Lyubka bifolia (Platanthera bifolia L.)

Lyubka two-leaved – a species of perennial herbaceous tuberous plants from the genus Lyubka (lat. Platanthera) of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Other names: Night violet

Description:

Tuber roots are oblong-ovate with longish cord-like endings. Stem 25-60 cm in height, with brownish sheaths at the base and above them with two oblong-obovate leaves, blunt at the apex and narrowed towards the base. In addition to the lower leaves, there are 1-3 small lanceolate leaves in the upper part of the stem. Flowers numerous (10-25), in a loose cylindrical inflorescence; the leaves within the flower bed are white, slightly greenish at the ends, the lip is equipped with a filiform thin spur up to 3 cm long. It blooms in June-July. Lyubka bifoliate grows in coniferous forests – green moss, broad-leaved and mixed forests, in thickets of shrubs, in pine-birch thickets, on hills, forest glades. It occurs both in damp habitats and in dry pine forest areas; In addition to two-leaved love, occasionally there is a green-colored love (Platanthera chlorantha), which is distinguished by a thicker stem and large inflorescence, the flowers are greenish-white, without aroma, a spur at the end of club-shaped thickened ones. Blooms in May-June. This species of love grows in mixed forests and in thickets of shrubs. Due to the infrequent occurrence of green-colored love, it has no practical value in the collection of medicinal raw materials.

Medicinal use:

In folk medicine, tubers are used as a remedy that has tonic and tonic properties that enhance the general condition and sexual activity of sick and elderly people. Usually a teaspoon of tuber powder is shaken in a glass of boiling water, broth or boiled milk, a tablespoon of grape wine is added and a quarter cup is taken 3-4 times every day. Tubers are known to be used for fever, as a diuretic, and for some women’s diseases.