Sweet alyssum. Republic of Ingushetia

Sweet alyssum is a perennial herbaceous strong branching plant with a very large number of small flowers. In Ingushetia it is found on rocks and limestone slopes. It is an excellent honey plant, during the flowering period it spreads a wonderful honey smell, attracting pollinators.

Alyssum is not only good looking, but also has medicinal properties. The leaves, stems and flowers have medicinal value. Raw material is harvested during flowering in April-June. They are dried in the shade under a canopy, in attics or in well-ventilated rooms.

The healing properties of rock alyssum are used in folk medicine, mainly as a laxative and diuretic. In the Caucasus, alyssum is used for kidney and lung diseases, for hernias (especially inguinal), colds, to remove kidney stones and to reduce swelling. A water infusion or mush of fresh leaves of alyssum with honey has long been used in home cosmetology as a remedy for freckles and age spots on the face. Herbalists also note the healing effect of regularly inhaling the aroma of alyssum - they recommend hanging dry bunches of the plant indoors. This helps maintain body tone, reduces headaches, relieves insomnia, improves overall health.

Alyssum blooms abundantly until frost. Due to its spectacular coloring, unpretentiousness, amazing honey aroma, the plant is actively used in landscape compositions, alpine gardens and containers.