MEDICINAL PLANTS

La Jara, if developed in good condition, is a tall shrub, belonging to the family of Cistaceae. The leaves are facing, shaped iron spear, perhaps a little more narrow. One can distinguish the young leaves of the former by the more lustrous green of the first gray-green against the latter. The floriferous stem appears on the tops of the branches. The flower is very large, almost pure white. As the fruit is a globose capsule divided into ten compartments. One grows on slopes and hills of land without lime, from sea level to over 1000 m. High.

FLOWERING

The jara flowers from April to June. Collection of interest for therapeutic purposes leaves and the oleoresin extracted from the tops. It is a toxic plant whose management should be left to specialists. To collect the tops of the jara should wait until it is about to bloom, ie in April and May. The glutinous matter extracted from these tops is called l�dan. In some parts of Extremadura produces a substance called "honey of rock 'taken directly from the older branches. This substance is in the form of white flakes, which then become darker in contact with air. Its consistency is much like honey, hence its name.

APPLICATIONS

The l�dan obtained from the rock rose is a doughy mass, hardened, which is easily softened by heat. Consists mainly of a resin, which can be obtained up to 1% of Ladan essence. This essence is a beautiful golden yellow color and gives off an intense smell of amber. If left undisturbed for a few months are formed in the bottom few crystals that may represent up to 25% of its dry weight. Can also be obtained directly distilled essence of rock fresh leaves. This essence is rich in a substance called ladaniol and various complex esters. L�dan is considered to have various pharmacological actions, including, notably: a nervous system sedative action, action and other antigastrálgica revolting. Thus is indicated for gastritis, duodenal ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. But this resin is highly toxic, so that no should never be left in inexperienced hands.

ADMINISTRATION

Internal use. You can make a tea with a pinch Ladan added to a cup of boiling water. It takes a rate of three cups a day, after meals.
External Use: crushed plant is applied as a poultice.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Cistaceae
HABITAT: Foothills land without lime
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Leaves and oleoresin
CASTILIAN: Jara del ládano
CATALAN: Estepa del làdan

USES

Toxic Fort Oleoresin, Fort revulsive, Fort Antigastrálgico.