Salad Burnet The human race is richly blessed with assorted edible medicinal and herbal plants that are very protective against diseases as well as effective in promoting our well-being. Numerous plants, vegetables and herbs being consumed by human beings have been found to be richly endowed with essential vitamins, polyphenols and minerals that are useful in promoting our health.
One of such important plants is the salad burnet, which is botanically known as Sanguisorba minor. But the concern is if you are aware of some of the amazing benefits of salad burnet (sanguisorba minor). Salad burnet is originally from Europe, Asia and Africa before spreading to the other parts of the world. Sanguisorba minor is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of Rosaceae.
Also known as small burnet or garden burnet, this plant is distinguished by its closely formed clumps that grow in loose rosettes. Salad burnet thrives mainly on limestone soils and dry grasslands all year round and measures up to 90 centimetres tall.
Small burnet is best consumed while the leaves are still very tender before transforming into hard bitter flowers. It usually grows in the form of rhizomes and has a similar taste with cucumber but tends to be bitter during dry weather conditions. Salad Burnet leaves consist of roughly 12 pairs of toothed, roundish, leaflets that cluster into a rosette. Salad burnet is mainly cultivated using the seeds and can be harvested during the early season of the year when the leaves are still very tender. Some of the amazing benefits of salad burnet are detailed below.
Benefits of Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba Minor)
1. Anti-oxidizing Properties
The leaves and stems of salad burnet are an excellent source of flavonoids known as quercetin, gallic acid, kaempferol and rutin, which are all plant sterols that possess antioxidizing properties. It is noteworthy that salad burnet is capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body that causes chronic diseases such as cancer.
2. Control of Excessive Bleeding
The term Sanguisorba minor is derived from a Latin word known as "Sanguisorba", which connotes blood absorber. This suggests why this plant is a quick remedy for stopping bleeding. Interestingly, salad burnet can also be infused as herbal tea and taken to stop excessive bleeding and to prevent haemorrhage.
3. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Ailments
Garden burnet can be used for treating stomach problems such as indigestion and diarrhoea.
4. Culinary Purposes
The taste of salad burnet leaves is synonymous with that of cucumber thus can be used for flavouring food, drinks and vinegars. The garden burnet leaves can also be used for garnishing salads and for seasoning soups, casseroles and sauces. The seeds are also edible thus can be cooked and eaten alongside with other dishes.
5. Treatment of Rheumatism
Salad burnet can be used for manufacturing medications that treat rheumatism.
6. Treatment of Plagues
Due to the astringent properties of garden burnet, it can be used as a remedy for plague.
7. Control of Cholesterol Level
Salad burnet contains saponins, tannins, ellagitannins and glycosides (sanguisorbins), which are believed to be helpful in reducing the cholesterol level. Another important cholesterol-reducing compound in salad burnet is the beta-sitosterol.
8. Treatment of Skin Problems
Salad burnet leaves can be infused and used as a calming treatment for skin-related problems such as eczema, rashes and sunburn.
9. Grazing Purposes
The ability of garden burnet to thrive well in grassy meadows makes it easy for both wild animals and livestock to graze on the plant. Moreover, the plant can survive all year round thus contributes immensely in serving as a perfect forage for animals.
10. Environmental control
Small burnet can be planted as a natural method of controlling weed and preventing erosion.
11. Ornamental Purposes
Garden burnet has very attractive appearance thus can be cultivated around the house for decoration and for adding beauty to the environment.
DISCLAIMER
This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnostic and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
REFERENCES
1. Babaoglu, M. and Yorgancilar, M. (2000), TDZ-Specific plant regeneration in salad burnet, Plant cell, tissue and organ culture, 440: pp.31-32.
2. Bibalani, G. H. (2011), Average stem biomass of SANGUISORBA MINOR in Shanjan Rangelands, East Azerbaijan, Iran, Journal of American Science, 7(5), pp. 560-561.
3. Carr, B. and Smith, J.E. (2010), Sanguisorba minor (small burnet), The Reverchon Naturalist. 5: 1.
4. Gatto, M. A., Sanzani, S. M., Tardia, P., Linsalata, V., Pieralice, M., Sergio, L. and Venere, D. D. (2013), Antifungal activity of total and fractionated phenolic extracts from two wild edible herbs, Natural Science, Vol.5, No.8, pp.895-896.
5. Kazemeini, F., Malayeri, B. E., Chehregani, A., Lorestani, B., Kalvandi, R. (2013), Identification of the heavy metals accumulator plants in surrounding area of mine, International Journal of Agriculture and Crop Sciences, Vol., 6 (10), pp. 562-564.
6. Romojaroa, A., Botellaa, M. A., Obóna, C. and Pretel, M. T. (2013), Nutritional and antioxidant properties of wild edible plants and their use as potential ingredients in the modern diet, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition Vol. 64, Iss. 8, pp. 944-947.
7. Singhurst, J. R. and Holmes, W. C. (2012), Sanguisorba Minor (Rosaceae) Adventive in Texas, pp. 1-2.
8.WikimediaImages (2015), Salad burnet, accessed online https://pixabay.com/en/sanguisorba-minor-salad-burnet-846625/ Accessed online: 26/09/2015
