useful material is in its composition, as it is used to treat many diseases, as well as in cooking.
Fern benefit and harm
In our time, there are more than ten thousand varieties of plants. Most of them are beneficial, some species are poisonous, the rest are useless varieties.
The composition of the fern contains many trace elements that are necessary for the human body. Hence, it is very useful.
It is often used in medicine and cosmetology. Fern is also used in cooking.
The calorie content of this plant is very low, it is easily digestible, so it is well suited for weight loss. If you properly prepare and use this ingredient, then soon you can noticeably feel an improvement in the condition of the body.
Beneficial features
The most common is the common fern (bracken). It's perennial herbaceous plant. What is useful bracken fern:
- strengthens the immune system and increases the efficiency of the body;
- improves the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system;
- improves blood composition and normalizes sugar;
- positively affects the endocrine system;
- Improves metabolism and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes weight loss. For the treatment of diseases of the stomach, they are used internally. herbal decoction, which quickly helps, thanks to its beneficial properties;
- strengthens bone tissue;
- removes toxins, radionuclides from the body;
- beneficial effect on nervous system, since the active substances help to cope with different kind stress;
- It is actively used in cosmetology, as the composition of the plant contains components that slow down the aging process. With regular use, you can keep youth and freshness much longer.
- a decoction of the rhizome heals wounds, abscesses, ulcers, eczema and rheumatism;
In eastern countries, the plant has long been an integral part of the diet, because young shoots contain vitamins of groups A, B, E and PP, as well as flavonoids and fats. And this is not the whole list of substances contained in the leaves, and in the rhizome, and in the "snails".
Also bracken rich essential oils, alkaloids, saponins. Is it possible to overestimate the benefits of the plant and answer the question of how useful bracken fern is? The answer is obvious.
Contraindications
However, bracken is not always useful for everyone and not always. He has and contraindications:
- categorically it is impossible to use fern during pregnancy, so as not to harm the unborn child. It is also impossible to use fern-based cosmetic products during pregnancy;
- it is not recommended to use this plant for serious diseases of the internal organs;
- it is strictly forbidden to use the raw plant. Raw fern can cause severe food poisoning and intoxication;
- in case of overdose, convulsions, nausea, vomiting may occur;
- possible decrease in pressure, dizziness, malfunction of the cardiovascular system;
- it is not advisable to introduce the plant into the diet of a preschool child.
However, in most cases fern is useful but only if consumed in moderation. It is best to consult with experienced specialists before taking the plant and follow their recommendations.
Application in cooking
In the old days, people used the fern as a talisman to protect their homes from all evil spirits, spoilage and evil spirits.
In the modern world, people treat this plant as medicinal product or a culinary ingredient that has many useful properties.
As a rule, leaves, shoots and petioles of bracken and ostrich varieties are used as food.
They go well in salads with other ingredients, and are also added to various dishes as a condiment.
Before cooking, a fresh plant of any variety must be boiled for 10 minutes in salt water, and then subjected to other types of heat treatment: stewing, frying. It is recommended to cook this healthy product traditionally in copper utensils. Thus, useful substances and natural taste will be preserved as much as possible.
To cook healthy salad, you need to pre-soak the leaves in water for a day. Then grind and cook for half an hour. Next, poultry fillet fried with onions is added, seasoned with soy sauce. This salad is served chilled.
Salting plants for the winter is very popular. Used for this, as a rule, bracken petioles. According to the method of preparation, it is similar to salting mushrooms. In addition, salted and processed petioles of bracken look like mushrooms. Salting itself takes place in three stages.
Fern cabbage soup is also popular. Rice with the addition of roasted or stewed fern shoots is a very popular food in Eastern countries. In addition, this dish has a low calorie content and is well suited for weight loss.
It is worth saying that cooking options for weight loss a large number of and everyone can find something to their liking.
It is worth saying that the plant has a very aesthetic appearance. Therefore, it is often used for landscaping. personal plot. Also, the plant is used to decorate flower arrangements.
