MEDICINAL PLANTS

The most characteristic of this plant is the rhizome, with a double twist that recalls the letter "S", from which emerge some erect stems in good growing conditions can reach one meter high. It has few leaves, the lower with the petiole joins the stem and petiole winged membrane called away in the upper leaves. All are dark green on the beam while the underside has a tint of bluish green, no doubt due to the villi that appear here.

FLOWERING

The flowering season is from May to July, with a slight pinkish color and in spikes at the top of the stem. To proceed to the collection must wait until fall, when collecting the rhizome that "before any other operation, is due to release of rootlets necessarily out of it, then proceeds to a thorough washing, cutting it lengthwise in order to promote rapid drying, preferably in the sun.

APPLICATIONS

Used as a good astringent to contain large amount of tannin from 15 to 20% of the total weight of the plant, so its use is optimal in cases of diarrhea, as external use is a good remedy to cure sores and wounds. It is rich in vitamin C, sugars, starch, gallic acid and oxalic acid among others, which advises its use as a general tonic or tonic.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. It is prepared by using 35 grams of dried rhizome cutting and added to a quart of boiling water, leaving it in this state for five minutes. After this time the filtrate is collected, which can take three cups a day to prevent diarrhea, stomatitis, urethritis and cystitis certain.
Powder plant. Obtained from the dried rhizome, prepare half a gram of capsules that can take a total of six each day, divided into different shots, as appropriate.
Concentrated decoction. This preparation is concentrated for use topically on wounds more or less open, in compresses and lotions, can also be used in cases of cold sores and sore throat: the liquid obtained is used as a gargle and mouthwash rinsing thanks to its astringent and in contact with the oral conditions leads to a cure. In baths and douching is a good remedy in cases of vaginitis. Their preparation will be based on 75 grams of dry rhizome and cut to be added to a quart of boiling water, leaving it in contact for fifteen minutes while continuing its boiling; will use the liquid thus obtained.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Polygonaceae
HABITAT: Mountain meadows of the Pyrenees
FLOWERING: June
PART USED: Rhizome.
CATALAN: Bistorta
GALICIAN: Bistorta

USES

Strong astringent, Moderate general tonic, Moderate Vulnerary.