MEDICINAL PLANTS

This shrub can reach a meter high. Their stems and branches have a characteristic color, brown with reddish tones. They are very fuzzy, but the coat hairs are so fine and short that it is difficult to appreciate at a glance. The leaves are very numerous, they are distributed around the entire plant. Its shape is lanceolate, and unlike the stems do not have hair, for the undersides are spotted with numerous white spots. The spurge laurel is native to southern Europe and the Near East. It breeds on the banks of rivers and streams, in thickets and low-elevation mountains. Can be found anywhere on the Peninsula.

FLOWERING

The flowers are borne on the end of the branches, forming beautiful white bouquets at the end. Your cup is formed by a single tube-shaped piece that is divided into four lobes and contains stamens inside. Flowers during the summer and continues into autumn, even after they have appeared and ripened fruits. The fruits are red berries, with one very small bone. The parts used are the leaves and bark, although in some places are also included because of the flowers that give off pleasant aroma. The bark is harvested in summer and is very easy to obtain, as can be easily separated from the woody portion. It should be stored in a cool and dark to dry quickly. The leaves are also collected, but are less active than the crust.

APPLICATIONS

The main component of this plant is a very active resin which is in greater proportion in the cortex. This plant is considered a very effective laxative. But be very careful with it because it is very dangerous should not be taken ever. The cortex is the part that produces these effects more dramatically. It can also be used externally, but in this case is just as dangerous when used internally. If applied as a plaster or poultice, inflames the skin producing blisters after several days. Therefore, this plant should not be used ever, neither external nor internal due to its great danger.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. He begins to boil the amount of a cup of water and lie 0.25 grams of powdered bark. It is very effective against constipation, but should not be ingested by the extreme danger.
Poultice. Place the crust to soften, leaving it in water for 10 hours or for half an hour in vinegar is applied to the affected body area. It is likely that blisters and therefore not recommended.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Timeleaceas
HABITAT: Torrents and bushes
FLOWERING: Summer and autumn
PART USED: Bark
CASTILIAN: Torbisco, torvisco
CATALAN: Tei, tintorell
BASQUE: Torbisko
GALICIAN: Trovisco

USES

Toxic Strong, Strong Laxative, Moderate Vesicant.