MEDICINAL PLANTS

Plant it in the first year only develops the share of the roots and the lower part of the plant itself. The second year of life emerge the stem, flowers and fruit, can grow to at this time to a meter high. The leaves are large, so are their petioles, oval, covered with hairs and with wavy edges on it. The portion of the underside has a whiter shade than the corresponding beam. The leaves are all the same features, but as we ascend its size is reduced.

FLOWERING

Flowers in summer, when he presents a red-purple flowers. Being a plant included in the family compound, the flowers are grouped in chapters, which are all tubular. The involucre consists of a series of bracts long, surmounted by a long, hooked tip. The fruit is an achene, which has a short pappus. To proceed to the collection should be expected to spring the second year of cultivation before harvesting occurs, then the collection is made from the roots, which thus retain all their virtues. The process must be done carefully to avoid breakage, after which comes the washing with water and then run cuts which is a series of pieces that will be dried as soon as possible, preferably in the sun or better in an oven provided the temperature does not exceed 70 grados CelsiusC.

APPLICATIONS

The roots contain unsaturated compounds such as polyenes, and phytohemagglutinin tannins that give it antibacterial and antifungal properties, the most characteristic of this plant and it is used on wounds, furunculosis, acne, abscesses and ulcerations torpid. Apart presents hypoglycemic properties, astringent and diuretic, so its use is also recommended in diabetes, biliary dyskinesia, gout, rheumatism ...

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Are added 30 grams of the root on a liter of boiled water, leaving it in these conditions for at least ten minutes. The liquid obtained after filtration can be taken divided into up to three cups a day.
Root powder. It can be taken at three grams per day to achieve their effects and anti-infectives.
Oil Burdock. It can be applied directly onto the scalp to combat dandruff or for the collection of ointments applied to skin wounds or ulcers, thus securing its healing.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite tubulifloras
HABITAT: Nitrogen-rich land
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Root, leaves and fruits.
CASTILIAN: Bardana
CATALAN: Repalada
BASQUE: Lapatz
GALICIAN: Bardana-maior

USES

Moderate hypoglycemic, Mild Astringent, Mild Antibacterial.