Orchis in the photo: description of the species and its healing properties

The orchis is often called Ivan's hands, cuckoo tears and the less popular, but no less beautiful name - orchid. And this is not at all surprising, because the orchis in the photo looks really very similar to this exquisite exotic plant.

The orchis in the photo is just one of the species of this large family, the total number of members of which exceeds a hundred. Of these, a little more than forty grow in our climatic conditions (the most famous and valuable species from a decorative and healing point of view are spotted, male and helmet-bearing). The leaves of this species vaguely resemble tulip leaves, but the variegated purple-lilac flowers look like tiny orchids.

Orchis is valued not only by gardeners as a highly ornamental plant, but also by folk healers for its powerful healing effects. The scope of application of this plant in folk medicine is more than wide. So, orchis, also called salep, is used to relieve symptoms and treat ulcers and gastritis, alleviate and eliminate the effects of poisoning, as well as infectious diseases that affect the nasopharynx and oral cavity. Many herbalists recommend using it to maintain vigor and well-being, restore lost strength after suffering severe stress and debilitating ailments. This plant is not fully used for medicinal purposes: only its tubers have the necessary effect, the powder from which is used to prepare a kind of medicinal soups and jelly.