MEDICINAL PLANTS

The dragon is a perennial plant belonging to the extended family of Escrofulariaceas. It has a hardened stems at the base, not more than 1 m. Tall, with leaves lanceolate, entire margins and sustained by short stalks. The flowers form long clusters at the ends of the stem. The fruit is a capsule that hardens as it matures and opens by three holes at the top. It breeds some rocky hillside, between walls, stones, etc.., Of almost the entire peninsula. As an ornamental plant is often grown in gardens with many varieties of all colors.

FLOWERING

The dragon begins to bloom from April and continues throughout the spring and summer. Interesting collection of flowers that can be collected during the entire flowering season. Once uprooted from its plant are dried quickly in the shade and stored in airtight jars. In general it is important after any drying process, protect from moisture material, and usually tends to attract water from the environment and may thus alter its medicinal properties.

APPLICATIONS

The flowers contain various pigments glycosidic nature, according to the color of them. Thus, the yellow flowers contain small amounts of luteolin and apigenin. The Ivorian brown contain only apigenin. Finally, the red and orange above compounds containing two and two anthocyanins, one of whom was antirrinina. Although the composition of this plant is known in detail, in fact its medicinal properties are very scarce. Just know that owns shares as an emollient for external use, ie, capable of softening fabrics. Thus it has been used in poultices to soften skin tumors. Actions are also attributed to stimulants, though not proved effective. Today, this herb is only ornamental. Within this family we have much more interesting species and numerous applications. Maybe in the not too distant future, we discover hitherto unknown properties and begin to use around the world, but for now, however, we will leave in the garden to decorate it with colorful flowers.

ADMINISTRATION

For external use. The only way to manage this plant as a poultice for tumors.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Escrofulariaceas
HABITAT: Spain
FLOWERING: April and Summer
PART USED: Flowers
CASTILIAN: Dragoncillo, morros de lobo
CATALAN: Boca de dragó
BASQUE: Kukuprraka
GALICIAN: Herba do can

USES

Mild topical emollient.