Flowering-rush is a perennial, winter-hardy plant. Can grow up to 150cm in length. The rhizome of the Flowering-rush is horizontal, long, creeping, thick with many roots in the lower part. Usually, a vegetative bud and leafless inflorescence stems are formed in the market of every ninth leaf (the leaves are rooted in a rosette). Buds form new rhizomes, which later separate from the mother plant. Inflorescences - false cymes, which consists of 3 top inflorescences. Flowers pink. The fruit has air chambers that allow it to float until it reaches the shore.

For medicinal purposes, the root of the Flowering-rush is used. It is harvested in spring or late autumn, when it is the richest in starch and protein. Roots are dug, cleaned, cut lengthwise and into pieces, dried a little and then dried at a temperature not exceeding 80C.

The dried rhizomes of Flowering-rush contain 60% starch, 14-15% protein, 3.6% fat, as well as fiber and sugar, which gives the root a sweet taste. The rhizome also contains vitamin C, gums and saponins.

Medicinal significance

The presence of saponins in the plant underlies the expectorant properties of the plant. It is this substance that increases the secretion of the glands, which contributes to the liquefaction of sputum. The diuretic effect of saponins allows the use Flowering-rush as a diuretic. In large doses, the plant's organic compounds cause diarrhea, so the root of this plant is often used as a laxative.

Vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent on the body.

This plant has been known in folk medicine for a long time. Applications of fresh juice from the leaves of the plant are used to treat scabies, vitiligo and various dermatoses. A decoction of the rhizome is used as a laxative, as well as a diuretic in case of edema and ascites. It is recommended to be used in case of fever, bronchitis and dry cough. Chopped pieces of the root are used in the form of applications, as an anti-inflammatory agent in case of infiltrates and blockages of various upper layers of the skin.

Not recommended for use

This plant is not recommended for use during pregnancy. There is a belief that it can increase menstruation and therefore it is not desirable to use it in case of menorrhagia. It goes without saying that this plant should not be used in case of diarrhea either.

Importance of food

The rhizomes of the Flowering-rush flower are used in food. The rhizomes can be eaten fresh or fried. It can also be dried and ground into flour to add to regular flour, for baking bread. Flour is added up to 30% of the basic flour mass.

Diet recipes

Boiled Flowering-rush roots

Washed Flowering-rush roots, cut into 2-3 cm pieces, boil in salted water. Serve hot or cold.

Flowering-rush puree

200 gr. Flowering-rush , 50 gr. onion, sorrel, salt, pepper.

Boil the roots for 15-20 minutes, grind in a meat grinder, add chopped sorrel, onion stewed in a pan, salt, pepper and cook until ready.

It is used in nutrition, as a main dish or as an additive to meat dishes.

Flowering-rush root flour

The roots are cut into small pieces and dried at room temperature, drying is completed in an oven or oven, the resulting mass is ground into powder.

Flour is added to soups and baked goods.

Flowering-rush coffee

Roast the dried roots of Flowering-rush in the oven until they turn brown. Grind and use as coffee.

Flowering-rush drink with honey

Coffee is made from dried and roasted roots. 2 tsp. to 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1-2 hours, separate the layers, add 80 gr. honey per 1L drink. Serve chilled.