Ghost Pipe facts and health benefits, before we get into the main discussion. Let’s first see a little explanation about ghost plant or Indian Pipe. Because this plant is unique and different from most other plants.
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What is Ghost Pipe?
This is a ghost plant or called Monotropa uniflora. In addition to the ghost plant, it is also called the Indian pipe, or corpse plant, is an herbaceous perennial plant originating from areas with a temperate climate in Asia, North America, and northern South America. Ghost pipe is categorized into the Monotropaceae family, so at first but now there has been a change where this ghost plant is included in the Ericaceae family.
Besides being known by the name ghost pipe or India pipe or ghost plant, he is also known by other names such as: Corpse Plant, Ice Plant, Fairy Smoke, Bird’s Nest, Ghost Flower, Death Plant, Fit-plant, Pipe-plant, Ova -ova, Ghost-flower, Convulsion Root and Dutchman’s pipe. The genus name “Monotropa” comes from the Greek “one turn” which refers to the sharp bend at the top of the stem.
Ghost plants are unique plants and are included in one of 1000 species of non-photosynthetic (i.e. heterotrophic) flowering plants. This is different from other plants in general, it does not have chlorophyll (the thing that makes plants green). The ghost plant looks like wax, is completely white and has absolutely no chlorophyll in this plant. But besides the white color there are black spots and faded pink stains. This plant which is dubbed as a ghost plant is sometimes also found in white mixed with dark red, but this is very rare. Ghost plant has a delicious and delicious taste. So whether this plant has health benefits?
Ok, here we will explain about Monotropa uniflora or ghost pipe, including the health benefits of ghost pipe and facts about this unique plant (chlorophyll-free plant).
Plant Description
It is an annual herbaceous plant and grows to a height of about 10 cm to 30 cm, so it is classified as a small and low plant. It grows on the forest floor with a forest floor that has a stable humidity. Ghost pipe likes fertile soil, or soil consisting of rotting woody leaves or rotting wood and usually grows near the base of the tree trunk. This plant is classified as non-photosynthetic and does not contain leaf green substances or chlorophyll. Well, white is like a ghost so the name is sometimes called a ghost plant. This white color also makes some people misinterpret this plant, they sometimes call it “mushroom”. Though this is not jamru but a special plant that is free from green substances.
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Flower of ghost Pipe
part of the unique plant consists only of stems, flowers, the stems are almost transparent white. Each stem has only one flower. The first time it appears, the flower is a twisted white tube. It measures 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and straight. Each stem is brittle and the flowers resemble white clay pipes. Sometimes the flowers are upside down so that the bees are pollinated in reverse as well.
The flowers only last about a week and after that they die, turning black and melting when handled. If a fresh flower is picked, it will immediately wither and turn black. Flowers are shaped like pipes, which is why the plant is called in some places by the name India Pipe. The flowering period of this ghost plant is from August to November.
Fruit of Ghost Pipe
After the flowers bloom, the plant as a whole becomes dark brown and even black. Each flower will be replaced by an erect and elongated ovoid seed capsule about an inch in size. Inside this capsule contains many small seeds, and if this capsule is split in time, then the seeds will fall in the wind and will become a new plant again.
Traditional uses and health benefits of Ghost Pipe
- Infusion from the root of the ghost piper plant functions as an antispasmodic, hypnotic, sedative, sedative, and as a tonic.
- Ghost pipe is a panacea for convulsions, fainting and other nerve related problems.
- It has been given to children with seizures and epilepsy.
- Health benefits of ghost pipe for the eyes, this is as used by the natives of North America, namely the Indians. How to make a potion is to bruise the stem of the plant and the liquid is used as an eye medicine.
- The benefits of the juice from the stem of Indian Ghost is used to treat nervous irritability including seizures.
- In the past, this plant was recommended as a substitute for opium use.
- The crushed plant is used to eradicate warts.
- The poultice of this plant is used on wounds that are difficult to heal
- To treat toothache, flowers from plants without chlorophyll can be used and the trick is to chew them.
- Ghost pipe plant powder is good for treating anxiety, irritability, irritability, pain, and as a substitute for opium.
- As a good anti-periodic, and can heal intermittent and remittance. Two types of fever that can be cured with a ghost pipe.
- Treats eye inflammation, ulcers, and as an injection for gonorrhea and bladder ulceration. The way to make it is to make juice or combine plant juice with rose water.
- It is also a remedy for cases of acute anxiety,
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Other benefits of ghost pipe
– It has also been used effectively in the treatment of mental, as well as severe emotional pain, due to PTSD as well as nerve pain resulting from Lyme.
– Tea from this plant can also be a medicine, especially to overcome problems related to coughing.
– Overcome bone tension, relieve migraine, or pinched nerves.
– Strapping relieves bone, neck tension, and pain associated with pinched nerves.
