MEDICINAL PLANTS

The rock forms a small polígala woody vine with a root that penetrates into the cracks of the rocks; of this root sprout many branches hard and short, which are filled with narrow, pointed leaves, supported by a corner so short that it passes unnoticed. The flowers are borne in short axillary clusters, often reduced to one or two flowers pale green. The fruit is a capsule flattened. The plant has a bitter grassy flavor soon. This shrub grows in cracks in rocks and on rocky hillsides, mainly on limestone soils of eastern-and southern Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.

FLOWERING

Flowers usually from March, in sheltered places and oriented toward the south. This flowering continues throughout the spring. Harvesting for medicinal purposes concern the rhizome and root, although in some places also used the branches and leaves. To take maximum advantage of the active ingredients of this plant should not wait for ages, it quickly loses its therapeutic value.

APPLICATIONS

The root of this species contains saponins in concentrations high enough so they could be used in medicine. If the root is ground in a mortar and mixed with water, the water takes on the appearance of whey, and if this water then stir in a bottle, are taking a lot of foam. This test is indicative of the presence of saponins in the root. The saponins present in the root of this tree give it a very strong expectorant action, namely to help clear mucus and thinning the respiratory tree. It is useful to distinguish between an expectorant and mucolytic: the first activates the body's natural mechanisms to remove mucus, the second group is made up of substances which have the ability to reduce the thickness of the mucus, making it more liquid and therefore more easily removed. Are also attributed to diuretic and anti-inflammatory actions, although less marked than its expectorant effect.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Productive cough, which is what is associated with abundant expectoration. Used by 5 g. Root per 100 cc. Water. The tea can be sweetened to taste each and take three or four cups a day.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Poligalaceas
HABITAT: Rocky hillsides
FLOWERING: March
PART USED: Rhizome and root
CASTILIAN: Polígala

USES

Fort Expectorant, Diuretic Moderate, Mild inflammatory.