regions of Iran, Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Pakistan. Although the rehydrated plant sometimes is described as putting out new leaves, flowers, and fruits, instead, the seeds may sometimes germinate and sprout new plants while still seated in the fruit on the dead parent plant.
After the rainy season, the plant dries up after dropping the leaves and curling branches shapes up into a tight ball and hibernates and waits for the next rain. Within the ball, the fruits remain attached and closed, protecting the seeds. Seeds are very hardy and can remain dormant for years.
With the rain drops, the ball uncurls and the plant wakes up from the sleeping state. It is hygroscopic (absorbing or attracting moisture from the air.); its branches immediately reconstitute in the presence of water. It is picked (leaves, woody parts, and seeds) in February to April from shallow gravel - desert soils.
As a medicinal preparation, it is reconstituted in water and taken internally for colds, as an emmenagogue (herbs generally meant to bring on period/ menstruation), for epilepsy, uterine hemorrhage, and to bring pain relief and support for childbirth.
In some places, it is made into a powder - mixed with olive oil and honey, and as a liquid from fresh leaves - is used as a treatment for conjunctivitis and other problems of the eye. It is also used medicinally in countries where it does not grow; in Malaysia, it is commonly used for childbirth, where many women purchase herbal preparations directly from the traditional midwives.
The flower contains a number of elements - calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron; in particular, calcium and magnesium work together to coordinate and regulate smooth muscle contractions. The soaked water can be drunk. The plant can be stored and re-used many times over.
The very name of this flower - maryam has religious significance. It is referred to as the "leaf of Maryam" (mother of Jesus), the "hand of Fatima" (daughter of the Prophet (SAW) as well as simply 'daughter of the Prophet (SAW) and "resurrection plant.' It is refereed in the Bible in II Kings 19:34-36 and in Psalms 83:13, "make them like tumbleweed."
The use of traditional medicines and remedies are rooted through traditional knowledge and belief – like the flower maryam. The timing of it blossoms, when matches with the labour time – it works like a lucky charm.
Published on The Daily Star 12:00 AM, October 27, 2015
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