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.
Along with the RUSSIA EXPO, the flower festival is also coming to an end.
The "Future in Flowers" festival continues at the RUSSIA EXPO, where unique flowerbeds from all regions of our country can be seen at the "Space" pavilion until July 8.
The RUSSIA EXPO concludes on July 8, and with it, the flower festival will also come to an end.