MEDICINAL PLANTS

The lesser burdock is an herb that takes two years to bloom. During the first year is only the root, which is quite thick, and leaves, which are at ground level. The fruits and flowers appear in the second year of flowering. You can reach two feet tall and its stem is covered with a thin layer of hairs. The leaves are of considerable size, like the corner that says, oval-shaped teeth on edge, although these occur irregularly. This plant grows in areas where there are human remains or animal character. It is a very common species and predominates in most of the country.

FLOWERING

The lesser burdock flowers in summer. From its abundant capitate branches arise, like along the stem. They are supported by rebar, and form clusters. The flower heads have a maximum of 2 cm. In diameter and occur within a very small flowers. From this plant the roots are harvested, but this operation must be performed before flowering, because otherwise the root loses all its virtues.

APPLICATIONS

Lesser burdock root contains inulin 19%, the main component. Burdock also has substance, palmitic acid, fitosterina and, as some recent studies, a hydrocarbon of 26 carbon atoms. Some studies were made on the composition of this plant denied all the virtues attributed to him. These include its ability to purify the blood and its healing potential against furunculosis and skin diseases. These properties have subsequently been tested by various specialists who have ratified the positive effects of the plant. Other uses that have been ascribed to this plant once referred to his power as a laxative, to combat sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, from burns and to treat joint problems. A pharmacist gave this plant the nickname "sanalotodo" given its power to heal any wounds.

ADMINISTRATION

Cook. You should use the newly harvested root, otherwise it loses its properties. They are boiled in a liter of water two ounces of root and a glass on rising and another at bedtime.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite tubulifloras
HABITAT: Land nitrogen
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Root, leaves and fruits
CASTILIAN: Lampazo, lapa
CATALAN: Bardana
BASQUE: Lapatin

USES

Antibiotic Moderate, Diuretic Moderate, Digestive Leve.