MEDICINAL PLANTS

The caragol is a perennial shrub root very robust, color between brown and black, can penetrate into the crevices of rocks. At the top of the root is divided into several branches and these, in turn, in other less and less thick, though they resemble each other in that are very short. In each of these arms forming a rosette of leaves, so that together form a cushion or lawn that sits on the rock and is molded to its irregularities. The leaves are dark gray and are covered with numerous white hairs. It breeds in the rocky areas of the top of Montserrat and many other mountains of Catalonia and Aragon.

FLOWERING

It blooms throughout the spring and summer, varying slightly florid stage in those areas warm. Harvesting for medicinal purposes concern the stem and leaves. The roots should be collected and put in dryer to dry quickly and then save the shelter from moisture. The leaves have a slightly bitter flavor, like the root, although the latter has a sweetish taste.

APPLICATIONS

The composition of the caragol is completely ignored so far. It is a popularly used plant, deeply rooted in all of Catalonia, but little known to the rest of the peninsula. Among the uses that have given this shrub, it is noteworthy that was used against venereal diseases, beatings and falls, as well as diuretic and febrifuge. These applications are due to dissolve clots and breaks, thus improving blood circulation, promotes sweating and helps effectively eliminate urine. In many villages in the area of Catalonia is very common the use of decoction of caragol in cases of falls and blows. In conclusion, we discuss that in Catalonia there are other species of this genus is often confused with the original.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. It is prepared from the roots. This will take a handful of roots caragol and added to 1 l. Of boiling water. You can drink as much as you want, because no adverse effects. Also, if instead of infusion simmer for a while, their beneficial effects will be multiplied.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Geraniaceae
HABITAT: Cracks mountains of Catalonia and Aragon
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Stem and leaf
CATALAN: Cargol

USES

Diuretic Moderate, Improves circulation Moderate, Febrifuge Leve.