Hama, Central Syria (SANA) – Masyaf Mountains region is a cradle of rare wild flowers and medicinal herbs, spreading along springs, river estuaries and valleys. The inhabitants of the region know the importance of this treasure and use it in preparing Arabic herbal medicine and cosmetics.

The warm summer and cold winter with annual average rainfall of 1000 mm make Masyaf an area of biodiversity, reflected in its rich and great variety of wild and herbal plants.

Deputy Chairman of Hama Department of Agriculture Forests Service, Mohammad Zahed al-Khatib said "there are more than 100 types of medicinal plants adapted to the rugged mountain terrain. The most important of which are Sheeba (Artemisia arborescens), sweet flag (Acorus calamus), wild marjoram (thyme) and wild union (Allium canadense)."

The pharmacist Assem Ghali said " Tree Wormwood or Sheeba in Arabic (Artemisia arborescens) is believed to have medical properties. It is used as a traditional remedy for enteritis, various intestinal disturbances, abdominal pains and blood-sugar lowering."

Sweet flag herb (Acorus calamus) helps treating asthma, bronchitis, pertussis, arthritis, digestive disorders and toxication. It is also used in perfume industry, he added.

Wild onion (Allium canadense) is also known as Meadow Garlic. It can be rubbed on different parts of the body to treat pertussis, pneumonia, urinary retention (ischuria) and tonsillitis. Its decoction can be used to treat digestive problems, haemorrhoid (piles) and blood sugar.

Hollyhock or alcea rosea is stated to be an emollient and laxative which has a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes lining the airways. It is used as a mouthwash in cases of bleeding gums and toothache.

Harmal (Peganum harmala) also known as "Syrian rue" is another kind of plants which grew in the mountains. Extracts from rue help relieve nervous spasms, painful cramps and menstrual pain.

Syrian wild marjoram (thyme) is the best type of herbs. It has a very ancient medical reputation. It can be used as antibiotic, disinfectant and liniment. It is also used as remedy for narcotic poisons, convulsions, dyspeptic complaints and dropsy.

lactuca orientalis or Scariola Orientalis , rosemary, apsis are also among the famous herbs and plants in the region.

The 68-year-old woman Badia Mohammed, who used to collect wild herbs, stressed that collecting herbs isn’t that simple since they grow in the rugged areas. Everyone should have enough knowledge to deal with each type of these wild plants and herbs.

The collector should know which parts of the plant are needed as well as the best time to pick them and apply the best drying and curing methods, she added.

Picking up flowers should be in the morning using a basket, while leaves should be picked in the afternoon so they become saturated with light. The best time to collect roots and bulbs is after drying to keep their useful components, she said.

Fruits and herbs shouldn’t be washed to avoid damages and fungi. We put them in straw or metal trays till they dry. After that, we store them in glass or straw jars to be sold, she added.

R. Raslan/ al-Ibrahim/ A. F. Zahra