Male orchis / Salab misri / Early-purple orchid is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin masculus, meaning “male” or “virile”; this could refer to the robust aspect of this species, or to the shape of the two tubers, which resemble testicles. Orchis mascula is a perennial herbaceous plant with stems up to 50–60 cm high, green at the base and purple on the apex. The root system consists of two tubers: the old flabby and the young juicy. The flower size is about 2.5 cm and the color varies from pinkish-purple to purple. The species is widespread across Europe. It grows in a variety of habitats, from meadows to mountain pastures and woods, in full sun or shady areas, from sea level up to 2,500 meters above. The root tubers are used in traditional medicine. A flour called salep or sachlav is made of the ground tubers of this or some other species of orchids. Also, a drink made from tubers is called Salep and is used for poisoning.
Uses: Drink salep diluted in milk or fresh fruit juice with honey.
- Enteritis
- Colitis
- Gastritis
- Hemorrhoids
- Bronchitis
- Nervous exhaustion
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
- Diarrhea
- Inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract
- Inflammatory processes of the oral cavity
- Poisoning by poisons
- Tuberculosis
- Inflammation of the prostate
- Chronic cystitis
- Disturbance of female sexual function
- Impotence
- General loss of strength
Traditional medicine (in some foreign countries even the official pharmacopoeia) usually uses the following types of plans: Orchis mascula, Orchis militaris, Orchis maculata, Neotinea ustulata (Burnt orchis).
Orchis, whose beneficial properties are described above, is a special plant. It does not have any harmful effects on the body, is well tolerated and does not cause allergies.
Products containing orchis can be safely taken both by children and women bearing a child. However, before being treated with orchis, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
It is not recommended to use orchis together with products containing tannin, since such a combination can lead to unpleasant consequences:
- a feeling of abdominal pain;
- imbalance in the intestines;
- nausea and vomiting;
- failure of the functions of the digestive tract.
Orchis, like any medicine, is recommended to be used exactly following the prescription. This unique rare healing plant is capable of eliminating many diseases in a fairly short time. Orchis is valued not only for its extensive medicinal properties, but also for the almost complete absence of contraindications.