Heracleum flavescens
Baumg.
Yellow cow parsnip
Description
A temperate herb in the Apiaceae family.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The plant is used as food and to prepare a spirit called 'raka'.
Traditional Uses
The plant is used as a food and to prepare a spirit called "raka".
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Borscht derives from an ancient soup originally cooked from pickled stems, leaves and umbels of common hogweed. The young shoots are considered excellent eating by many foragers. In eastern European countries and especially Romania, H. sphondylium is used as an aphrodisiac and to treat gynecological and fertility problems and impotence. It is also sometimes recommended for epilepsy. However, there are no clinical studies to prove its efficacy at treating any of these problems. The seeds can be dried and used as a spice, with a flavour similar to that of cardamom.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Russia,
References (1)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 341
