MEDICINAL PLANTS

It is a bush not more than 2 m. High, whose main characteristic is that it is quite toxic and not only animals but also human, especially when it comes to young children or debilitated people. The stems are fleshy, apparently square sheets are facing, are contained lanceolate and very short corner. The entire plant is hairless. The flowers are inconspicuous and may even pass almost unnoticed. It breeds on the slopes, streams and edges of lowland forests, throughout the Mediterranean coast.

FLOWERING

It blooms from April onwards, the fruits ripen in summer. Just interested in harvesting the fruits, which are extremely toxic. This fruit has a strong resemblance to the arrears so fond of children. The taste of this fruit dangerous nor unpleasant, just slightly acidic, hence the resulting problems caused because children mistake them for the arrears and can pay with your life such a mistake, which has already happened on numerous occasions. This same problem can occur with certain animals. For this reason it is recommended to be careful with their collection, in addition to educating infants about what they should or should not take from nature.

APPLICATIONS

The tree contains tannin-rich materials specifically galotánico acid-both in the cortex and in the leaves. The fruits are the glycoside called coriamirtina and leaves is an alkaloid called coriarina. As discussed in the previous section, has a high toxicity, which requires us to ignore its potential therapeutic effects. It has an astringent effect that could not be used ever, because the doses that would be deadly to consume. In some cases, and always under strict medical supervision, could be used as an activator of circulation. But we talk about 1 mg. And therefore in no case could use a homemade plant, but should use the active ingredient is extracted from it. Regarding the toxicity of the plant on animals, varies widely depending on the species concerned. So while it can kill a large dog in minutes, goats just gives them an intense intoxication, hence its unusual name. What is not in doubt is that on children and not so young is extremely toxic, so it is recommended to leave it and learn to distinguish it from other edible species.

ADMINISTRATION

As we have said enough the dangers of this shrub, it stands to reason that home use is strictly prohibited. If the doctor decides to prescribe it, will always be at your own risk and with extreme caution.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Coriariaceas
HABITAT: Catalonia and Andalusia
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Fruits
CASTILIAN: Garapalo, hierba zapatera
CATALAN: Raudor, raola

USES

Toxic Strong, Activating Slight movement.