MEDICINAL PLANTS

The common broom is a shrub from one to two meters tall, with infinite branches willowed, silky and tiny leaves at the apex that emerge quickly from the bush. Along the older branches of flower clusters are born very small and yellow, the fruits are round, hard cover and cornea and contain a large black seed inside. It breeds on the slopes and uncultivated places, by the Ebro basin from Navarre Tortosa-and Tagus, from Guadalajara to Portugal. It is also often found in the part of Andalusia.

FLOWERING

The common broom blooms between May and June. With regard to the collection for medicinal purposes we are concerned with branches and flowers, the calyx of the flowers is lipped: upper lip is divided into two triangular lobes and the lower three sharp little teeth and sides of the trails are bracts calyx. In collecting the data should be extremely careful not to spoil the rest of the plant so you can dispose of it the following year.

APPLICATIONS

In the bark and branches of the common broom is an alkaloid called Retamino found at a concentration of 0.4%. As another alkaloid called paquicarpina that is, in fact, d-sparteine, structurally related to previous drug. The action of this plant and, above all, of sparteine on the heart has been much discussed since it has led to very mixed results. Yes, however a proven diuretic properties of the flowers they are also attributed laxative properties, although in Spain this property is not allowed. This is a very common plant on our land and it seems that the pilgrims from France and Germany stood in his way to collect this plant. It has long been used as a remedy for many diseases but later fell into disuse.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. To achieve the diuretic indicated boil a liter of water, adding about her 25 gr. Dried flowers. This infusion can take 2 to 4 cups per day. The flowers should get one at a time when newly opened discarding those that have withered petals. The holding should be fast drying, after drying, its beautiful yellow color.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Legumes
HABITAT: In Cuenca del Ebro, the Tagus and the Douro
FLOWERING: May and June
PART USED: Branches and flowers
CASTILIAN: Retama montesina
CATALAN: Ginestera vimenera, ginesta

USES

Strong diuretic, Laxative Moderate, Cardiotonic Moderate.