Paniewo, Augustowskie, Krzywe lake

It is native to North Africa, temperate Asia, Europe and tropical Asia (Jammu and Kashmir). Ornamental plant. Edible plant - roots cooked, eaten when several years old, it contains up to 40% starch, 6% protein, ; the roasted seeds are a coffee substitute; seeds cooked, contain about 47% starch. Herbal plant - the rhizomes are anodyne, antiscrofulatic, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent and sedative; a decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of dysentery or diarrhoea caused by irritable bowel syndrome, it has also been used to treat bronchial catarrh and kidney pain and can be taken as a gargle for sore throats, externally they can be used to make a douche to treat vaginal soreness or discharges; in combination with slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) or flax (Linum usitatissimum) it is used as a poultice to treat boils and abscesses; the flowers are anaphrodisiac and sedative, they have a generally calming and sedative effect upon the nervous system, reputedly reducing the sex drive and making them useful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and similar disorders; a complete cure of uterine cancer by a decoction and uterine injection has been recorded. Useful plant - formerly a source of organic black dye extracted from the roots.