MEDICINAL PLANTS

It is a typical climbing plant that can rise many meters above ground and climb almost any surface, such as trees, rocks, walls ... Its origin is Mediterranean and Central Europe. The leaf is glossy and matte by the beam on the underside. It has two types of branches, some fertile and other infertile, which are easily distinguished by the shape of its leaves. The sterile leaves are lobed with three or five lobes and a central nerve that goes so far as each of them, for their part, the fertile branches are oval leaves, with a single central nerve and can not climb much. The fruit, poisonous, is rounded and small, with a dark blue hue, almost black.

FLOWERING

The appearance of the flowers greenish-yellow color occurs in August, September and October, obviously only in the fertile branches. They are arranged in umbel shape, although it should be clear that does not belong to the family of the Umbelliferae. The collection of leaves and stalk can be made at any time of year, although it is more advisable to do before flowering.

APPLICATIONS

The fruit is poisonous because it bears a hemolytic substance that destroys red blood cells, leading to bloody diarrhea, catharsis, nervous disorders and pale, so should never be given orally. The leaves and stems have tannins and salts, making them very useful in healing of wounds, sores and varicose ulcers. They also contain saponins, with vasoconstrictor action, making them potentially active in the treatment of varicose veins, cellulite ... The ederina, one of its components, is the main cause of toxicity in the ivy, so its use should be avoided, and only under strict prescription-free in no case exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor to be administered orally.

ADMINISTRATION

Is basically a topical level, but also can be applied orally at very low doses and in preparations made by qualified personnel. Used externally as a component in the preparation of ointments, soaps ... To reduce the accumulated fat under the skin in cases of cellulite and slimming treatments.
Decoction. Prepare a quart of water boiling, which added 200 grams of leaves and stems peeled, maintaining this temperature ten minutes once cold, filtered, and used the liquid thus obtained compresses applied in wounds , ulcers and any injuries to its rapid healing. Popularly leaves were used as keratolytic marinated in vinegar, because they are very effective in removing calluses.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Araliaceae
HABITAT: Central Europe and Mediterranean
FLOWERING: End of Summer and Autumn
PART USED: Leaf and stem
CATALAN: Hedra
BASQUE: Untzi
GALICIAN: Heradeira

USES

Healing Moderate, Moderately Toxic, Mild Analgesics.