Good Henry belongs to the genus Blitum and the family Foxtail and corresponds to a plant up to 80 centimeters high, also known as wild spinach. In the Middle Ages, the plant was widespread and found medicinal use because of the vitamins and minerals. Since the Good Henry is now protected species, its importance for medicine has declined.
Occurrence and cultivation of the Good Henry
The Good Heinrich is also called Green Heinrich and corresponds to wild spinach. The plant species belongs to the genus Blitum and belongs to the foxtail family or Amaranthaceae. In earlier times, Good Henry was considered to be a plant of the genus Goosefoot and was treated as a goosefoot. The plant probably got its name from the legend of the leprous Henry. It is possible, however, that the Old High German name of the plant was “Heimrich”, in which case “Heim” would mean “farmyard” and “rich” would mean “good to eat” or “common”. Wild spinach grows as a perennial herbaceous plant with growth heights between ten and 80 centimeters. The plant’s ascending upright unbranched stems and inconspicuous odor are considered characteristic. The root of the hemicryptophytic pleiocorm perennial is more than a centimeter thick, fleshy, multi-headed. Between June and October, the Good Henry is in full bloom, although its flowers are rather inconspicuous. Its main distribution is in Central Europe, from where it has been naturalized in the British Isles and western France. In the north, the plant is widespread as far as southern Scandinavia and east to Russia. In the Mediterranean area it grows only in the mountains. Loamy soils and moderate sun to partial shade are suitable environments for wild spinach. Due to urbanization, the occurrence of Good Henry has decreased. In Germany, the plant is considered endangered and is on the Red List of threatened species.
Effect and application
Good Heinrich has numerous uses as a wild vegetable and food plant. Young plants that have not yet blossomed find use similar to conventional spinach, although older leaves sometimes taste bitter. Long shoots of wild spinach can be prepared in the form of asparagus. In the Balkan region, crushing of the rhizomes is common, by which a peanut butter-like confection can be made. The flowers of the plant can be used and sauteed similarly to broccoli. Ground seeds of Good Heinrich are sometimes used as a flour additive in bread baking. Because of its ingredients, good Heinrich is also relevant to health. As a medicinal plant, the plant is valued for its high iron and vitamin C content. It also contains saponins and oxalic acid. In ancient times, Good Henry was used medicinally. In the Middle Ages, compresses and poultices were soaked in tea made from the plant leaves to heal skin wounds and improve rashes. In addition, wild spinach was used as an anthelmintic for worm infections. In cases of gastrointestinal complaints, the seeds of Good Henry were given because they are a weak laxative. Because of its high iron content, Good Henry was also used as a medicine for anemia. The iron was supposed to support the formation of new blood. In the Middle Ages, the consumption of wild spinach was as widespread as it is today because of the plant’s high prevalence and health significance. Medicinal and consumption uses are the leaves before flowering and the seeds, rarely the flowers of the plant. As a rule, only absolutely fresh plants are used. Beyond the described applications, a dye has been obtained from Good Henry to color fabrics with green dye.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The medical importance of Good Henry was high in the Middle Ages. Children were given the plant for constipation, and wounds or rashes were cured by poultices containing ingredients of the plant. Since the medieval man was well aware of the minerals and vitamins of the plant, the regular consumption of wild spinach also fulfilled a preventive function in terms of malnutrition. In modern medicine, the Good Henry has little significance. This is mainly due to the dwindling population.Since the plant is under species protection in Germany, harvesting from a wild is not allowed. So if you want to benefit from the Good Heinrich, you have to grow the plant yourself. Sowing should ideally take place in the spring. A place in partial shade on loamy soil is ideal for the plant. Especially against digestive disorders, worm infections and to cure rashes, there are enough drugs in modern medicine, but the treatment with Good Heinrich is compared to them a much gentler method of treatment. Therefore, this alternative still makes sense, especially for older people and children. However, consuming Good Henry for anemia should not be the only method of treatment in the present, unlike in the Middle Ages. Although consumption of the plant can do no harm in anemia, a person with anemia should not rely exclusively on this alternative to conventional medicine. Full utilization of all conventional medical options is recommended for all more severe conditions. Since anemia can have entirely different origins, the origin of this disease must first be elucidated in order to find a successful treatment option. Cure from anemia is only possible if the primary cause is treatable. The Good Henry does not help against anemia of any origin. However, due to its ingredients, the can improve the general constitution of patients.
