Tuberoses — perennial plant with a climbing, low stem, on which leaves of various shapes are arranged: upper ovate and alternate, lower opposite and heart-shaped. Flowers are large, yellow, arranged in inflorescences resembling baskets, blooming from late June to September. The root system is well-developed and consists of numerous roots of different shapes and sizes. Tuberoses are not particular about soils and climate, but prefer not too wet heavy soils. Mainly propagated by tubers, which are planted in autumn or spring, with the recommendation to add compost after planting. The plant tolerates soil loosening, weeding and hilling well, is drought-resistant and tolerates short-term flooding. Tuberoses can grow in one place for about forty years, and upon the occurrence of light frosts, the above-ground part is cut down approximately 15 centimeters from the ground. Cold resistance reaches approximately 40 degrees below zero. For storage, tubers are placed in a cellar or refrigerator.
Chemically, tuberoses are a unique medicinal plant. Its composition includes pectins, inulin, minerals (silicon, potassium, iron, zinc), proteins, amino acids and vitamins of various groups. Inulin is especially important for people with diabetes, as it helps reduce blood sugar levels and improves gastrointestinal tract function. Regular consumption of tuberoses helps eliminate toxins, heavy metal salts and radionuclides from the body, and also contributes to normalizing intestinal microflora and enhancing resistance to infections and viruses of the digestive system.
Tuberoses are widely used in folk medicine for various ailments: hypertension, gallstone disease, atherosclerosis, headaches, constipation, radiculitis, intestinal colic and diabetes. The plant's juice reduces gastric acidity, and tubers are used to prepare healing poultices for treating burns, psoriasis and gout. Leaves are used for osteochondrosis, arthritis and injuries to the musculoskeletal system. In cooking, tuberoses are consumed raw, fried, boiled and stewed, and are used to prepare cream soups and vitamin salads. However, it is important to consider contraindications such as allergies, hypotension and predisposition to bloating.
