Dorothy FarrarCommon rain kale
The common rain cabbage , the annual or rarely biennial herb, is a semi-rosette plant whose stems contain milky sap. The flowers are yellow and grow in an inflorescence that is panicle-like. In bad weather and darkness they are closed. The flower heads of the common rain kale contain numerous ray florets. At the top these are five-toothed.
Definition and Occurrence
The common rain kale, which belongs to the daisy family, is often found at the edge of the forest and can reach a height of one meter. The thin stems of the plant branch out at the top. The ovate leaves have an elongated tip and an indented edge with small knobs. The leaves are stalked at the bottom. The yellow flowers of the plant, which only open in the morning when the weather is nice, are in panicles.
The ray florets have five teeth . The styles are surrounded by the stamens. The inclosing fruits are club-like. The seeds are spread by the wind or by animals. The common tansy, which is native to the temperate zones of Eurasia, grows in nutrient-rich, fresh soil in a partially shaded area, preferably on cultivated areas, lawns, in gardens, housing developments, on roadsides, fields and in bushes. The flowering period is from July to September. In some areas of North America, the common rain cabbage also occurs naturally.
Ingredients, effect and dosage
In the kitchen, common rain kale is mainly used because of its slightly bitter taste, which gives many dishes a special aroma. However, it should be dosed carefully so that the bitterness of the plant does not take over. The flowers and leaves of the common rain kale can be eaten. The fresh leaves are well suited as an herb for raw and cooked dishes.
For example, delicious salads can be made from the young sprouts or shoot tips, which inspire with a good aroma. It is recommended to harvest the common rain cabbage from April to May, as it is at its tastiest during these months. The leaves can be used as an ingredient in salads, such as leaf, potato or pasta salads.
They can also be used in spinach , in rice dishes , egg dishes such as omelettes or on pits. It also gives soups and sauces a pleasantly tart note. The yellow flowers of the plant also make a pretty, edible decoration. From June onwards, the bitter taste of the wild plant becomes unpleasant, as the leaves become fibrous, so that it is no longer advisable to use it. As a spice, the common rain kale can be used in many ways, fresh or dried, so it is advisable to stock up.
What does the Common Rainkohl help against?
importance to health
The common rain cabbage already had a firm place as a food and medicinal plant in earlier times, according to research as early as the Stone Age, and was therefore not only used on the menu, but also for medicinal purposes. Weed contains minerals , bitter substances , mucilage and inulin. The latter is found mainly in the root and is a water-soluble, prebiotic dietary fiber made up of polysaccharides and fructose molecules.
The dietary fiber that is ingested with food reaches the lower part of the intestine undigested because it cannot be broken down in the small intestine . Here it serves as food for the bifidobacteria, which promote healthy digestion and strengthen the immune system. Germs and yeast fungi are therefore kept away by the common rain kale. Under the influence of inulin, the intestinal flora produces short-chain fatty acids.
These ensure optimal regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. According to studies, inulin reduces the risk of colon cancer and promotes the absorption of calcium and magnesium , which supports bone health. The common Rainkohl can be used internally and externally. The crushed leaves help in the form of a poultice, for example, to heal wounds and skin inflammation.
The milky sap of the common kale accelerates the healing of the wound and has an anti-inflammatory effect . Internally, a rain kale tea made from the flowers and leaves helps against constipation and swollen lymph nodes, among other things. The common rain kale is also used for diabetes and liver disease. The immune system is strengthened and the appetite increased.
The natural bitter substances also stimulate digestion and fat digestion. Although the importance of the common kale has declined somewhat, the plant is still highly valued by herbalists and naturopaths.
For a blood cleansing cure lasting several weeks, a mixture of common rain kale with dandelion , nettle , chicory and sarsaparilla is recommended in spring. With this liquid extract, the blood sugar level can be lowered very sustainably and well.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.