MEDICINAL PLANTS

It is a plant known since ancient times. It can reach a height similar to that of men when located on lands that provide all their requirements for optimum development, in which case it may be regarded as one of the largest herbaceous plants. The leaves are large, oval, tapered at the back-and-white-have some veins that protrude from its surface. The leaves, which are somewhat touch-present soft perimeter toothed those at the height of the base of the plant are the largest, reaching up to a meter long.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs in May. Chapters flower six to ten inches in diameter, appear at the top, taking advantage of the ramifications of the stem, are protected by large numbers of bracts that are below the chapter. The flowers that are in the perimeter of the chapter are bright yellow and the interior, which are forming a button-more muted yellow and tubular. The fruit of their fertilization consists of an achene pappus attached to a simple, unbranched, reddish. To collect will wait until late fall, when it comes to selecting plants with more than two years, which will select the root or rhizome, which in turn should be cut into thin slices to facilitate this operation with further desiccation ; it will never develop at a temperature above 40 grados CelsiusC and always in a well ventilated.

APPLICATIONS

For its essential oil content in a scale of 1 to 2%, has helenina, which gives it an antispasmodic action, antiseptic, antifungal, anthelmintic, choleretic and colagoga, as used in biliary dyskinesias. It also contains azulene, inulin, Fructan and mucilages, which provide an action vulneraria, so also are used topically on wounds, ulcers, eczema and urticaria. Moreover, there has been some diuretic action that may moderate the tension, resulting in a decrease of the same. It is indicated in cases of irritating coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma, for its antispasmodic action.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Add 20 grams of dried root to a quart of boiling water, leaving it in this situation for another thirty minutes, after which is the filtering, you can have a cup of warm liquid before meals to achieve an effect balsamic expectorant.
Ointment. Includes preparation of an ointment with a resin component that is added to 2% of the dried root of this plant. It is used as an antipruritic in hives, with vulnerary effects, so that helps heal wounds and even skin ulcers.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite Tubulifloras
HABITAT: In meadows, remnants of old orchards
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Root and rhizome
CASTILIAN: Ala
CATALAN: Ènula
BASQUE: Kristo-lora

USES

Diuretic Moderate, Antiseptic Moderate, Mild hypotensive.