MEDICINAL PLANTS

The bittersweet is a small tree, lignified at the base, which has long climbing stems covered with lanceolate leaves. In his armpit cimosas form inflorescences composed of violet flowers. The fruit is a berry ovoid, red when ripe. The stems have a bitter taste that then turns sweet. It breeds in the brush on the walls and formations that grow along rivers in the reeds. In Spain is all over the Peninsula and Balearic Islands.

FLOWERING

It blooms from May onwards, almost into fall. From the collection of interest stems, which should have at least two years, are cut into pieces and are dried at a maximum temperature of 40 grados CelsiusC. The fruits are not used to be very toxic, although widespread throughout the plant is quite toxic and must be very careful when we use it.

APPLICATIONS

The nightshade contains a solaneina called glycoalkaloids. It also contains a glycoside and saponoide not a glucoside. In general, its composition is complex and not entirely known. What is beyond doubt is that this is a poisonous plant and difficult to manage. It is slightly narcotic and has been used against bronchitis and whooping cough, to alleviate the painful intestinal catarrh, for discomfort of rheumatism and in folk medicine has been widely used as purifying species. Regarding its toxicity, it is known that the alkaloids used in their preparation cause gastrointestinal disorders, vomiting and diarrhea. Can also be used externally to treat eczema and psoriasis in particular. Recently, active ingredients of this plant are being studied further and this has been observed by certain operations in these compounds can be obtained by hormone-like substances, useful for the pharmaceutical industry.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. 2% maximum. Prepare a tea which you can drink three cups a day.
Decoction. Boil 40 gr. Bark in a liter of water for a while, then filter the liquid and drink in 2 to 3 cups daily. This preparation is widely used to combat arthritis pain.
Poultice. Boil for 15 minutes in three quarts of claret, three small handful of leaves and 100 gm. Linseed meal. When the preparation thickens, add 100 gr. Animal fat. It spreads the mixture on a cloth and allow to cool slightly, then applied on boils and pimples.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Solanaceae
HABITAT: Balearic Islands and mainland
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Stems
CASTILIAN: Morella amargant
BASQUE: Azari-matz
GALICIAN: Escuernacabras

USES

Diuretic Moderate, Regulator of arthritis, gout and obesity Moderate.