MEDICINAL PLANTS

The wood betony is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family of the lips has an erect stem, and leaves opposite petioled square and oval limbo. Its flowers, purple, almost pink, formed in the stem apex of a showy spikes. It is a plant native to western and southern Europe. Vegeta well in shady and cool. Our country is in oak, oak and other woods, being abundant to the north and more scarce in the South.

FLOWERING

The wood betony flowers from May until the summer. From the collection of interest on all the flowering tops and leaves: are collected and are dried on hurdles in ventilated, after drying the plant gives off an aromatic smell and taste is bitter.

APPLICATIONS

The wood betony have been ascribed many shares it would be impossible to list them one by one. People thought this was the universal remedy for all sorts of evil anywhere in the body: brain, kidneys, stomach, skin, lungs, etc.. Today, its use has been severely restricted, we know that is not the panacea for all ills, but it certainly gives you some virtues that we will see below. In its composition are abundant tannins, lactones and betaine, is also particularly rich in phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, and finally, it was also a glycoside found that are attributed to the hypotensive properties plant, being recommended for people suffering from hypertension. It also has a marked antipyretic action and is slightly sedative and hypnotic. Therefore, can be administered in cases of insomnia, gastrointestinal spasms, and of course, to reduce fever in infections. With the root must be taken cautiously because intake may cause vomiting. The French consider this plant as an excellent remedy for healing wounds and injuries, regardless of its other virtues. Finally, we should add that this plant is widely used in veterinary medicine to combat certain digestive disorders.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. 4 gr. Wood betony leaf, previously dried, add a 1 / 4 boiling water, filtered and sweetened to taste of each. It may take 2-3 cups a day.
Sneezing powder. Some leaves crushed and reduced to powder, which can be breathed through the nose, as if it were snuff. Sneezing causes head relieves stress and other discomfort.
Poultice. Prepared from fresh leaves thoroughly washed and cooked in little water, are spread on a gauze and applied to wounds, promoting healing.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: In the mountains of the northern half
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Leaves and flower sumidad
CASTILIAN: Bretónica
CATALAN: Brotónica
BASQUE: Sugeri, betuna, otonbedarr
GALICIAN: Cestro, bretónica

USES

Moderate hypotensive, Antipyretic Moderate, Mild sedative.