MEDICINAL PLANTS

The rhododendron is a bush or shrub belonging to the family of Ericaceae. Rarely reaches a great height, but is often branching and tortuous branches, the leaves oval or lanceolate, narrowed inferiorly and supported by short stalks. The flowers are fairly large check and are grouped in terminal clusters. The fruit is an oblong capsule. It breeds in the hills and slopes of the Pyrenees area, generally between 1000 and 2500 meters. You can also find in some parks and gardens as an ornamental.

FLOWERING

Flowers from June. In some areas of Catalonia, the rhododendron is called "Pentecost," meaning that blooms at Pentecost. Interesting collection of flowers, leaves and grit. Both flowers and leaves should be put out to dry just harvested, preferably drying at temperatures not too high.

APPLICATIONS

The leaves of rhododendron and ericolina contain arbutin. Rodoxantina Also, resin, glucose, andromedotoxina and some flavonoids. Regarding the grit that forms on the leaves of this shrub, produced by a microscopic fungus, contain an oil fitosterinas condos. When allowed to dry, give a fifth of its weight in glucose, with varying amounts of other sugars and tanning materials. In folk medicine the leaves are feared as sudorific and diuretic, used primarily to alleviate the effects of rheumatism and gout. Lately also thought to have properties hipoensoras. Although it is a widely used and known species, especially in the area of the Alps "is a toxic plant that can cause unpleasant symptoms to an inexperienced user. Indeed, the composition of this plant is present an alcohol, at high doses, hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory depression, this results in diarrhea and vomiting, accompanied by a state of stupor, as if it were a narcotic substance . People who knows her well knows how to use it to avoid these side effects, but if the user is a little freshman, you may lose the desire to re-experience with nature. So if you are unsure of what you do, you should wait and ask the most learned staff.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. From the leaves and flowers. It is recommended to use it only externally. Boil for 15 minutes about 50 gr. Rhododendron in a liter of water. Is applied as compresses, lotions or baths.
Marmot oil. He named the product resulting from the guts of this marinate in olive oil plant for a long time. With this oil, in the form of friction on the body, effectively fighting rheumatism.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ericaceae
HABITAT: In siliceous rocks of the Pyrenees
FLOWERING: June
PART USED: Leaves, flowers and guts
CASTILIAN: Bujo
CATALAN: Neret, talabard

USES

Strong anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic Strong, Mild diuretic.