MEDICINAL PLANTS

The red arenaria is an annual or biennial, depending on the area where you are. It consists of a stem is not very tall and very thin. The leaves are distributed in the many branches that come from the stem, are very narrow and are grouped in pairs. There are other much smaller leaves that arise between large, its shape is more varied, as are triangular or elongated. The plant is hairy at the ends while the leaves and stalk closer to the base are completely without hair. This plant can be found practically all over the Peninsula, especially in areas without lime, rather sandy. One grows in uncultivated areas and roadsides.

FLOWERING

The flowering season of the red arenaria coincides with the spring. The flowers are normally pink and quite small, reaching in the best 5 mm. They consist of a calyx with five sepals and a corolla of five petals. Born in the leaves and are grouped in clusters. The fruit has an oval shape and is filled with brownish seeds. Harvesting is done in the same period of flowering, as it is at this point that the plant is rich in active principles. Whole plant is collected and stored in piles in a shady place and no humidity so it can dry. It is important that, once dry the plant is kept in airtight jars away from light.

APPLICATIONS

The plant is not very well studied from a scientific standpoint, though popularity has long used as a diuretic and is also known to act on inflammation and spasms of the urinary tract. Act preventively against the formation of kidney stones and urinary sediment. In general it is a plant that promote the proper functioning of the urinary tract. He joined therapeutic medicine rather late, but has been used for many years as a home remedy, either alone or combined with other plants diuretic like her.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. It makes a quart of water to boil and when boiling add about 40 gr. While the plant dry and allow to cool sneaks. It can take many cups you want, as it is not harmful to health. If the taste is not very pleasant can be sweetened with sugar. This plant is frequently associated with other diuretic herbs to enhance its effect. In pharmacy it is easy to find either alone or mixed with others.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Cariofilaceas
HABITAT: At the edge of sandy roads
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Whole plant
CATALAN: Herba vermella

USES

Strong diuretic, Moderate antiedematous, Antirheumatic Leve.