MEDICINAL PLANTS

The brambles are characterized by highly branched bushes, gnarled, 1 to 3 m. Tall, with whitish branches more or less thorny and somewhat fleshy lanceolate leaves. The flowers are light purple and borne solitary or grouped in small numbers. It is a shrub that is great for easy playback hedges as well as its thorny branches and the way they intersect and bind. It breeds throughout the country and neighboring Portugal.

FLOWERING

The flowering thorn from the month of March and the berries ripen in summer. This fruit is fleshy, slightly red or orange. Interesting collection of stems and leaves. We must remember that when speaking of brambles, not only refers to the species Lycium halimifolium but we also refer to the Lycium europaeum. Both are very similar and are used interchangeably, although the former is better studied than the latter.

APPLICATIONS

In the stems and leaves of both species found liciina, tanning materials and some minor products. Actually should delve further into the study of both species, although it appears that none has ruled out toxic effects. These species are recommended to combat whooping cough and nervous, to control spasms and as a diuretic. Generally has low activity and abuse does not involve the occurrence of any side effects. In parts of Spain they eat the tender stems of this shrub with salt and vinegar, which subsequently experienced some diuretic effect. It is also known in some areas where the leaves are eaten in the same way that the stems and with identical results. Finally, it should be noted that the plant is also used externally as a poultice, to combat herpes. This virtue is yet to be proven, although it appears that in some cases very good results.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Is recommended to take an infusion prepared with 1 gr. Freshly harvested leaves in a cup of boiling water. This tea is drunk in small sips throughout the day.
Poultice. The leaves are crushed to obtain a smooth paste and applied over the area to be treated as a poultice.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Solanaceae
HABITAT: Hedges Spanish
FLOWERING: From March through summer
PART USED: Stems and leaves
CASTILIAN: Espino cambrón
CATALAN: Arnall, arçot de tanques
BASQUE: Magarda, larr

USES

Mild antispasmodic, Mild diuretic, Antitussive Leve.