Medicinal plant Ferula is the topic of the recent Day of Science, held at the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A. Nyyazov.
The meeting was held among teachers and students of the university, interested representatives of other metropolitan universities, specialized specialists, domestic entrepreneurs. During the event, the interlocutors shared their views on a unique plant with healing properties, its scientific study, cultivation and application, and presented scientifically based proposals and fresh ideas for general consideration.
It was noted that there are about 200 types of ferula in the world, more than 50 of them are found in the natural corners of our country. Ferula is widely used for medicinal purposes, pharmaceuticals. Resin, gum, essential oils are extracted from some types. Its young juicy flower-bearing stalk is eaten, and a kind of thick honey “chomuch” is boiled from the tubers. Dry plants are used to fire furnaces and feed livestock.
The milky juice of ferula roots - gum-resin - is the most valuable in the plant. In addition to the fact that the remedy perfectly treats all diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it also cleanses the body of toxins and salts of heavy metals. Ferula juice has 3 degrees of quality, the product of the 1st quality can be obtained from types growing in the eastern regions of Koytendag. The cultivation of ferula in cultural form was discussed in detail. It was emphasized that a total of up to 30,000 plants could be grown per hectare of land. After planting, ferula does not require water, the seeds are sown in autumn, and the crop is harvested in April-May.
Turkmens call ferula “keyik okarasy”, which means “jeyran’s cup”. The stem leaves of the plant are large and hold water well after rains. According to the observations of local residents, gazelles come to drink it. A lot of water is stored in the thickets of such plants. One plant in its cup-shaped leaves can hold almost two liters.
As noted, Turkmenistan is rightly called the land of medicinal plants, and ferula is widespread in it. The healing properties of representatives of the Turkmen flora have been used since ancient times in folk medicine, the practice of healing Turkmen doctors. The multi-volume encyclopedia of the respected scientist-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is dedicated to the medicinal plants of Turkmenistan, the colossal experience of healing of the outstanding scientists-founders of oriental medicine and Turkmen doctors.
Days of Science at the agricultural university are held regularly, every Saturday, traditionally with the participation of specialized specialists, experts and students. They cover a wide range of topics that diversify one common theme of the agro-industrial sector of our country.
