Now few people know what chillim is. But before, this water plant was very popular. We used chilli both in food and as a remedy. The wide distribution of water hazelnuts and its pleasant taste contributed to the fact that it was sold everywhere and was loved by many.
What is chillim
On many lakes and ponds of the middle strip you can find beautiful rosettes of carved leaves floating on the surface. This is chillim - water chestnut. It grows in such a bizarre way. The plant clings to the bottom last year’s nut, like an anchor. He likes chillim only stagnant shallow water. If its level rises, it breaks away from the bottom and swims freely.
Chilim refers to relic plants, common even in ancient times. It is called by different names: a flyer, a water chestnut or a bloody nut. Why is it called chilim? A photo will help to understand this: the nut has bent spikes that look like horns.
Useful properties of water walnut
In addition to the high taste and nutritional properties of water nuts, it is very useful. All parts of the plant can be used for food and for treatment. The fruit itself contains a lot of protein, carbohydrates, nitrogen compounds, mineral salts, flavonoids, vitamins and fiber. What chilim is, few people know, but trapazid, the main active ingredient in atherosclerosis drugs, is extracted from this nut. In addition, the flyer has such a beneficial effect on the body:
- relieves spasms and regulates the bladder;
- increases efficiency and relieves fatigue;
- destroys bacteria and viruses;
- prevents the development of tumors.
The use of chillim
Water chestnut is very nutritious and delicious. It is easy to obtain, so this plant used to often save people from hunger. What is chillim in cooking? Water chestnut can be eaten raw. But most often it is boiled, fried or baked. Flour and cereal are prepared from it, added to various dishes.
In addition, as in antiquity, now chillim is widely used in folk medicine. Both its fruits and other parts of the plant are used. What diseases is chilli nut good for?
- With atherosclerosis.
- With kidney disease.
- With dyspeptic disorders, including dysentery.
- With impotence.
- As a tonic.
Widely used is also fresh juice of chilli leaves. It treats eye diseases, inflammatory gynecological diseases. Effectively relieves itching and swelling after insect bites. You can rinse the throat and mouth with juice for viral diseases, tonsillitis and stomatitis.
Recipes Based on This Plant
As a general strengthening agent, as well as in order to enhance immunity and regain strength after a serious illness, it is better to use the fruits of chilim. But the leaves and flowers of the plant are also very useful. You can use them this way:
- 2 tablespoons of chopped grass pour a glass of boiling water and insist for at least an hour;
- squeeze juice from fresh leaves and dilute with boiled water: if for internal use, then 1:10, and for external use - 1: 3;
- You can also prepare a tincture of nuts on vodka to cleanse the vessels.
This interesting plant is often used as a souvenir. Dried and varnished fruits look beautiful.