MEDICINAL PLANTS

This remarkable herb is completely hairless annual, erect, usually not more than two feet high. The leaves (except bottom) are composed of three leaflets very uneven in the middle of the oval figure much higher than the two sides. At the intersections of the upper leaves with the stem flowers are born, about the same length as the sheet and assembled in groups of two to four yellow flowers. It is a plant characteristic of the land, found scattered throughout our country.

FLOWERING

The scorpiurus or grass scorpion-like is also known-flowers between April and June, in July at the latest. Purposes of harvesting the whole plant medicinal care. The name of scorpiurus comes from the peculiar morphology of the fruit, this is long, narrow, with several ceñiduras on its way and is bent, like the tail of the dreaded scorpion. As we shall see, the resemblance was to be employed in his time as a popular remedy against the bites of these bugs, although not currently used for this purpose.

APPLICATIONS

The scorpiurus contains in all its organs a glucoside called coronilina, and a substance characterized by being very aromatic. But the flavors should not be confused when using a plant, such as in this case it is a grass quite toxic if not handled with proper precautions. In the seeds presents a rather complex composition: fat, lecithin, olein, cholesterol and many other compounds of different nature. In reality, the effects of this species are quite similar to the digital, ie acting directly on the heart by regulating its operation. The advantage of this herb, or rather, its active principles, is that not accumulate in the body, so you can say that it is less toxic than digital. But against them we say it is poorly studied plant and substances that act on the heart must be handled carefully, since a failure in adjusting the dose can cause serious problems intractable. For this reason its use has not spread. Who knows if in the future will reveal hitherto unknown properties, which could even displace digitalis compounds.

ADMINISTRATION

The plant itself is little used for the reasons we mentioned earlier. He prefers using the isolated active principle, the coronilina, this is taken in very low doses, previously established by the physician, the only trained health professional to prescribe any remedy. In some areas of our geography is used externally as a vesicant and irritant.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Legumes
HABITAT: Arable lands
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Hierba del alacrán
CATALAN: Banya de cabra

USES

Toxic Strong, Cardiotonic Leve, Antiasthmatic Leve.