Aysun Bay, Professor of Herbs, listed the benefits of the meningic plant for human health.
Stating that modern scientific researches on herbal treatments have revealed that meningicin, which has an important place in the nutrition of children and elderly individuals, has urinary antiseptic qualities, Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay said that meningicin has been found to be useful in the treatment of peptic ulcer, that is, wounds in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, and sunstroke.
Noting that meningicin, which belongs to the gum tree family, is actually a shrub plant, Prof. Dr.. Bay said, “Although the fruits of the shrubs seem useless, it is actually very important that they are caffeine-free and at the same time beneficial for health. Pistachios used to make fun of menengiç because of its size. They used to, but let's see what they have more virtues than their size. This coffee, which does not contain caffeine and is therefore both soft to drink and pleasant to smell, is menengiç coffee, which is obtained by first drying and roasting the seeds of the wild menengiç plant, which grows naturally and widely in the region, and then crushing them into a paste. As a matter of fact, you can find menengiç coffee, which is also very beneficial in terms of health, in almost every city in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.”
Don't call it a bush
Prof. Dr. Bay noted that meningocin, which belongs to the same plant family as pistachio, is a plant species that blooms in April and June, whose fruits are collected in September and shed their leaves in winter, and said, “It is resistant to drought. It is aromatic. Its fruits have a unique taste and odor. The fragrant and oily fruit, which is round or egg-shaped and resembles a plum, is red in its first state, but as it matures, it takes on a blue or greenish black disguise. Both the roots, bark, thuja, fresh thorns, flowers and fruits are used for both food and medicinal purposes.”
Stating that the menengiç plant is used in many ways, Bay said, “The plant, whose fruits are roasted and consumed as a snack, is very functional in terms of food and perfumery industry and pharmaceutical fields. In addition, studies are being carried out on the possibilities of obtaining biodiesel fuel from the oil obtained from menengiç seeds, it is used in snacks and bakery products in various parts of the world, for example, it is mixed with foods such as dried figs and walnuts and preferred as a filling in pastries after roasting, and coffee and bıttım soap produced from menengiç have become increasingly demanded products every day. In addition, the thuja produced in the leaves by insects is used as incense, silk dye and wine colorant. Especially coffee and bıttım soap have become touristic products included in national and international trade lines. It is possible to say that this situation will increase the commercial value of menengiçin in the coming periods.”
Stating that menengiçin contains many different substances that are beneficial for human health, Professor of plants Aysun Bay said:
“The ripe fruit of menengi rivet, which has high antioxidant capacity in its seeds and very low saturated fat content, contains protein (9.7 percent), fat, fiber (10.9 percent), ash (3.1 percent), moisture, resin and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid), as well as minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium. It is interesting to note that the fruit contains more sodium and phosphorus than bananas and olives, and more potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron than potatoes. Therefore, it can be stated that the possibility of making meningococci more widely used in the field of food with the right planning can produce a serious added value in terms of economy.”
Boosts immunity
Noting that the fruits obtained from the meningic plant are seen as a natural source of healing among the people, Prof. Dr. Bay said, “It should be noted that the fruits in question, which are consumed in the form of tea and coffee, as well as being added to village breads and prepared in canned form and put into meals, are used as an appetizer. The idea that the tea obtained from dried menengiç leaves is good for various intestinal and stomach disorders (gastralgia), abdominal pain, infections and asthma attacks is also quite common among the people. It is also good for rheumatism, sweaty feet, wounds and burns (the roots of the meningich tree are boiled and applied to the wounds) and is a stimulant, fever reducer, diuretic and cough suppressant that increases attention, awareness and alertness by acting on the nervous system. Modern scientific research on herbal treatments has found that meningicin, which has an important place in the nutrition of children and the elderly, has urinary antiseptic properties and is useful in the treatment of peptic ulcer (wounds in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine) and sunstroke. Menengiç, which has not been found to have any toxic effects in the researches conducted and no side effects have been found, also softens the chest by combating cold and flu-type ailments and is good for shortness of breath, strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of heart failure and increases sexual power. On the other hand, let us emphasize that menengiç coffee is also beneficial for health. Menengiç coffee, which we mentioned at the beginning of our article, is effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections, refreshes those who shed kidney stones and sand, relieves rheumatic pains, removes edema from the body, fights skin problems such as eczema and keeps cholesterol levels in balance. The plant, which is a urine and menstrual expectorant and milk enhancer, is also used as a medicine in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rheumatism, ringworm, eczema, acne and boils.”
Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay listed the health benefits of meningocin as follows:
“Antioxidant Properties: Menengiç contains powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and thus may have anti-aging effects.
Digestive System Health: Menengiç supports digestive system health. It is known to have a relaxing effect on the stomach and facilitate digestion.
Respiratory Health: Traditionally, meningale has been used to relieve coughs and other respiratory ailments. It softens the throat and has an expectorant effect.
Heart Health: Meningococcal oil may support heart health. The healthy fats it contains can help regulate cholesterol levels.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Menengius contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. This can help manage inflammatory conditions such as rheumatic diseases.
Skin Health: Meningococci oil is also beneficial for skin health. It moisturizes and nourishes the skin and may have protective effects against various skin problems.
Immune System Support: Menengiç contains vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system. This can increase the body's resistance to diseases.
Energizing: Meningic coffee is a natural source of energy and can help reduce fatigue.
To take advantage of these benefits of meningic herb, you can drink meningic coffee, use meningic oil or consume different forms of meningic herb. However, it is useful to consult a specialist before using any herbal product.
Finally, let's end by noting that the oil and soap obtained from menengiç are also very beneficial for health. Menengiç oil, which is antioxidant and contains vitamins B and E, delays aging by accelerating the regeneration processes of cells, inhibits the growth and proliferation processes of cancer cells, reduces menstrual pains and stimulates appetite when applied as a massage to the abdominal area; menengiç soap, known as bıttım soap, is a cure for many skin disorders from eczema to fungus, puberty acne, skin irritations and varicose veins, and also gives vitality and moisture to the hair.”
