Uighurs and Kazakhs: The Cultural Significance of Local Plants
Uighurs, a people with a rich agricultural heritage, use various local plants for culinary and medicinal purposes. One such plant, Osma, is a staple in Uighur households for natural hair care, while Jussai is a popular ingredient in traditional dishes. Meanwhile, Kazakh households use Adrasman for spiritual protection.
Osma, also known as Usma or Taramira, is a green leaf that grows in almost every Uighur housewife's garden. It belongs to the crucifer family and has been used for centuries as a natural cosmetic and medicinal remedy for hair growth and hair care. Uighur women apply Osma to their eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair all summer long to achieve beautiful, black, thick eyebrows and long eyelashes.
Jussai, a perennial plant from the Allium family, combines the flavors and properties of onion and garlic. It is a common ingredient in Uighur cuisine, used in omelets, Manti, Chebureki, or in 'Say', a typical Uighur salad. Uighurs, with their deep-rooted agricultural culture, cultivate gardens and vegetables with great dedication, including these special plants.
In Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, grow extraordinary herbs used for food, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. One such plant is Adrasman, known for its spiritual protective properties. Dried branches of this plant are hung near the entrance of Kazakh households to ward off evil spirits.
Osma, Jussai, and Adrasman are just a few examples of the many plants used by Uighurs and Kazakhs for various purposes. These plants, deeply rooted in their cultures, continue to play a significant role in their daily lives, reflecting their rich heritage and traditions.
