A WONDERFUL PLANT OF TURKMEN DESERT

Nature
2 November 2023
2704

In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, great attention is paid to protecting and preserving natural resources and nature of the Motherland for future generations. The Karakum Desert that covers a significant part of the total area of our country is a treasure of our country. The Karakum Desert has a very rich flora and fauna. This Turkmen desert is distinguished by its natural wonders and incredible beauty. Thousands of plant species are found in Turkmenistan, and more than 700 of them grow in the desert. In this regard, we should highlight the publication of Volume XV of the Arkadag’s scientific encyclopaedia «Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan» that describes the national traditions of healing and the medicinal value of the rich flora of the Turkmenland. You clearly see the in extricable connection between human health and nature in the scientific works by our scientist Arkadag. One of the plants widely used in folk medicine is saxaul. Saxaul is the main plant of the Karakum Desert. There are two types of saxaul, which is a solid wood, white and black. They are very similar but can be distinguished at a distance. The branches of white saxaul are lighter and smaller, while those of black saxaul are thinner and larger. Saxaul forests, particularly white saxaul, are common in the sandy areas of the desert. The height of this plant is from 23 to 5 metres, and the length of the roots is up to 9 metres. The formation of an additional root system, when the sand fills the bottom of the land, extending up to 7.5 metres to the side, is of particular importance for consolidating the sand and protecting it from moving in the direction of the wind. In addition, saxaul protects settlements from dust and storms with its gnarled branches. It is good fodder for cattle in winter. Black saxaul does not suffer from drought because it has a strong root system that reaches groundwater. Black saxaul grows in the Karakum Desert, mainly in the plains, near groundwater. The average lifespan of a saxaul tree is 30 years, sometimes 50 years. The method of propagation for this plant is by seed. The plant grows from late February and blooms in March and April. Its seeds are fully ripe in November. The chemical composition of saxaul includes flavonoids, saponins, organic substances, organic acids and vitamin C. In Turkmen traditional medicine, the bark and core of a saxaul branch are used to treat the cardiovascular and skin diseases. A tea made from the flowers of saxaul is prescribed for diabetes. Our forefathers, engaged in animal husbandry, used it as firewood. The tea and food cooked on saxaul woods are more delicious. The taste of bread baked on saxaul coals is a delight to everyone who eats it. The main tree of the Karakum Desert has been used as a medicinal plants inse ancient times, and its smoke and a share healing as well. The importance of incense smoke incalming the nervous system is great. Our forefather sprepared a salve from saxaul in a cup of water, drank the powder of saxaul with water and gave it to children. They used it a saremedyforsomeintestinal problems,in particularupsetstomach.Whenthewaterinthecupisdrunklittlebylittle,ithasagoodeffectonthestomach. Launchedby our HeroArkadag and continued by our Arkadagly Serdar in the new epoch of the powerful state, consistent measures to protect the environment, ensure ecological wellbeing, transform our country into ablooming garden and pass it on to future generations are taken. In recent years, great importance has been attached to the application of innovative technologies and agrotechnical methods to grow forests in the climatic and soil conditions of the Karakum Desert, improve the vegetation cover of pastures, protect the environment and ensure sustainable management of naturalresources. Asaresult, the beautiful nature of the Karakum Desert and its wildlife are praised. At present time, great importance in our country is attached to the cultivation of saxaul. Plants grown in favourable conditions produce more seeds than wild plants. Themultivolumescientificencyclopaedia «Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan» by our Hero Arkadag provides valuable information about the medicinal plants growing in the Turkmen land. It provides detailed information about saxaul that isawonderful plant of the Turkmen desert. This book continues to beamodel school for young people in the year «Happy Youth with Arkadagly Serdar».

Jahan NURLYYEVA
Alecturer, Myrat Garryyev Turkmen State Medical University
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