- The leaves of the Wollziest as a wound dressing
- Other uses of Stachys byzantina
- The consumption of Wollziest
Originally, the woolly ziest (Stachys byzantina) was native to countries such as Iran, Turkey and Armenia, but the plant has now been able to spread further in nature due to its exotic appearance and almost worldwide garden culture. This plant has been used in various ways in natural medicine for many centuries.
Wollziest serves as a wound dressing to promote blood clotting
The leaves of the Wollziest as a wound dressing
Due to their fine hairiness and the surface that shimmers silver in the moonlight, the leaves of the Wollziest have ensured that this plant is also referred to as dog's ear and silver carpet. Biologically, this hairiness has the background that the plant has protected itself from excessive drying out by strong sunlight in its original distribution area in Iran, Armenia and Turkey. However, it was already discovered in ancient times that the leaves cut into shape as a wound dressing have enormous absorbency. They are also said to promote blood clotting and have an anti-inflammatory effect on cuts.
Other uses of Stachys byzantina
The Wollziest belongs to the Stachys genus, which also includes the important medicinal herbs Stachys officinalis and Stachys palustris. These were among the most important natural medicines for the Anglo-Saxons of medieval Britain. In addition to being used as a wound dressing, Wollziest also unfolds the effects of the alkaloids and tannins it contains in the following applications:
- in eye inflammation
- for a decongestant effect on insect bites
- Extracts used to treat colds, asthma and indigestion
In the case of insect bites, you can simply crush a leaf of the woolly ziest directly over the affected area of skin and drip the juice onto the area. The juice of the leaves should also be a natural anti-inflammatory for open wounds and also provide a cooling feeling in the respective area.
The consumption of Wollziest
In some parts of Brazil it is common to toss the leaves of the woolly ziest in a kind of batter and then fry them in hot oil. This snack is called Lambari according to the English name "Lamb's Ear" and lets the slightly bitter taste stand out in a particularly characteristic way.
tips
Since the Wollziest reproduces relatively quickly even on dry soil and with little care, it can (in certain quantities) serve as well-tolerated feed for hares and rabbits.