2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Chloranth (lat. Chloranthus) - a small genus of flowering plants belonging to the Chloranthaceae family. The genus includes about two dozen species. Another name is green flowers. In nature, the plant can be captured in Asian countries, as well as on the Kuril Islands and in the Amur region. Representatives of the genus are actively used in alternative medicine, and some of them are used as a flavoring agent for tea drinks.
Characteristics of culture
Chloranth is represented by annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often by semi-shrubs and undersized trees. They are characterized by opposite green foliage, as well as flowers that do not have sepals and petals. The flowers, in turn, are collected in loose, spike-shaped inflorescences. Fruits in the form of fleshy drupes of a spherical shape.
Chloranthus serratus (lat. Chloranthus serratus) - a perennial plant not exceeding 60 cm in height. It is characterized by erect stems topped with opposite oval foliage endowed with oval tips. The flowers are small, snow-white, unattractive, bloom in the spring. In nature, the species is found in Russia and Japan.
Japanese chloranth (lat. Chloranthus japonicus) - perennial low-growing plant about 25 cm high. It is characterized by erect stems covered with toothed oval foliage with a glossy surface. The flowers are small, white, inconspicuous, collected in small inflorescences, which outwardly very much resemble horsetail inflorescences.
Chloranth straight (lat. Chloranthus erectus) - a perennial plant that forms a semi-shrub in the process of growth, reaching a height of 200 cm. It has rounded bare stems that bear petiolate, opposite, wide, elliptical or obovate leaves. The flowers are small, white, equipped with triangular or ovoid bracts.
Chloranthus spicate (lat. Chloranthus spicatus) - a perennial plant in the form of a sprawling shrub with a height of slightly more than half a meter. It is characterized by cylindrical bare stems, crowned with opposite, petiolate, elliptical, toothed-serrate, pale green foliage. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences, uniting in large panicles.
Usage
In Russia, representatives of the genus are used in folk medicine, in Japan and China, they are prescribed in the pharmacopoeia (a collection of official documents that establish quality standards for medicinal raw materials). Numerous studies show that chlorant is effective in combating fever and pain. In addition, it is endowed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Most often, plant rhizomes are used for medicinal purposes. In particular, this aspect concerns the following types: Japanese, serrated and erect. The rhizomes are excavated closer to autumn, they are dried, and then stored in a dark, dry place. It is important to remember that rhizomes have a rather pronounced aroma, which means that they cannot be stored in union with products that actively absorb odors.
Flowers and foliage are also medicinal raw materials, however, they are collected only from the following species: erect, Henry, Fortune. They, in turn, are laid for drying in late spring - early summer. They also have a rather pronounced aroma. It is worth noting that some types of chlorant are classified as poisonous and should only be taken after consultation with a specialist.
Today, chlorant is used to treat liver cancers. It is often advised as an antipyretic agent, and in terms of effectiveness it is comparable to the popular paracetamol. Also, chlorant is used as an antifungal agent externally in the form of lotions. Decoctions and tinctures on alcohol are taken as a diaphoretic, antitussive, antineoplastic agent, often used for colds and flu.
