MEDICINAL PLANTS

The monk's crown is a small bush, often branching and stiff branches and woody shoots except younger. It has numerous leaves scattered, lanceolate, somewhat wider at its opening and attenuated in a short corner. The flowers are very small, with a nice blue color and are grouped in heads, with the corolla bilabiate. It breeds on the slopes and limestone hills in the provinces near the Mediterranean coast, from Catalonia to Cadiz. Through the center of the peninsula has not confirmed the presence of this shrub.

FLOWERING

The crown flowers in autumn, as this plant comes alive with the rains in September and continues to provide beautiful flowers until March or April, depending on their geographic location. Harvesting for medicinal purposes mainly interested in leaves, which should be collected before the flowering season, when appear richer in active ingredients.

APPLICATIONS

According to the analysis oldest, the leaves contain a bitter glucoside called globularina. We also have a tannin, coloring matter, pale yellow, cinnamic acid and small hand. In other studies newest ensures the presence of other bitter substances, in addition to finding other active minor from the medical point of view. As for his virtues, the plant catalogs primarily as mild laxative, which some consider even better than the senna leaves. It also acts as an antacid, offsetting the excess stomach acidity. He also attributed colagoga and astringent properties, although the latter the very mild exercise. With glycosides of this plant is preparing a compound valuable in rheumatism problems, poisoning and some cases of gout. However, the failure of this compound is that it should be given long-term and usually occur laxative effects requiring discontinuation of treatment.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. It is prepared from the leaves, adding about 30 g. In a liter of boiling water. You should take a cup immediately before eating. It is better not to add sugar for the antacid effect is more complete. You can also prepare a concoction used in this case by its purgative. This will take 20 g. Leaves and boiled for ten minutes in 1 / 2 l. Water. It should be in two stages: first, a glass before bed and the second shot the next morning, fasting.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Globulariaceas
HABITAT: Mediterranean coastline
FLOWERING: Fall
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Álipo, corona real
CATALAN: Foixarda, cegullada

USES

Physic Moderate, Mild Colagogo, Mild Astringent.