MEDICINAL PLANTS

The tamarisk is not usually exceed the size of a shrub, but sometimes grows a lot and is a large tree whose trunk is surrounded by a rough bark. The check sheets are thin, narrow, resembling those of the cypress. The flowers are at the ends of the stems, long held by Kabyle; are quite small, bright red outside and white inside. It breeds on the banks of rivers and streams, all the better if they pass through clay, limestone and more or less saline.

FLOWERING

It blooms throughout the spring and summer, heavily dependent on moisture. Are collected for medicinal use branches and bark. This bark is ash-colored, slightly more red in the branches. It is important to start trying not to damage the bush, but if not next year we can not get more crust. In general, the collection process should be done very carefully because the damage that often take place causing irreparable damage to the flora.

APPLICATIONS

The tamarisk is an astringent plant, since its composition are many tanning substances. Tannins are astringent flavor aromatics, which color and tanned skin. They are usually soluble in water and precipitate heavy metals, hence often used as antidotes after intoxication. Since ancient times knew the properties of this shrub. Although also have attributed other virtues, the surest is its use in diarrhea of any etiology. But remember, before decomposition, the use of herbs should not replace a doctor's visit, especially if diarrhea occurs in children or the elderly and also in summer. The most important thing to consider is to replace the fluids lost salts and minerals. If the doctor prescribes then administer some astringent infusion, then you can take without danger not only this plant but many of them have in our armamentarium.

ADMINISTRATION

cooking. Twigs are usually used, with small leaves, bark, or more frequently. With either of the two sides prepare the decoction boiling for 20 min. A piece of about 30 g. Weight (slightly less if the plant has been previously dried) in 1l. Water. It should drink several cups a day until the diarrhea has stopped. It is best not to sweeten the preparation.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Tamaricaceas
HABITAT: Banks of rivers and streams
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Branches and bark
CASTILIAN: Tamarisco
CATALAN: Tamarisc
BASQUE: Millazki
GALICIAN: Tamargueira

USES

Astringency, Antidiarrheal Moderate, Healing Light.