MEDICINAL PLANTS

Perennial plant that develops from a rhizome running through the shallow subsurface and to share a stem with flowers that can reach up to thirty centimeters tall. After flowering occur, develop into large leaves its base, in addition to their size, stand out because their surfaces have a number of white patches of irregular arrangement and size. The leaves stem parts are smaller, but keep these spots features.

FLOWERING

It blooms between March and May. The flowers are arranged on top of the stem, are tubular and of a reddish color that can reach up to acquire a blue hue. Harvesting is done in the summer, when the plant is collected, both the stem and leaves, breaking it into fine pieces and carrying out its drying both the shadow and the sun, and it is always best done in the shortest time possible.

APPLICATIONS

Is rich in tannins, the proportion, in some cases exceeds 10%, which gives it astringent properties. Also important is the amount of mucilage which contains well as that of allantoin, as they are responsible for their emollient character. But mainly employed in the treatment of respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, cough ..., hence derives its name, popular and scientific. These properties are due to a saponin which acts liquefy mucus and thus facilitating expectoration. But despite this saponin is still discussing its use as they may appear improvements, which complete cure is difficult to see, which is why today's employment pulmonaria is well into disuse and is preferred to use other plants recognized merits and virtues of these diseases. It also contains silicic acid, which is soluble and whose proportion in the plant increases from April, reaching its zenith during the month of August, coinciding with the harvest time. Pulmonaria ashes contain potassium and calcium salts.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Add 20 grams of leaves and stems of the plant dried previously, bringing the temperature to boiling. This temperature will be maintained for five minutes, after which there will be a filter, the resulting liquid can be administered in three or four doses throughout the day. This will get relieve cough and treat respiratory infections.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Boraginaceae
HABITAT: Forests of the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Whole plant
CATALAN: Pulmonària
BASQUE: Biribedarr
GALICIAN: Pulmonária

USES

Balsamic Moderate, Healing Moderate, Mild Astringent.