MEDICINAL PLANTS

Herbaceous plant that takes place entirely in one year and can reach up to seven inches in height if planted in fertile ground. The leaves, compared to the rest of the plant, have very large dimensions. All are equipped with thorns, their color is pale green and are folded on the stem, showing the underside which presents a considerable nervation. The leaves have a very bitter taste. We find this plant vineyards and olive groves, but does not occur more frequently in any particular area. Reproduction is by seed or by division of kills.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs between spring and summer. It generated a yellow inflorescence, usually one per stem, but sometimes this stem can be divided, giving as many inflorescences as divisions. This inflorescence is surrounded by a series of leaves and bracts that protrude beyond the length of the chapter, it hardens into reddish spines, fairly large, both sides have two smaller, so they appear alternating large and small with a disposition toward the exterior, which protects a special chapter of the flower thus can not be easily pulled out without a puncture. The fruits are achenes, pappus bearing, which means that together with the result that there is a fluffy structure with wind helps carry the seed away from the area where she was the mother plant, which explains its wide distribution in any area of the country .

APPLICATIONS

The whole plant is used for content in cnidina, a sesquiterpene lactone, bitter taste, which gives further action of antibiotic aperitif, eupeptic, diuretic, febrifuge and hypoglycemic, and therefore is ideal for almost any condition: anorexia, dyspepsia, edema, oliguria, hyperuricemia, fever, mild diabetes and rheumatism. Generally used as an aperitif and eupeptic, keeping in mind that in high doses can cause serious damage such as burns in the digestive mucosa, triggering violent vomiting and diarrhea. The essential oil exhibited by this plant makes possessing bacteriostatic and antifungal properties. The plant has also flavonoid glycosides and luteola apigenol that give diuretic and antirheumatic.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. You can prepare snacks purposes if given before meals, or to improve digestion as eupeptic afterwards. The infusion is prepared with 25 grams of whole plant in a liter of boiled water, leaving it in contact for 10 minutes.
Powder Plant. It may take a gram and a half total spread over the day.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite Tubulifloras
HABITAT: Abandoned fields
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Cardo bendito
CATALAN: Card sant
BASQUE: Txori kardu
GALICIAN: Cardo-santo

USES

Antibiotic Moderate, Mild diuretic, Antirheumatic Leve.