MEDICINAL PLANTS

The oleander is a shrub that can reach up to 5 meters high and is green 365 days a year. The stem is erect, gray and ascending branches that diverge in all directions, leaves lanceolate born facing each other, with a white vein in the middle of the green veins that leave many that end up at the edges. The flowers are pink, although there are some exceptionally white and graceful clusters are forming at the end of the branches. The fruit is a pod that opens double side by releasing numerous seeds. It breeds on the banks of streams in the lowlands, from the Ebro to Portugal.

FLOWERING

Flowers in summer, which is the best time for harvesting the leaves, which is the part of interest for medicinal purposes.

APPLICATIONS

It is a very poisonous plant and strongly discouraged to use. In the leaves of this plant are cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, ursolic acid and resinous substances. Compounds-especially heterosexual actions very strong on the heart in relatively small doses for this reason its use is subject to medical control. It also exerts a diuretic action due to the presence of flavonoids. In some rural areas use the leaves fresh oleander scabies, acting effectively in decoction, or simply mixed with honey and applied topically. In the case of occurrence of accidental ingestion of the plant, the first symptom noticed is the emergence of severe vomiting. It is appropriate in this case administered analeptic drugs (compounds that have the virtue of restoring the body) and closely monitor heart rate.

ADMINISTRATION

There are oral forms, but their high toxicity we will not comment. Just to give an idea of the doses used, say that the pills contain no more than 0.05 g. -doses that are difficult to adjust without the necessary knowledge. For external use various lotions are prepared, as a parasiticide (especially scabies) as already discussed.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Apocynaceae
HABITAT: Banks of streams
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Sheet
CATALAN: Baladre
BASQUE: Eroitzorri

USES

Antiparasitario Strong, Cardiotonic Moderate, Mild diuretic.