MEDICINAL PLANTS

The hernia is a herbaceous plant that can last several years, although he does not have a very robust plant, throws very firm roots and branching, allowing it to colonize all types of soils, even more shifty. It has small leaves, lanceolate, and the flowers - which are grouped to form tiny pin-are also tiny. The plant occurs throughout Europe and much of Asia, growing in all types of substrate, particularly in those poor and sandy. In Spain it can be found along the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains and generally in shallow limestone.

FLOWERING

The plant flowers early this year, almost spring but can continue blooming until summer. Harvesting is done in the same period of flowering, as it is at this point that the plant is rich in active principles. It is important that once dried is kept in airtight jars away from light.

APPLICATIONS

The ground can be found saponins, coumarins and flavonoids. From a scientific standpoint, the plant is not very well studied, though popularity has long used as a diuretic and is also known to act on the inflammation and spasms of the urinary tract. This plant is known by the name of Stonebreaker, because it acts preventively against the formation of kidney stones and urinary sediment. Overall it is a plant for the smooth functioning of the urinary tract. As this plant does not appear in ancient texts, the earliest references date from the mid-sixteenth century. At first thought it had merit in the treatment of hernia, hence its name. Subsequently popularized its use to combat kidney stones and gravel, this application should suggest that the plant is always in the sand, except that its flowers are numerous grains in the tops of the plants. These similarities, although they may seem absurd today, have been very important throughout the history of medicine. Years ago, the only technology that existed was the observation and experimentation: observing the shapes, colors, smells, etc.. Plant, the old men of science granted certain properties to plants and a plant with kidney-shaped leaves was useful in kidney problems, a plant with heart-shaped flower was a good choice as a cardiotonic, etc.. There is no doubt that this method lacked scientific rigor, but in many cases this observation following an experiment, I did come up with remedies that still remain today.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. The plant in varying amounts, between 40 and 60 gr., Is added to a quart of boiling water and allow to cool sneaks. It can take several cups a day. This plant is frequently associated with other diuretic herbs to enhance their effect. In pharmacy it is easy to find either alone or mixed with others.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ranunculaceae
HABITAT: Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains
FLOWERING: January
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Hierba de la piedra
CATALAN: Trencapedra, romp-roca

USES

Strong diuretic, Mild Vulnerary, Mild inflammatory.