MEDICINAL PLANTS

The Hedge Mustard is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the cruciferous family, has an erect stem whose height varies between 30 and 80 cm. The leaves have long petioles and are deeply divided in several segments. The flowers are tiny, lemon-yellow. The fruits are attached to the branches and are so sharp they seem punches. The whole plant is covered with very fine short hairs. It breeds throughout the Peninsula and Balearic Islands, in moderate altitudes.

FLOWERING

It blooms in April and continue blooming well into the summer, especially in regions not too dry and the mountains. Interested harvest the whole plant. The best way is to use fresh, newly harvested, but if you want to keep, you should dry as quickly as possible and store in airtight glass jars.

APPLICATIONS

The Hedge Mustard contains fresh, a small amount of acid sulfocianhídrico and seeds, mustard oil. Lately it is thought that also contains a cardiac glycoside. Used primarily in inflammation and catarrh of the larynx, especially for combat as well as hoarseness, colds, coughs, and any problems of middle and upper airway. Hence the grass Castilian name of the singers, it is widely used by people who have to use much voice. The way to prepare is by infusion, by boiling a ladle of water and throwing it about 30 gr. De the plant stems and leaves, for every four cups.

ADMINISTRATION

Maceration. Macerate in a liter of cold water for 10 days, about 12 gr. Seed. After this period, filter the liquid and is taken in doses of two or three cups a day. It is useful to relieve asthma.
Infusion. Are poured into a cup of boiling water 10 gr. Of the plant, duly cut. Let it cool a bit, filtered and drunk quickly.
Medicinal wine. Also you can prepare a medicinal wine, leaving the plant soak in a liter of white wine. The dose to take is 3 cups a day for 10 days.
Tincture. Macerated for three days at 10 deg. Of fresh plant in 200 g of alcohol of 60 grados Celsius . After 3 days, the dye is filtered and stored in a dropper bottle with stopper. The dose to use is 20 drops in water, the dose may be repeated if deemed necessary.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Crucifer
HABITAT: Land not very dry
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Hierba de los cantores
CATALAN: Sisimbri
BASQUE: Mendaski
GALICIAN: Xaramago, xebra

USES

Balsamic Moderate, Diuretic Moderate, Mild Expectorant.