Knowing how people used sphagnum moss before, you can successfully apply this information in practice. It has long been known that it was nature who gave us the very best for farming and maintaining health.
Definition
Sphagnum (peat moss) is a genus of mosses that inhabit high and transitional marshes. The upper part of the plant increases annually, and the bottom dies. At the same time, moss almost does not rot and serves to form peat. This is due to the presence in the body of sphagnum carbolic acid, which is a strong antiseptic.
Sphagnum usually appears in places with a humid environment. Due to its ability to absorb and retain moisture, the accumulation of such moss leads to waterlogging. At the same time, the plant has a number of properties that make it invaluable in the economy. To date, there is a huge amount of information about how people used sphagnum moss before.
Construction application
How did people use sphagnum moss before? Due to its low thermal conductivity, such moss was actively used in construction. So, from it was made a special powder or plates that were used in the construction of walls. But do not think that this technology is a thing of the past. It is quite possible to use it today, because the sphagnum has a number of undeniable advantages over modern building materials:
- pronounced hygroscopic properties that make the walls resistant to moisture changes and prevent the occurrence of dampness in the room;
- bactericidal properties prevent rot and fungus formation, as well as the reproduction of parasites;
- complete safety for health and good thermal insulation (in ancient times, babies were covered with sphagnum layers instead of blankets).
Moss sphagnum: use in indoor floriculture
Sphagnum is an indispensable component in the preparation of earthen mixtures for indoor plants. The fact is that in a dry state, moss absorbs water 20 times more than its own mass. Thus, the earth remains wet longer and systematically nourishes the roots of plants. If you are going to leave for a short time, but are not sure that your neighbors will conscientiously water your plants, make sure that they are planted in soil mixed with finely chopped sphagnum.
Use in livestock
How did people use sphagnum moss before? This plant played an important role in almost all areas of human life. So, sphagnum has always served as a good bedding for pets. And bactericidal qualities prevented the spread of livestock diseases. In addition, in the stables where sphagnum is used, there will never be an unpleasant smell.
Appreciated the beneficial properties of sphagnum and beekeepers. Moss litter is placed under the hives to warm and absorb excess moisture. In addition, sphagnum will disinfect the air, which will prevent the spread of diseases dangerous to bees.
Use in medicine
The use of sphagnum moss in medicine is due to its properties:
- good hygroscopicity, which means the ability to quickly absorb moisture (several times better than the usual cotton wool);
- good breathability (even when wet);
- antibacterial properties.
All of the above characteristics make sphagnum an excellent dressing. To treat wounds, this moss was used in ancient times, and in wartime this material saved more than one life. Here are some more ways to use sphagnum in medicine:
- treatment of frostbite and burns;
- overlay of the tire (sphagnum acts as a layer that protects the skin);
- treatment of foot and nail fungus (for this, special moss insoles are used);
- treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases of an infectious nature (moss insist in hot water, and then take a bath with the addition of this tool);
- the fight against staphylococcal lesions (you need to rinse the wound with a liquid squeezed after collecting sphagnum).
Moss sphagnum: use in the garden
Inveterate gardeners and gardeners have long appreciated the benefits of sphagnum. This moss contributes to the normal development of young plants, as well as the restoration of "sick" specimens. And, of course, gardeners could not fail to note the hygroscopic properties of sphagnum. Moss helps maintain normal soil moisture even in extreme heat. Accumulating moisture during rain or watering, the sphagnum gradually releases it as the soil dries.
Conclusion
An undeservedly forgotten plant is sphagnum moss. Using it in various fields of life is once again becoming popular. So, in medical circles they are talking about the release of dressings based on it. Also, this moss can bring considerable profit to builders. In the meantime, livestock farmers and gardeners actively and successfully apply sphagnum in their activities.