Research work «An ordinary and unusual dandelion»

АДМИНИСТРАЦИЯ ВОЛЖСКОГО РАЙОНА МУНИЦИПАЛЬНОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ

«ГОРОД САРАТОВ»

МУНИЦИПАЛЬНОЕ ОБЩЕОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОЕ УЧРЕЖДЕНИЕ

« Лицей № 107»

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Research work
«An ordinary and unusual dandelion»

made by:

the supervisor:

Korolkova A.V.

Saratov 2021

Content

Introduction______________________________________________________3

Chapter 1. The main part.

1.1.The botanic characteristics of a dandelion__________________________ 4-6

1.2.Useful properties of a dandelion_________________________________ 7-8

1.3. Economic value and the application of a dendilion___________________8-9

Chapter 2. The practical part

2.1. The recipes of traditional medicine_______________________________ 9-11

2.2. The technology of brewing ___________________________________ 12-13

Conclusion _____________________________________________________ 14

References _____________________________________________________ 15

Introduction

"Any weed is a healing plant, the advantages of which have not yet been revealed"

I chose the topic "A dandelion" for my research work, because I think that many people do not attach much importance to this amazing plant. This material collected by me will be of informational value not only for students, teachers and adults. In the world of electronic technologies, many children do not know the possibilities of this amazing plant. The material will help them discover a lot of amazing things, and adults will remember their childhood fun. Spring flowers, even the most modest, have an unusual charm and attractiveness. But I want to tell you not about the luxurious garden flowers, but about the usual dandelion-a modest and persecuted by many gardeners, but a surprisingly attractive flower. In nature, you can find dandelion everywhere, and in gardens it is a frequent uninvited guest. Due to the ease of scattering by the wind of its seeds, equipped with a fluffy flying tuft, the dandelion quickly conquers the territory both near and far around the mother plant. Active reproduction, adaptability to any soil and unpretentiousness, which is so valued among cultivated plants, have given the dandelion a bad reputation – it is considered a malicious weed.

The research problem:

I often go for a walk in the clearing near the house. At the beginning of May, the meadow is pale green, and at the end of May and beginning of June it turns into a bright golden yellow color. It was as if a wizard had scattered yellow paints on the field.(Appendix 1)

This is a dandelion blooming. Flying large and small insects: bees, wasps, bumblebees buzzing sit on the open yellow flowers. I asked myself in a survey: Is it delicious? Is it useful? Is it possible to use a dandelion for food ? I decided to find out this in practice.

The purpose of the study:

-to find out the medicinal properties of dandelion and its use in food.

Tasks:

1. -to study and analyze the scientific literature on the biological features of the medicinal dandelion

2. -to identify the practical significance of the plant in human life.

3. -to develop practical recommendations for the use of dandelion for medicinal purposes.

The problem.

As soon as the sun warms the earth in spring, dandelions begin to actively grow young leaves. And soon, from the center of the basal rosette of juicy lobed leaves, tubular peduncles with buds quickly move out. In the spring, the fields outside our village are all yellow with blooming dandelions, as if a big golden sun is lying on the field. Such a beauty! And every spring, in my familiar meadow, I meet women collecting yellow dandelion hats. That's the problem: why do they collect them and what do they do with them?

The Relevance

Since ancient times, man has sought to be closer to nature. And this ris not accidental. Nature makes a person stronger, healthier, stronger. Therefore, it is very important to know the medicinal properties of plants.

The research hypothesis:

I think that dandelion is a plant not only beautiful, but very valuable and the results obtained will help to make sure of the healing capabilities of dandelion and the possibility of using this plant in folk medicine.

The object of research: herbs

The subject of research: a dandelion

The methods: study of the literature on the benefits of dandelion; systematization of the material, comparison, clarification of the conclusions made; correction; discussion of the results in the classroom with classmates and the teacher.

The main results of the study: the literature on the topic "Useful properties of dandelion" was studied, practical work was done, the benefits were determined.

Literary review

Before starting work on this topic, I studied a large number of interesting articles from the magazine "100 tips", looked through books on medicinal plants, turned to the determinant of medicinal plants , which helped me understand the taxonomy of this plant. Our biology teacher Vera Pavlovna Redreeva provided me with great help.

The main part

The use of various herbal remedies for medicinal purposes has been known since ancient times. Their accumulation in the national memory was a very long process that was closely intertwined with the periods of human development. From century to century, from one historical period to another, there was a gradual formation of folk medicine, which in practice accumulated the necessary arsenal of medicines that helped a person to withstand the harsh conditions of nature. The effectiveness of herbal medicine has been tested for thousands of years with their direct impact on humans. Through this selection, many of them have reached our days and are now included in various reference books and manuals on modern medicine.

Dandelion is perhaps the most common weed that does not grow except in the desert, and in the far north, and all the owners of summer cottages and vegetable gardens know how difficult it is to overcome this weed, since its roots grow deeply and very firmly. However, both the roots and all other parts of the plant have powerful medicinal properties. We can say that literally under our feet there is a medicine given to us by nature and available to everyone for many ailments, you only need to make very little effort to take full advantage of its power. There seem to be countless golden baskets on spring sunny lawns, and then silvery elegant balloons with parachutes. The durability and vitality, extreme unpretentiousness and high fecundity of the dandelion are admired. On the other hand, it is annoying and indestructible – one of the malicious weeds of our gardens and vegetable gardens.

In Russia, the dandelion was called the "elixir of life"for its inexhaustible life-giving power. Imagine that there is a product that, using it together with the main food, or as a drink, you could prevent or cure liver disease; purify your blood; dissolve kidney stones; lose excess weight; clear the skin and eliminate acne; reduce high blood pressure; prevent or cure anemia; reduce cholesterol in the blood by one and a half times; eliminate or significantly reduce digestive problems.

And all this, and much more, without side effects! But all these useful properties are inherent in the well-known dandelion.

The botanical characteristics of the medicinal dandelion

A dandelion appears in early spring and is one of a very small number of plants that are able to start flowering in early spring and finish in late autumn. Dandelion appears immediately, as soon as the snow comes off the soil, immediately the free areas from the snow begin to be covered with a dense, pleasing to the eye carpet of yellow dandelion.

About 200 species of dandelion grow in the expanses of Mother Russia, especially the medicinal dandelion, of which there are about 100 varieties, is popular.

Scientific classification:

Domain : Eukaryotes

The Kingdom: Plants

Department: Flower (Angiosperms)

Class: Dicotyledons

Order: Astrocolor

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Dandelion

Type: Medicinal dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

A dandelion officinalis is a well-known plant with a rosette of basal leaves and large bright yellow inflorescences-baskets of tongue flowers. In inclement weather and at night, the basket is closed. There are many hairs on the top of the elongated spout of the achene, with their help, the dandelion fruit can fly over long distances in air currents.

A dandelion is a plant with a branched taproot up to 2 cm thick and up to 60 cm long, turning into a short multi-headed rhizome in the upper part.

The leaves are glabrous, pinnately incised or whole, collected in a basal rosette.

The flower-bearing arrow is juicy, cylindrical, hollow inside, ending in a single basket of bright yellow tongue flowers. In the basket, all the flowers are usually bisexual.

All parts of the plant contain a thick white milky juice.

Dandelion blooms depending on the climate of the area: in March — April, in the middle zone of Russia in mid-May-early June, it bears achenes with a white tuft from the end of April to June.

Dandelion grows near housing, near roads, on pastures, edges, on the banks of rivers, lakes, etc. This plant usually clogs gardens, lawns, meadows.

The composition and useful properties of dandelion

The inflorescences and leaves of dandelion contain carotenoids, triterpene alcohols, vitamins C and B2, B6 and P, mineral salts of iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, boron, nickel, titanium, molybdenum and some other elements. Dandelion leaves have long been used as a good anti-scurvy agent, and they were also used to improve the functioning of the digestive glands, liver, kidneys and gallbladder.

Dandelion roots contain the carbohydrate inulin (25-30 %), as well as about 10-15% of various protein substances, plus tannins and fatty oil. Sterols, organic acids, potassium and calcium salts, various resins and mucous substances are also found in the roots of this glorious plant. If you collect dandelion roots in the autumn, they will also contain about 15 % of sugars.

Looking through the entire list of properties that the dandelion has, it becomes clear how many useful substances this wild plant contains and how many of them are biologically active substances for the human body. People in ancient times did not yet have scientific ideas about how rich this plant is in biochemical elements, but through their own trials and discoveries, people understood the beneficial effect of this plant on the body.

The medicinal dandelion contains biologically active substances that have choleretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, laxative, expectorant, soothing, hypnotic, as well as diuretic and diaphoretic properties. All that was listed above is not the end of the useful properties of this plant, in the process of its in-depth study, it was possible to learn that dandelion also has antiviral, anti-tuberculosis, fungicidal, anthelmintic and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Dandelions are the richest source of plant beta-carotene – one of the most powerful antioxidants and immunostimulants. In addition, dandelion is the third product in terms of vitamin A, after fish oil and beef liver! One cup of dandelion greens provides 112 percent of the required daily amount of vitamin A, as well as 535 % of the daily dose of vitamin K. Dandelions are especially rich in fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin. Useful properties of dandelion are also provided thanks to the rich set of trace elements included in the composition, such as copper, cobalt, zinc, boron, molybdenum, as well as vitamin D. But that's not all! 100 grams of dandelions contain 2.7 g of protein, which is slightly less than the same amount of oatmeal cooked in water or semolina porridge with milk. So for those who prefer vegetarianism, dandelions are extremely useful.

The economic significance and application of dandelions

The root of the medicinal dandelion (Latin Radix Taraxaci), which accumulates up to 40% inulin in the fall, is used as a medicinal raw material.

Dried root is used as a decoction, a thick extract as a bitterness to enhance the secretion of the digestive glands and as a choleretic agent that strengthens and heals the liver. Dandelion root tincture stimulates the appetite, has antispasmodic, laxative and blood-purifying properties

Dandelion has long been used for food by various peoples, it was used by both the ancient Chinese and the first settlers on the American continent. Its young leaves and stems, containing carotenoids and vitamin B2, are practically devoid of bitterness and are therefore often used for making salads and borscht, toasted roots can serve as a substitute for coffee, jam is made from dandelion flowers and wine is made, "dandelion honey"is prepared from the opened buds.

Dandelions are specially bred in Japan, the USA, India and Europe. These yellow flowers are especially popular among the French, who even cultivate them and use dandelion recipes in cooking. By the way, it was thanks to the French colonists that dandelions appeared on the territory of the American continent. They specially imported dandelion seeds to America so that there was something to eat during the first years of the development of the territories.

Dandelion is a food for domestic rodents, including rabbits.

Dandelion is also popular in folk cosmetics: a mask of its fresh l

The recipes of traditional medicine

Dandelion is the first saving food for "spring fatigue", when the astronomical clock speeds up, physical exertion and excitability of the nervous system sharply increase, the formation of hormones increases. In this regard, in the spring there is a maximum of inflammatory reactions of the body, the balance in the immune system is disturbed. Where can I get the first spring tonic help? Young dandelion shoots are under your feet! The leaves of a young dandelion are used for cooking fresh salads.

The dandelion salad: fresh dandelion leaves are thinly sliced, add salt, you can add tomatoes or cucumbers, season with sour cream and eat as a salad, adding onions, carrots, season with lemon juice and vegetable oil.

The infusion of dandelion. Application for metabolic disorders

Pour a tablespoon of dandelion root powder with boiling water (one glass). Keep on fire for 15 minutes. The broth should boil slowly. Then let it brew for 45 minutes. Then strain the infusion. Take the infusion of dandelion slightly warmed up a quarter of an hour before meals, half a glass three times a day.

This infusion of dandelion also helps with furunculosis and skin rash.

The dandelion tincture. Use to increase appetite and purify the blood

pour 10 g of fresh washed and chopped dandelion roots with a glass of boiling water. Insist for 20 minutes. Strain it. Cool it down. Take a quarter of a glass 3 times a day. It also has a laxative and antispasmodic effect.

The dandelion juice and its application

You can squeeze the juice from any part of the plant. Dandelion juice is very useful for vitamin deficiency, anemia, stress and insomnia. Dandelion juice must be freshly squeezed. Take it 30 minutes before meals twice a day, in a dosage of 50 ml.

Folk healers prescribed dandelion milky juice to instill 1 drop in the eyes with trachoma. They can also be used to lubricate warts and calluses.

You can save the juice by diluting it with alcohol in a ratio of 2:1 or 1:1 vodka.

The decoction of dandelion flowers. Application for jaundice, rheumatism, high blood pressure, insomnia, hemorrhoids.

In boiling water, throw fresh dandelion flowers, as much as possible, more purified from green leaves. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Cool it down. Strain it. Squeeze it out. Take ¼ cup 3 times a day. 250 g of water will require a tablespoon of flowers

The dandelion oil.

The application for burns

In the case of radiation damage to the skin or burns, dandelion oil will help well.

To prepare it, you will need powder from dried dandelion root and olive or sunflower oil.

Add the powder to the vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 4. Keep warm for two weeks. Dandelion oil is used both as an ointment and in the form of compresses.

The application of warts

Useful properties of dandelion have long been used in the fight against warts. All that is needed for this is any part of this plant (since there is milky juice in all parts of the dandelion). You need to squeeze the juice from the dandelion, and lubricate the wart with it. This should be done for several days until the wart turns black and disappears.

The practical part.

The research methodology.

A dandelion is rich in vitamins. Dandelion is used for food all over, from head to toe. It is eaten raw, dried, boiled, fried: just like that, deep-fried and in batter.

Most of all, my interest was aroused by the information that you can make a very useful dandelion honey from dandelions. To dispel my doubts, I decided to prepare this dandelion honey myself and try its properties.

Stages of work

1. Get acquainted with the recipe from the literature:

a dandelion (flowers) - 200g

water (boiling water) - 1.5 l

lemon (cubes) - 2 pcs.

granulated sugar – 1.5 kg.

2. Collecting the material

1. First of all, to collect dandelions, you need to choose the period of their optimal flowering. The appropriate time for this operation is considered to be noon, at this time the flowers open as much as possible and contain the most nectar.(Appendix 2)

2. Choose a clearing for collecting flowers away from polluted highways and dusty roads. The best place is near the river. In a word, in the open spaces where there is no passage for vehicles.

3. Take into account the fact that there should be no rain the day before the expected collection of flowers. This aspect is important in order for a sufficient amount of nectar to accumulate on dandelions. For processing, use only yellow flowers without sepals.

4. There is a controversial question about how intensively you need to wash the flowers. The procedure is carried out under moderate pressure of running water in such a way that there are no small insects left, but at the same time the nectar is preserved.

When collecting flowers, I watched the plants, and noticed that some flowers are messengers of the rising, and others are messengers of the setting sun, in sunny weather , its flowers open at sunrise – about 3-4 hours, and close at 18 hours. One day, on a clear sunny morning, I saw that the dandelion had not opened. An hour and a half later, clouds suddenly came up, and a downpour began. A few days later, there was the opposite picture: the sky was covered with clouds, and dandelions cheerfully looked at the world with the yellow eyes of their flowers. It was cloudy all day, but in the evening the sun still came out, and I was convinced that the dandelion is able to predict both rain and clear weather.(Appendix 3)

On a warm sunny day, when the dandelion baskets are open, I picked up the open clean yellow dandelion flowers, far from the road, where cars do not drive, there is no dust and dirt. I spread the dandelion leaves on the newspaper and let it dry a little

3. The preparation of the infusion

The house was thoroughly washed, separated from the stems, filled with cold water for a day.

4. The cooking process(Appendix 4)

A day later, the water was drained. The water was muddy yellow and tasted bitter. So the dandelion flowers were cleared of dust and bitterness. We washed all the inflorescences several more times in clean water. Put the inflorescences in a saucepan and added: 700 gr. water , 2 finely chopped lemons together with the peel. All the resulting mass was mixed and put to cook for 15-20 minutes. After the pan

Contraindications to the use of dandelion

It is not recommended to use dandelion for people who have an acute condition with a blockage of the bile ducts. It is also necessary to treat with caution the reception of dandelion to people who have increased secretion of hydrochloric acid, and to put it more simply, with peptic ulcer diseases and gastritis. Overdose when using dandelion can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Despite the mass of useful properties, dandelion, like any drug, has contraindications for use, and in some cases it should be used with caution. In particular, decoctions from dandelion are not recommended for people who are prone to stomach disorders. And it is also better to refrain from it for those who have an increased acidity of the stomach. Dandelion flowers are also contraindicated for people suffering from pollinosis (pollen allergy).

Conclusion

At the beginning of my research work, I set the task to study as much information about the dandelion as possible. When I started my research work, I myself was delighted about the properties and capabilities of this amazing flower. That it is used not only by children in their games and amusements, but also by adults.

In the course of studying various literature, conducting observations, I found out that in the living nature, any plant has its own role and important importance.

My observations helped me to make sure that the beauty and benefits of dandelion deserve to love and widely use this wonderful plant. I have tested the usefulness of dandelion parts in practice. The honey turned out very tasty. You can drink it with tea or spread it on bread.(Appendix 8) The

practical significance of this work is that the collected materials can be used by students and teachers for additional classes in biology.

Thus, the tasks of the research work have been solved, the goal set has been achieved, the problem put forward has been clarified.

You can use this material in extracurricular activities, advise your friends and classmates to use honey.

References

1. The atlas of medicinal plants of the USSR / Gl. ed. akad. N. V. Tsitsin. - M.: State publishing house of med.lit, 1962. - pp. 392-393.

2.Chikov P. S. Atlas of areas and resources of medicinal plants of the USSR. - M.: Cartography, 1983 — - 340 p.

3.V. S. Yagodka. Medicinal plants in dermatology and cosmetology. - : Naukova dumka, 1991 — - 272 p.

4.Strizhev A.V. Calendar of Russian nature. - 3rd ed., reprint-M.: Moscow. worker, 1981 — - p. 209.