Common reed is a perennial plant, with a long (up to 2m) creeping root and a strong, hollow, leafy, upright stem (up to 5m). Leaves linear-lanceolate, flat, with sharp edges. Long, rare hairs on the underside of the leaf. The plant is durable because of the hollow stem.

At the top of the stem, a dense pyramidal broom is formed, 20-50 cm long. Inflorescences are dark purple, brown or yellow, each with 3-7 flowers. The lowest flower is male, the others bisexual. The reed begins to bloom in June and the flowering lasts until mid-autumn. Fruit - an elongated grain. The fruits do not always ripen.

Young shoots, stems and leaves, as well as fruits and roots are collected for medicinal purposes. The young stems and leaves are harvested in mid-May and June. Dry spread out in a shady and well-ventilated place, stirring the drug frequently.

Reed roots are dug from the bottom of rivers and other bodies of water in early spring until the moment when the plant begins to bloom or are harvested in late autumn (October-November). The roots are washed and then dried in ovens or ovens, not exceeding a temperature of 50C. A well-dried drug crumbles well and has a pleasant, sweet taste. In dried form, the surface part of the plant is stored for up to 1 year, the roots for up to 3 years.

Young cane roots contain many trace elements and vitamins (B1, B2), ascorbic acid, carbohydrates (50%), proteins (1%), fat (1%), fatty acids, up to 50% starch, 32% fiber. Amino acid L-pronine, nitrogen-containing compounds, alkaloids, gentian acid, caffeic acid, cellulose, carotene and phytoncides are found in the composition of the root.

The stems have a high content of cellulose, ascorbic acid and essential amino acids. The leaves contain large amounts of vitamin A. Ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, flavonoids, orientin, proline, svercizin, etc. have been found in common reed inflorescences.

Ārstnieciskā nozīme

Parastās niedres ārstnieciskās īpašības ir pamatojamas ar  vitamīnu un minerālu klātbūtni augā. Lai arī augs pilnībā nav izpētīts, šādas tādas zināšanas par to ir. Niedrei piemīt pretiekaisuma, antioksidanta, diurētiskas īpašības. Saknes novārījums ir ieteicams dažādu izvadorgānu sistēmas iekaisumu ārstēšanai.

Saprotams, ka izsens parastā niedre tiek pielietota tautas medicīnā. Niedres saknenim piemīt žulti dzenošas, urīna dzenošas, sviedru dzenošas, drudža mazinošas, pret tūskas un vemšanu novērsošas īpašības. Sakneņa novārījumi, aplikāciju veidā ātrāk nobriedina furunkulus un karbunkulus, kā arī palīdz dziedēt abscesus un brūces.

Novārījumi no lapām tiek lietoti saindēšanās gadījumā, ārīgi ādas iekaisuma gadījumā. Stublāju sula noder indīgu insektu kodumu apstrādei. Pateicoties lielam askorbīnskābes saturam, niedres lapu novārījums ir efektīvs saaukstēšanās slimību gadījumā un ir izmantojams, kā pretiekaisuma un drudža mazinošs līdzeklis. Augu lieto diskomforta mazināšanai kuņģī, lai novērstu vemšanu un atraugas, kā arī nieru un urīna izvades sistēmas infekciju ārstēšanai.

Niedres preparātus iesaka lietot pneimonijas, pārtikas saindēšanās un cukura diabēta gadījumā. Sakneņa novārījumus izmanto ārīgi- artrītu, radikulītu gadījumā, kā sāpju remdējošus un pretiekaisuma līdzekļus.

Spirta izvilkumi noder cistīta un izdales sistēmas slimību ārstēšanai. Lapu vai sakņu novārījums ir lielisks vitamīnu līdzeklis, lai stiprinātu imunitāti, tos lieto arī anēmijas un avitaminozes gadījumā. Žāvētas un saberztas pulverī lapas noder lielu, pūžņojošu brūču un čūlu ārstēšanai.

Not recommended for use

Common reed preparations are not recommended to be used during pregnancy and lactation, if there is an individual intolerance to the plant or a tendency to allergic reactions. The plant is also not desirable for small children.

Importance of food

Common reed roots have been used in food for a very long time, especially when wheat and rye flour was replaced by up to 80-90% with dried and ground roots. Unfortunately, the root contains a lot of fiber and due to this, people developed sick symptoms. People pampa, they grew big bellies, in which lived a constant heaviness and pain. Therefore, reeds should not be made the main dish under any circumstances. It is more valuable to make cane starch from it. But let's hope that we won't have to completely switch to eating reed roots.

It is not recommended to use reed root for those whose high fiber content can be harmful - people with gastritis, stomach ulcers, gallstones.

Diet recipes

Boiled common reed roots

300 gr. common reed roots, 40 gr. sorrel, vegetable oil, salt, spices.

The roots are cut into 2-3 cm pieces, boiled in salted water, covered with chopped sorrel and poured with oil.

Common reed root in cream

300 gr. common reed roots, 40 gr. cream, salt.

Reed roots are boiled in salted water, chopped and cream is added.

Common cane root coffee

The roots are dried and roasted in the oven until brown. Grind and use as coffee.

Common cane root salad

300 gr. common reed roots, 60 gr. grated horseradish, 60 gr. sorrel, 40 gr. cream, salt.

Boil common reed roots in salt water, chop into 2cm pieces, add horseradish and chopped sorrel, salt and add cream.

Puree of common cane

200 gr. common reed roots, 60 gr. large nettles, 60 gr. onion, 10-20 gr onion, vegetable oil, salt, vinegar.

The roots of common reed are boiled, chopped in a meat grinder, fried onion and nettle are added, salt is added and vinegar is added.