MEDICINAL PLANTS

The sea cress is an herb belonging to the family of crucifers. Rarely reaches more than 3 feet high, leaving the branches lying on the floor. The flowers form clusters on long sumidad of twigs and are quite small. The fruits are also very small, elliptical in shape, topped by a small peak. One grows in dry rocky areas near shore, missing in many inland areas and the Cantabrian cornice.

FLOWERING

The cress maritime features take forever flowers, hence its name Catalan semper-in-bloom, so it is easy to recognize among other species. Collection mainly interested in flowers, although you can use almost all of the plant. For this we must wait until you are in the maximum period of flowering, when the highest concentration in active ingredients have. One must choose healthy plants that once collected should be dried quickly, you have to keep them in bags of material in a dry place and protected from light.

APPLICATIONS

The composition of sea cress is totally unknown. In folk medicine are attributed to properties related to the urinary tract. In principle it is considered a diuretic plant with excellent qualities, for causing an abundant urination. It is therefore highly recommended to dissolve small stones. The ancients used to prescribe a lot to people with all types of urinary problems. According to some authors, in Catalonia were used flowering tops of this plant to fight gonorrhea. No doubt this virtue was attributed to their properties on the urinary system, so closely related to the genital tract. But this property soon fell into oblivion, it was found that was of questionable effectiveness.

ADMINISTRATION

Tisane. It is the general form of administration of this herb. For the preparation take about 30 g. Grass, previously dried, add 1 l. Boiling water and immediately withdraw from the fire. It can be taken warm or cold, sweetened to taste of each. No special requirements regarding the amount to take. There are no known toxic effects on the plant. In any case we must remember that no medicine should be taken without consulting your doctor.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Crucifer
HABITAT: Sandy soils near the coast
FLOWERING: Most of the year
PART USED: Whole plant
CATALAN: Miramar, herba blanca

USES

Strong diuretic, Moderate remove kidney stones.