Common rains cabbage (Lapsana communis) belongs to the genus Lapsana in the composite family and is the only plant species in this monotypic genus. Other names include common rainskin or just rainskin. It is an ancient wild plant that has been used as a food and medicinal plant since the Stone Age.
Occurrence and cultivation of common rainy cabbage.
The milky sap of the plant resembles the sap of the dandelion. Flower panicles sit on the long, thin stems and bloom bright yellow from May to September. Lapsana communis is native to the temperate climates of Europe and Asia. In some areas of North America, the plant also occurs wild. Since ragwort prefers nitrogen-rich soil, it is often found along roadsides and in shrubberies near villages and towns, as well as along field margins or on fallow land next to housing developments. However, as a semi-shade plant, it also thrives in nutrient-rich forest clearings. The annual, rarely biennial plant grows between 30 and 100 centimeters high. Despite its size, the semi-rosette plant is often overlooked. In Europe, it can be found up to altitudes of 1800 meters. In city gardens, rainy cabbage is usually labeled a weed and eliminated. Wrongly so. In rural areas, the plant is still presented to rabbits and hares as food and is readily accepted by the animals. The milky sap of the plant resembles the sap of the dandelion. Flower panicles sit on the long, thin stems and bloom bright yellow from May to September. The flowers open only in the sun in the morning, in bad weather and darkness they remain closed. Bees are only rare visitors. The seeds of the composite flower are spread by wind and animals.
Effect and application
In earlier times, probably already during the Stone Age, the common ragweed had a firm place as a food and medicinal plant. Not only on the menu, but also for medicinal purposes. The wild herb contains minerals, mucilage and bitter substances, as well as inulin, which is mainly found in the root. Inulin is a special, water-soluble prebiotic dietary fiber. It consists of polysaccharides and fructose molecules and belongs to the fructans. This dietary fiber is absorbed with food but cannot be broken down in the small intestine. Therefore, prebiotics enter the lower intestine undigested, where they serve as food for bifidobacteria. These bacteria promote healthy digestion and strengthen the immune system. Unwanted germs and yeast fungi can thus be kept in check. Under the influence of inulin, the intestinal flora produces short-chain fatty acids, which ensure regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. Study results suggest that inulin minimizes the risk of colon cancer. Other research suggests that inulin promotes the absorption of magnesium and calcium. This supports bone health and provides some protection against osteoporosis. Diabetics also benefit from inulin. The substance is used as a starch substitute because it has no negative effect on blood sugar levels. In this respect, the reputation of common rainskin as a medicinal plant is justified. Especially since there are only a few plants that possess the inulin. Besides Lapsana communis, these are dandelion, salsify, parsnip, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke and Jerusalem artichoke. They all have in common, of course, bitter substances that help predominantly with gastrointestinal complaints.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Although the importance of Lapsana communis has declined, it is still appreciated by naturopaths and herb lovers. In particular, people turn to this wild plant for diabetes, liver disorders, skin problems and digestive problems. The natural bitter substances of the plant stimulate digestion, especially fat digestion and promote intestinal peristalsis. That is why naturopaths swear by rains cabbage for digestive problems. An infusion of flowers and leaves helps against constipation. Bitter substances also strengthen the immune system and promote appetite. For external use, rainy cabbage is also suitable. Skin inflammations, cuts and other wounds can be treated with freshly squeezed juice or by a poultice of bruised leaves. The milky juice of rainy cabbage accelerates wound healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect. A wound-healing remedy can be made from flowers preserved in oil.For a blood purification cure of several weeks in spring, a mixture of Lapsana communis with dandelion, nettle, sarsaparilla and chicory is recommended. The liquid extract from rainy cabbage can be used to lower blood sugar levels. And a tea made from the leaves of the wild herb helps against glandular swellings. In the kitchen, lapsana communis is used mainly because of its slightly bitter taste, which gives many dishes a special flavor. However, not too much should be used, otherwise the bitter could take over. The fresh leaves of the common rainy cabbage are suitable as a delicate seasoning herb for cooked and raw dishes. The young shoots and shoot tips can be used to make aromatic vegetables and salads. They are tastiest between April and May. The narrow leaves of the wild plant can be used until June as salad additions (for potato, pasta and leaf salads) and as an ingredient in steamed spinach and to rice dishes. From June onwards, the leaves become fibrous and the bitter taste can become unpleasantly stronger. As a spice, the herb can be used in a variety of ways, dried or fresh. Soup and sauces get a pleasantly tart note from the rainy cabbage. Cut into strips, the leaves can be used in quiches, on homemade pizzas, egg dishes, cottage cheese, in omelets and a vinaigrette. Mixed into ground meat, the herb also adds a pleasant tangy herb flavor to meat. The yellow flowers make a pretty edible decoration. Freshly bloomed or as a bud, they can also be mixed into salads.
