Crowberry. Chukotka Autonomous Area

Crowberry, also known as shiksha, is a genus of evergreen plants in the heather family. It is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, though rare colonies can sometimes be found in South America, particularly on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The residents of Chukotka highly value and cherish this remarkable berry for its beauty and beneficial properties.

The Russian name "vodianika" (crowberry) is derived from the high water content in its fruits. Crowberries contain vitamin C, as well as caffeic and benzoic acids, which impart powerful antioxidant and restorative properties to the berry. However, it's important to remember that the fruits can accumulate heavy metals, so they should only be gathered in environmentally clean areas, away from roads.

Residents of Chukotka often prepare "tolkushu" from it — a mixture of berries with fish and seal fat. They also enjoy shiksha jam, use the berries as filling for dumplings, and make medicinal tinctures from them.

In traditional medicine, shiksha is used to restore the nervous system, alleviate fatigue, insomnia, metabolic disorders, kidney problems, and for some other ailments. For example, a strong decoction of shiksha can help treat one of the most common problems of our time—the dry eye syndrome, which affects those who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen. However, it is primarily known for its powerful anticonvulsant effect, which is used in the treatment of epilepsy.