MEDICINAL PLANTS

The spurge is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. If ground conditions allow, can reach one meter in height. It has a fleshy stem, and with simple leaves arranged opposite each other, both the leaves and stems are entirely hairless. The stem branches only when it goes to flower and it does so forked. The fruit has depressed globular form is divided into three coconuts through grooves, each nutsedge is divided into two parts. When the fruit matures, it shrinks, wrinkles and takes a dark color. One grows everywhere and usually close to man. In some cases found teasel in pots, not knowing how they could get there.

FLOWERING

The spurge blooms in spring and early summer. The question that concerns for medicinal purposes is the seed, though the leaves are also some properties, as we now see.

APPLICATIONS

In castor seeds are up to 50% oil, which is removed is a resin which has laxative properties. This plant, along with others that have a dual-emetic, purgative effect is applied a slogan that reads: if you tear the leaves by pulling them down, act as a purgative, but if they stretch up, vomit . This is no less a legend, but what is certain in any case is that it is a toxic plant whose use is discouraged. Today it has plants with similar effects and better controlled, in addition, as we have repeated in other tabs, the use of laxatives and purgatives should be very restricted, since all that is achieved in the long run damage the intestine. If above the ground is likely to induce vomiting, it is clear that their use should be minimal, if at all.

ADMINISTRATION

In the sixteenth century, when the use of this plant was in full swing, the most common way of consumption was directly take the same seed. Depending on the patient's age and weight, were taken more or less seeds. Today we insist that their use is not recommended and therefore not detail any form of administration.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae
HABITAT: Around the villages
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Seeds
CASTILIAN: Catapucia menor
CATALAN: Cagamuja
BASQUE: Satorr-bedarr
GALICIAN: Herba rateira

USES

Strong Laxative, Moderately Toxic, Moderate Emetic.