MEDICINAL PLANTS

A plant that may reach up to 50 inches high. It has a strain that crawls along the floor, almost on its surface, from which emerges a stalk of square section within which there is a gap that is present at sectioning. The leaves are attached to the stem without any evidence to link them together, that is, totally devoid of petioles and are arranged opposite each other, confront each other. With a clear spear-shaped, with three nerves which run parallel from the stem to the apex of the leaf zone with some small teeth on its perimeter.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs in spring and summer, resulting in flowers that are located at the junction of the leaves with the stem. These flowers appear individually and together with the tallit that binds to the stem never get to measure more than the length of the leaf itself from departing. Its color is slightly pink or white and have measures that never exceed two inches in length. From its conception we obtain some fruits are botanically classified as a capsule, where we can find two flaps that open after ripening, dropping the seed to the ground.

APPLICATIONS

It is a plant that is still at an early stage of study, there is present a glycoside known by the name of gratiolina, responsible for its action as a diuretic and is used frequently in cases of cardio-renal edema, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity), uremia and gout. Has occasionally been used as a drastic purgative and vermifuge for the elimination of intestinal parasites, but should be used with caution since large doses of this poison plant can produce grave prognosis. Furthermore, standard doses can also cause irritation of the gastric mucosa, mainly in people prone to processes of gastroduodenal ulcers or gastritis-acute abdomen. Nor is its use as a diuretic recommended in pregnant or lactating.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Two grams of powder of the dried plant is mixed in a glass of water, previously boiled and hot, leaving it in contact for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Then comes the filtrate, after which you get a liquid to be taken before going to sleep, never exceeds these doses, to avoid gastric irritation boxes.
Fluid extract. Prepare half a glass of water to which add fifteen drops of the extract, may repeat the same shot again throughout the day.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Escrofulariaceas
HABITAT: Galicia, Portugal, Extremadura and Catalonia
FLOWERING: May and summer
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Hierba del pobre
CATALAN: Gracíola
GALICIAN: Gracíola

USES

Strong Laxative, Strong diuretic, Slight worming.