I visited the Volga-Kama BR at Russia cultural exchange program. It is at the confluence of the Volga River, the Kama River, and the Myosha River. It has two sections. One section is the Raifa on about 30km west of Kazan, the other section is the Sarali on about 60km south of Kazan. There are many species of plants. In Sarali, experts of plants accompanied us and told us about the plants and the usage.

This is plant of Hypericum genus. This is used for high fever or sore throat. In Japan, plant of same genus, Hypericum erectum is used for wound.

This is Cichorium intybus. This root is used for coffee. It is caffeine free. In Japan, this is used for salad.

This is plant of Angelica genus. This stem is used for soup. In Japan, plant of same genus, Angelica acutiloba is used for woman as Kampo.

In addition to these, we also learned other plants. Plants have various usage in this way. Plants have been part of people's lives and have been used for cooking and folk remedies. It is not different either in Russia or in Japan. I thought the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants are very important and protecting nature is to protect humans.