2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Dinka / Sanguisorba / is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants or small shrubs whose stem reaches from fifty to 150 centimeters. The dinka belongs to the Rosaceae family, which is why it is related to hawthorn, oil-bearing rose and fruit crops such as plum, apricot, cherry, raspberry and others.
In addition to dink, plants of this genus can be called watermelon and watermelon. Their name comes from the fact that when the leaves of Sanguisorba are crushed, you can smell a scent reminiscent of watermelon peel.
Dinka is naturally distributed in many places in our country, in pastures and fields, in the mountains, at different heights. About thirty species of this plant are known, but in nature only two can be seen in our country - Sanguisorba minor and Sanguisorba officinalis.
Types of dinka
- Medicinal watermelon / Sanguisorba officinalis / - is a perennial herbaceous plant with a thick rhizome. The stems of the medicinal dinka reach a height of between twenty and ninety centimeters. The leaves are elliptical, between fifteen and thirty centimeters long. The flowers are small, colored purple-red. The fruit is a nut. The medicinal dinka can grow on terrains located from 800 to 2200 meters above sea level. In Bulgaria it grows in Vitosha, Rila, Rhodopes, as well as in pastures throughout the country. It blooms all summer.
- Sanguisorba minor - a perennial herbaceous plant, which is characterized by a woody rhizome. The stem of the herb is erect, twenty to sixty centimeters high. The leaves are serrated, with short stalks. The colors are reddish to brown. Fruits for dried nuts. It grows in plains, meadows, bushes, rocky areas and mountain slopes. It can be seen up to 1200 meters above sea level.
History of the dinka
Plants of the genus Dinka have been known not only in Bulgaria but also in other countries for centuries. For example, the English philosopher and jurist Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was greatly impressed by the aromatic properties of the small dinka. According to him, the alleys should be planted with Sanguisorba minor to fill the air with a light and fresh scent.
The small dinka is also valued by herbalists from the time of Queen Elizabeth I. According to them, the drug from this plant is able to calm the spirit and make a person happy.
Dinka composition
Medicinal dinka is a source of tannins, dyes, tannins, triterpene saponins, starch and more. Vitamins from the B-complex, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, calcium and others were found in the small dinka.
Growing dink
The plants of the genus Dinka are not only beautiful, but also useful. That is why many grow them in their gardens. They are not pretentious crops at all, and they rarely get sick, so the care you will take for them is relatively small.
Before sowing the plant, you should be aware of its preferences in terms of light and moisture. We can say that the small dinka tolerates dry alkaline soil well and prefers to grow in the sun.
It would certainly grow in shady places, but it will not feel comfortable there. On the other hand, the medicinal dinka prefers moist soil, which is rather neutral. It grows successfully in partial shade or in areas well lit by the sun.
If you want to propagate the plant, you need to divide the rhizome in the spring. Propagation by seeds is not impossible, but it is possible to fail. Plants of the genus require almost no additional care.
In case you want to get more leaf mass, you can cut the emerging flowering stems. In order for the growing specimens to be healthy and strong, remove the dried parts of the plant at the very beginning.
Collection and storage of dinka
Photo: Claire Austin
The roots of Sanguisorba officinalis are mostly used for medicinal purposes. They are taken out in the fall. After cleaning and washing, they are dried.
It is recommended to do this in an oven at a temperature of 55 degrees. The resulting drug should be stored in a dry, dark and ventilated place, away from poisonous herbs.
The leaves of the plants can also be collected for medicinal purposes, and this is best done during flowering while the specimens are still young.
Benefits of dink
The leaves and roots of the medicinal herb are used as a medicine. Sanguisorba officinalis has proven anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, sedative and astringent / burning / action. That is why the drug is used for inflammation of the gums, blood in the stool, burns, superficial skin burns and more.
In China, the roots of healing are valued dinka. They are taken in a dried state for bleeding hemorrhoids. However, such actions should be performed only after consultation with a specialist. Empirical data show that the roots of the medicinal dinka have had a beneficial effect on uterine bleeding, diarrhea and blood in the urine. The small dinka has a similar effect.
Folk medicine with dink
According to folk healers, small dinka can be used as a remedy against bleeding ulcers. For this purpose, three grams of plant stems are soaked in one hundred milliliters of boiling water. The decoction should stand for ten minutes, then strain. Take one cup of coffee twice a day after meals.
In case of heavy menstruation, stomach bleeding, dysentery and diarrhea, a tincture of the rhizome of medicinal dinka is recommended. The dried rhizome should be crushed and half a teaspoon should be taken from it. The herb is poured with a tea cup of water and left for eight hours. Then strain it and take two tablespoons a day after meals.
Dinka in cooking
Apart from being a medicine, small dinka is also used as a food product. The tender young leaves of the plant can be used in salads, summer soups, sandwiches, as well as to decorate dishes. They are also a great component of light cocktails.
We offer you an idea for a cocktail with dinka, which is perfect for summer:
Necessary products: small dinka - 6 stalks, white wine - 300 ml, watermelon juice - 500 ml, lemons - 2-3 slices
Preparation:
Wash the leaves of the small dinka and crush them well. Then place them in a suitable jug and pour white wine and watermelon juice over them. Add the lemon slices. Optionally add ice. Stir and serve.
