MEDICINAL PLANTS

The lesser celandine is a perennial herb with thick fleshy roots numerous, in little clubs. The radical leaves are supported by long tails, with a membranous sheath at startup. The solitary flowers are born at the end of short stems and are a rich yellow. Small fruits, round, are grouped into a capitulum. Vegeta with ease in the grasslands of the wetter areas of the peninsula, bordering ditches and streams, in hedges, etc..

FLOWERING

It blooms in winter and early spring. There are approximately 250 species of the genus ranunculus, of which about 70 can be found on our peninsula, almost all with the same active and similar virtues. The root is the part that is used for medicinal purposes and for it to be harvested in spring and dried outdoors in the shade.

APPLICATIONS

Celandine leaves can be eaten in salads when the plant just sprout-about halfway through the winter but as spring arrives they become bitter, very unpleasant to the palate. In any case, if previously boiled, they lose the itch. The flower buds with salt and vinegar, are taken as an aperitif. Like other plants of the same gender, and anemonol celandine contains saponins, especially in the roots. It also has large amounts of vitamin C and are found traces of an essence. By high concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is specifically indicated for the treatment of scurvy, caused by deficiency in this vitamin. It has also been proven that this plant is truly effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids, and it lessens the dilation of blood vessels and reduces blood loss. The plants of this genus are especially rich in irritants, so it is recommended not to abuse them.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Infusion set in 1 l. Boiling water 100 gr. Plant, and then expose the diseased part steamed. This operation must be repeated at least twice a day.
Tincture. Was prepared from fresh plant, recently caught, with equal parts of alcohol of 90 grados Celsius . The flowering tops should be cut into small pieces. Once mixed alcohol product, it is left to macerate for nine days, after which filters the tincture. The dose is 40 drops three times daily.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ranunculaceae
HABITAT: Wet meadows
FLOWERING: Winter and spring
PART USED: Root
CASTILIAN: Ficaria
CATALAN: Gatassa
BASQUE: Korradu-belarr
GALICIAN: Herba das almorranas

USES

Moderate Antihemorroidal, Mild haemostatic, Source of vitamin C Leve.