Priroda i Anomalnye Yavleniya - 1990 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Природа и аномальные явления (Nature and Anomalous Phenomena)
Issue: 7
Volume: N
Date: December 1990
Publisher: Общественная редакционная коллегия по природе (Public Editorial Board for Nature)
Country: Russia
Language: Russian
Price: 70 kopecks

This issue of 'Nature and Anomalous Phenomena' focuses on the intriguing cryptozoological and paranormal reports from the Primorye region of Russia, alongside a discussion of medicinal plants.

Relics of Primorye: Legends or Reality?

The main article, "Relics of Primorye: Legends or Reality?", compiles numerous eyewitness accounts of unusual creatures and phenomena. It begins with reports of giant snakes sighted in various districts of Primorye, including Terneysky, Dalnegorsky, Ol'ginsky, Pozharsky, and Khankaysky. One account from the 1940s near Terney describes a snake approximately 10 meters long. Another from 1978 in Amgu details a 5-meter snake with a body diameter of over 10 cm. In June 1983, a worker reported seeing a 10-meter snake resembling Shrenk's rat snake. In 1984, workers near the Nikolaevsky mine mistook a giant snake crossing the road for a large black log.

Expert opinion from Yu. M. Korotkov, a candidate of biological sciences, suggests these could be subspecies of Shrenk's rat snake reaching unusual sizes or even remnants of relict fauna. The article notes variations in reported snake coloration, including silver with green spots and dark gray-black with white spots.

Beyond snakes, the issue presents other cryptozoological encounters. Yuri Ilyin, a former lighthouse keeper, reported hearing a strange cry and seeing a large, dark butterfly fall from a tree in July 1984. In September 1982, a ranger named Anatoly Khobotnev described a small, dark brown animal, about the size of a large rat, with short legs and a shovel-shaped tail, that moved with jerky leaps. In 1983, fishermen in the Olga region caught a peculiar fish with fin-like limbs and hard scales. A similar fish was reportedly seen by Viktor Mitrofanov in Posyet Bay in 1958, which he later recognized as similar to a coelacanth.

Legends from the Udege people are also explored, including tales of a large, crocodile-like animal with scaly skin and short legs inhabiting Lake Toni, and another legend of a massive, red-brown furred creature seen in the 16th-17th centuries near the Edinka and Samarga rivers, possibly referring to mammoths.

The article concludes that while definitive proof is lacking, the persistence of these accounts warrants further scientific investigation.

Medicinal Plants

The issue also features a section on medicinal plants, detailing their uses in traditional medicine:

• Amur Velvet (Barhat Amurskiy): The bark and leaves are used as a tonic, stomachic, and for improving appetite, particularly in Chinese medicine. It's also noted for its use in Korean traditional medicine for diabetes and in traditional Russian medicine for various ailments including gastrointestinal issues, anemia, and as a hemostatic agent.
• Two-row Lily (Liliya Dvuryadnaya): The bulbs are mentioned for use in treating headaches.
• Ginseng (Zhen'shen'): Extensively covered, Ginseng is described as the "root of life." Its roots are said to resemble a human figure. Traditional uses include treating numerous diseases, restoring youthfulness, and acting as a general stimulant. The article details its effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and metabolism. It also warns of potential side effects like insomnia and heart palpitations if used improperly. Various methods of preparation and dosage are provided, including tinctures, powders, and decoctions. Ginseng is noted for its potential benefits in treating hypotension and weakness.
• Amur Maackia (Maakiya Amurskaya): The bark is used as a respiratory stimulant and expectorant, and for treating bronchial asthma and bronchitis. It's also noted for stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal cortex. Indigenous peoples of the Amur region used its leaves and bark to treat tumors.
• Real Lady's Slipper (Bashmachok Nastoyashchiy): Used in Tibetan medicine as a diuretic and for cardiovascular issues. In Russian folk medicine, it was used for epilepsy, seizures, and nervous disorders. It was also used for leucorrhea, uterine bleeding, jaundice, and rheumatic pain.

Anomalous Phenomena and UFOs

A section discusses anomalous phenomena and UFOs. It posits that Earth is an "entropy hub" in the universe and that other civilizations may be intervening to counteract chaos. The article touches upon the concept of a "field structure" or "energetic double" surrounding humans, which can be projected to gain information. It mentions that a group called "Group-2" has been researching altered states of consciousness, the properties of this energetic double, and its connection to time and space since 1983. They claim to have made contact with "doubles of the universe" and other civilizations.

One specific incident mentioned is the disappearance and reappearance of an electrician, A. Gutovets, from a diesel-electric ship in November 1984.

Folklore and Weather

The issue includes a section on folklore related to December weather, with proverbs and sayings predicting winter conditions. It also contains a brief mention of a legend about a creature from the Udege people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of nature, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting eyewitness accounts and traditional knowledge alongside scientific perspectives, encouraging further investigation into the mysteries of the natural world and beyond. The publication seems to advocate for the exploration of both the tangible (medicinal plants, zoological oddities) and the intangible (anomalous phenomena, legends).