MEDICINAL PLANTS

Known especially among children by the peculiar flavor of its roots, this plant is grown in areas close to rivers and is characterized by leaves imparipinnate, ie that each leaf is divided three to eight pairs of leaves, with a single odd at the apex. They have a certain bitterness. The flowers are in clusters that arise from leaf axils. The fruit is a pod that seems flat, hairless, and within which there are at least two seeds. It can also reproduce asexually.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs during the months of May and June. Harvesting of the roots takes place in October, but select only those whose thickness is greater than six millimeters, so as not to end the existence of the plant itself and gain root over a meter long. Drying takes place in the shadows and proceeds to its storage in containers other than plastic.

APPLICATIONS

The root contains large amounts of sugars-about 35% - and saponins, which are substances that can cause foam to a greater or lesser amount, such as glycyrrhizin, found in a ratio of 5%. For the sweet taste is often used as a sweetener, but should be administered with caution, as high consumption of the root can cause the onset of edema and even cause hypertension. It is a good expectorant, capable of softening the bronchial secretions, it is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, so it is very appropriate in the treatment of gastritis, dyspepsia and bloating, while improvement of ulcer cases.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Is prepared using one liter of water to which are added 45 grams of roots, leaving it boil for 7 minutes, and you can drink for two days.
Maceration. They contact 50 grams of root with a liter of water, letting it stand for at least five hours, so that the water dissolves the active ingredients and incorporate them, can be distributed amongst four days. Also used for dysmenorrhea.
Root powder. Up to ten grams to divide into three portions each day.
Infusion. Freshly boiled water incorporates 50 grams of root, leaving it to stand for 15 minutes, the resulting water is applied as compresses or baths as anti-inflammatory or antibacterial eye. Also used in gastric ulcers and heartburn.
Decoction. A 100 grams of boiling water add 20 grams of licorice root, letting it boil for at least 25 minutes. The liquid obtained is used as mouthwashes, rinses and in wound care.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Legumes
HABITAT: Mediterranean
FLOWERING: May, June and July.
PART USED: Following the third year
CASTILIAN: Paloduz
CATALAN: Regalíssia
BASQUE: Gotxerro
GALICIAN: Alcaçuz

USES

Fort Expectorant, Moderate Sweetener, Digestive Moderate.