MEDICINAL PLANTS

The meadowsweet is a herbaceous, lively, almost every year throws new shoots, which arise from a strain of short roots that start thin but thickened at its end. The leaves are long and narrow, divided into many segments, some bigger than others but all deeply toothed. The flowers are not very big, maybe white or something red, and grouped in terminal branches. One grows among oak trees and oak trees in the forest clearings little thick, lean on lawns, etc.., Preferably in the northern half of the peninsula, thinning its presence to the south.

FLOWERING

It blooms from May and continues in this era well into the summer. Depends a bit on the altitude at which it is located, being the first to flourish which are at lower altitudes. Collection of interest for medicinal purposes flowering tops. Harvesting is usually done from May to October: in May the flowering tops are collected (which are what interest us) and season finale are started a few small tubers that form on the roots, which are full of interesting substances stored in throughout the year.

APPLICATIONS

The meadowsweet contains herbaceous parts methyl salicylate and salicylic aldehyde. In the underground parts are also a compound called gaulterina and tubers accumulate starchy materials of high nutritional value, though mixed with tannic substances that give some asperity on the palate. As for his virtues, one can say that are the same as those described for ulmaria, although in all honesty I must say that the more pronounced meadowsweet has them. If you have on hand either, it is always better to have the latter, but in any case, both can prepare these teas. Its main virtues are closely related have the same properties as acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as "aspirin". Therefore used in all symptoms associated with colds, flu, fever, etc.., But also has an effect that has nothing to do with those we have described: it is a plant with strong diuretic activity, much used in cases of gout and rheumatism. In short, is a plant which can get large returns, but without forgetting to be the doctor who prescribes it.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. In a liter of boiling water poured 50 g. Of flowers and let the liquid temper before filtering. It softens slightly and takes on the order of half a liter a day.
cooking. About 60 g. Meadowsweet per liter of water. Let it boil for 15 min., After which cover and allow to cool for a while. It should take sufficient doses until you see the desired effects.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Rosaceae
HABITAT: Among oaks and oak
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Flowering tops
CATALAN: Herba del pobre home
BASQUE: Semelora

USES

Moderate inflammatory, Moderate analgesic, Antipyretic Moderate.