MEDICINAL PLANTS

Higueruela strain is a perennial plant with stems that can reach sometimes up to three feet high. In spring these stalks are renewed and harden, they have few leaves, often stained with dark hair and small white, almost always directed upwards. The leaves are held by a nipple so long as they do. The flowers are violet blue and gathered at the end of a rebar, striatum, hairy like the stem and much longer than the leaf. It breeds on the slopes and uncultivated land across the country, especially in the lowlands, although it can soar up to 1000 m. High.

FLOWERING

Higueruela begins to flower in April, continuing to bloom throughout the spring and summer party. Harvesting for medicinal purposes mainly interested the leaves, which are due to start very carefully to avoid damaging the stem. These leaves have a flavor reminiscent of green beans, slightly bitter and unpalatable. It should make for fast dry, once dried, store them in airtight jars.

APPLICATIONS

Higueruela contains essence of psoralen, which has the peculiarity of remaining in an almost solid at ordinary temperatures. It also contains other substances, but less medical interest. As for his virtues, one can say that formerly were attributed to many, too many for it actually has. However, now seems to have forgotten, judging by the few applications that are being recognized. Is generally used as vulnerary, ie, healing sores and wounds. Has also been used as an astringent on wounds and sores. But the market may find many other species with similar virtues and most active, so not worth very focused on her. At the same leguminous species there are multiple vulnerary and healing effects more marked.

ADMINISTRATION

cooking. The best way to extract the virtues of this plant is to prepare a decoction from the leaves. To do so, add a handful of leaves to 1 / 2 l. Boiling water and cook for a while. Then let it cool a bit and is applied as compresses on the affected part. This remedy has also been used to cushion pain snakebites.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Legumes
HABITAT: Uncultivated land
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Trébol hediondo
CATALAN: Cabruna
BASQUE: Okotz bedarr

USES

Moderate Vulnerary, Healing Light, Mild Astringent.