MEDICINAL PLANTS

The fig is a fruit tree of the Moraceae family. This is a very tall tree but not quite considerable width, branched, with bark light gray tint. The leaves are large, so slap or cordate and rough to the touch, dark green on top and paler on the underside. The flowers are very small and barely visible, therefore, that we used to think that this tree never blossomed. What is generally known as a fruit, the fig is actually a fleshy receptacle whose real name is Sicon. As a tree grows fruit in the orchards. The best figs are found in very deep soil and groundwater, but with dry air and sunny.

FLOWERING

It blooms from spring through fall, depending on the area where you are. Interested in harvesting fruit. Contrary to popular belief, the fruit is not the Sicon or fig, but each Sicon contains within itself a number of tiny berries, very firm, which actually are the real benefits. There are many common fig varieties are distinguished mainly by shape, color and size of their figs. Depending on the variety concerned, the collection will take place at different times, though current figs are usually collected in autumn.

APPLICATIONS

Figs contain abundant sugars mainly glucose and fructose also iron salts, calcium, manganese, bromine, and many vitamins. Sicon green leaves and have a white latex, it contains a mixture of proteolytic enzymes, with actions that we shall see. The leaves have compounds called furocoumarins. In antiquity, the fig and fig were attributed many virtues, of which some still remain. In principle is considered a high-energy food for its rich vitamin and mineral composition. It is also a good laxative property and discovered that the Egyptians over three thousand years. Another virtue widely accepted in popular medicine refers to is soothing and chest, especially to soften the cough. The ficin, one of the enzymes found in the latex, it provides anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It is a remedy indicated in constipation, colds, sore throat, gastrointestinal irritation and local inflammation such as gingivitis, pharyngitis, abscesses, boils and burns. Be careful with the leaves as they may cause contact dermatitis.

ADMINISTRATION

Mouthwash. Boil for 20 minutes about 25 g. Dried figs, chopped previously. Add a tablespoon of honey, we filter and rinsing is done with the hot liquid.
Fruit dry. Figs, once dried, can be taken into jam or jam to benefit from its laxative effects.
Latex. The latex of the leaves has been used extensively to combat warts, but you have to rub them every day and be very patient. Besides the surrounding areas should be protected with Vaseline.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Moraceae
HABITAT: Deep soils with plenty of water
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Fruit
CATALAN: Figuera
BASQUE: Phikotze
GALICIAN: Figueira

USES

Laxative Moderate, Balsamic Moderate, Mild Emollient.