Introduction
Among the many species of orchid, some show off very special flowers: this is the case of the shoe of Venus, called by this name in allusion to the shape of the flower's labellum, typically a “slipper”. The shoe of Venus is also called the pianella (or shoe) of the Madonna . The botanical name is Cypripedium calceolus or Cypripedium pubescens : the root of the genus has Greek derivation (Cupris = Cypris, nickname of Venus), while the ending - pedilon means footwear. Despite the correct name is "Cypripedilon", the shoe of Venus is however indicated with Cypripedium, following a writing error by Linnaeus.
Generality
The shoe of Venus is distinguished from other species by its charm and elegance; the preciousness of the plant is also related to its rarity, so much to be considered the flowery jewel of Italy . Unfortunately, the splendor of the flower has always attracted the attention of hikers and tourists, who - impressed by its elegance - collect it indiscriminately: to overcome this problem, the shoe of Venus is currently considered a rare and protected species.
Originally from North America, the beautiful Venus slipper can potentially grow in all areas of the northern hemisphere, although its cultivation is not always so simple. In Italy it can be admired, in particular, in the Alpine arc.
The shoe of Venus loves damp limestone soils and environments with a rather high degree of humidity: in this regard, it lives in the undergrowth near beeches, conifers and broad-leaved trees.
Botanical analysis
The shoe of Venus is the most elegant specimen of the Orchidaceae family: we are talking about a herbaceous plant that generally does not exceed 50 centimeters in height. The root has a typically horizontal rhizome, which expands broadly. The plant is made up of 3 or 4 bright green oblong leaves, enveloping the caul, from which 2 large and magnificent flowers branch out. The flowers have two brownish-colored sepals located at the same height, which descend on hazel-colored petals and end with a distinctive labellum. It is precisely the labellum that assigns the name "plant of Venus" to the plant: it is a very particular petal - typical of orchids - with a mushroom conformation, a sort of hollow that serves as a reference for insects used for pollination (l 'insect, imprisoned in the labellum, collects the pollen favoring its dispersion).
Active principles
As we have seen, the beauty of the flower hides deeper virtues: the wonderful shoe of Venus can also be exploited for its precious medicinal properties. Tannins, bitter glycosides, non-terpenoid phenantrachinones and essential oil (extracted in particular from roots and rhizome) give the plant antispasmodic, tonic and eupeptic functions, as well as making it useful as a mild sedative. So much so that the sedative action conferred seems to be comparable to that of the valerian: in this regard, the root and rhizome extract of the Venus slipper is recommended in particular for the treatment of some forms of hysteria and anxiety in infants.
In homeopathy, the shoe of Venus is used to induce sleep.
Furthermore, it seems that the plant is useful to counter gastric irritation and heartburn due to the abuse of pseudo-irritating substances, such as coffee or tea. [from E. Campanini's Dictionary of herbal medicine and medicinal plants ]
Contraindications and toxic effects
The extract obtained from the root of the Venus slipper, in excessive doses, can induce optical hallucinations, mental excitement and psychedelic reactions [taken from Dizionario ragionato of herbal medicine and phytotherapy, by A. Bruni, M, Nicoletti]; furthermore, the glandular hairs of the stem of the Venus shoe may cause skin irritation.
Summary
Scarpetta di Venere: to fix the concepts
| Venus shoe | Orchid with very special flowers → “slipper” shape Rare rare plant → flowery jewel of Italy |
| Scarpetta di Venere: etymology of the term | Botanical name: Cypripedium calceolus or Cypripedium pubescens Root of the genus → Greek derivation (Cupris = Cypris, nickname of Venus) Desinence of the genus → - pedilon means footwear |
| Scarpetta di Venere: uses | Ornamental, homeopathic, phytotherapic |
| Scarpetta di Venere: general description |
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| Scarpetta di Venere: botanical description | Botanical name: Cypripedium calceolus or Cypripedium pubescens Family: Orchidaceae Description: herbaceous plant Height: 50 cm Root: typically horizontal rhizome Leaves: 3 or 4 oblong leaves bright green, enveloping the stem Flowers: 2 large and magnificent flowers Sepals: 2 brownish-colored sepals located at the same height Petals: hazel color, ending with a distinctive labellum → the labellum gives the name to the plant, shaped like a mushroom (or shoe) |
| Venus shoe: drug | Especially roots and rhizome |
| Venus scarpetta: main constituents | Tannins Bitter glucosides Non terpenoid phenantrachinones Essential oil |
| Scarpetta di Venere: property | sedative Root notes eupeptic Antispasmodics |
| Scarpetta di Venere: phytotherapic and homeopathic uses | Particularly recommended for:
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| Venus shoe: toxic effects | Abuse of Venus slipper extracts can cause:
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