Love herbs( Levisticumjffsinale)

Love herbs is a plant of the umbellate family, the stem is branched, reaches a height of 1-2 m, grows from a thick yellow-brown rhizome. It comes from the mountainous regions of Southern Europe, but the opinion prevails that its original homeland is Asia. First it was grown in monasteries, gradually, thanks to Benedictine monks, it spread to other areas and was cultivated mainly in mountainous terrain.

Description

The stem is round with large petiolate leaves. The lower leaves reach a length of 50 cm, twice- and thrice-peristos-false, the upper ones are much smaller, pinnately divided or even unseparated and sessile. Blossom lovage in the summer. The flowers are pale yellow, collected in umbels, the rhizome of the plant is a thick thick brown color. Fruit is a two-seeded. In general, the leaves of lyubistok in appearance and taste resemble celery leaves, for which it is often called a perennial celery.

Composition

Contains 0.5 to 2.7

% essential oil, which contains lactone compounds, organic acids, starch, sugar, resins, etc.

Growing

Lovistock is a very cold and frost resistant plant. In spring it grows early. Refers to photophilous plants. Seedlings appear at a soil temperature of 5-7 ° C, but the optimum temperature for seed germination is 18-20 ° C.It grows on different soils, but on fertile areas gives higher yields of leaves and seeds. Optimal acid reaction of soil pH 6.0-7.0.The need to allocate enough fertile soils for this crop is also associated with the fact that the lover grows in one place for several years and annually gives a large mass of greenery. But often it drives us wild. The lovers are placed on specially designated sites, since in one place it is grown 5-6 years old, free from perennial weeds, on fertile soils. The soil is prepared as per perennial crops( rhubarb, tarragon).Under the autumn digging, 5-6 kg / m2 of organic fertilizers( manure, compost) are applied, 15-20 g of superphosphate and potassium chloride. In the spring, when digging the soil, 10-15 g of ammonium nitrate, 15-20 of superphosphate and 8-10 g of potassium salt per 1 m2 are introduced. Grow lovers sowing seeds in the soil, seedling method, as well as dividing the bush and root cuttings. When growing lyubistok on greens, a seedling method is usually used. With the seedlings, the plants are given greens earlier. Seeds before sowing are soaked in warm water( 40-50 ° C) for 1-2 days. At the same time the water is changed several times. Swollen seeds until they are put on are kept under a damp cloth. Before sowing, they are slightly dried. Seeds of 2-3 seeds are planted in early April in a 5x5 cm torp-fungal pot, filled with light garden soil. Depth of sowing - 1 - 1,5 cm. The pots are installed in film spring hothouses or at home in boxes closer to the windows. Before emergence, the best temperature is 20-25 ° C.Seedlings are fed with dissolved mineral fertilizers. Plant seedlings on the site in the first half of May in the phase of 2-3 leaves. Before planting in a pot( in a hole), one of the most developed plants is left. Plant seedlings in rows, with rows between rows of 50-60 cm, plants in the row are located at a distance of 30-40 cm. Summer care consists in weeding and loosening the soil, and also in watering as necessary.

Medicinal properties

Has a diuretic and expectorant effect, prevents flatulence, stimulates digestion and the work of the stomach, infusions of the roots of lyubistok are recommended for diseases of the cardiovascular system. In folk medicine, a decoction of roots is used to strengthen the hair.

Application of

The smell of love is spicy, spicy, taste sweet at first, then sharp and moderately bitter. In pharmaceutics it is used for the preparation of galenic preparations, mainly broths, teas, and for the production of essential oil. Lubistok has a very intense taste, so fresh leaves should be brewed in small quantities. Lovestock is good for cooking green oil, salads, marinades, chopped lamb and beef. For the preparation of a spicy mixture is used in combination with parsley and onion, with a small amount of black pepper, thyme and rosemary. Of particular importance is the lovage in dietary nutrition, along with dill and basil. As a spice it is added to sauces, to fried meat, to gravies, soups, to vegetables, dishes from rice, croup, poultry and fish. An exceptionally good taste acquires a strong meat broth with the addition of a pinch of love, in which the taste of meat is emphasized and enhanced.