MEDICINAL PLANTS

The pebble is a tuberous herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family, can reach up to three feet high, with stems lying or climbers, angular and compound leaves. Stem green leaves that have come out on its perimeter a series of deep fissures that divide them, so there appears to be more than one sheet. At the bottom of each leaf stipules born two way arrows and the meeting of the leaf with the stem emerges a floriferous bunches of three to five flowers pink. We found in the northern half of the peninsula, but also located in selected mountain areas of the south. Usually a plant is not easy to find.

FLOWERING

Flowering starts in April, lasting until the end of summer in selected mountain areas. It produces yellow flowers that are located in the axils of the leaves individually. Harvesting takes place in late summer, with the collection of the tuber. For better conservation are recommended a series of cuts in the same order to reduce the size of the portion to dry, in which case it proceeds to an operation much faster, thus improving the outcome. Its cultivation can be done both by seed and cuttings.

APPLICATIONS

The tubers contain high concentrations of starch. The rhizome and root have a large number of catechists tannins that give an astringent, thanks to which it is appropriate in cases of diarrhea and also to apply to the skin such as scar to thrush, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, vaginitis, bruises and sores. It also contains polyphenols and to a lesser amount, you can detect the presence of essence. This makes it a good anti-infective gastrointestinal, because it acts against inflammation, is also a good diuretic used when other remedies fail and best known of this plant are available, which is not always possible.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Twenty-five grams were added to dried rhizome of a liter of water, letting it boil for ten minutes, then proceed to make filtration. It can take up to three cups a day to get and antiinfective effect (as gastrointestinal) and antidiarrheal.
Decoction for external use. It took forty grams of rhizome, adding to a liter of water and letting it boil for fifteen minutes. The liquid obtained after cooling to room temperature can be used to make douching, or also as a mouthwash.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Legumes
HABITAT: Calcareous soils of northern Spain
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Tubers
CASTILIAN: Disante, arveja de vida durable

USES

Strong astringent, Antidiarrheal Moderate, Diuretic Moderate.