MEDICINAL PLANTS

It is a plant that is widely distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, especially in areas of scrub, for its preferred development land not limestone and a height above the sea level to 3000 meters. It has a vibrant life cycle: disappears in the winter and then sprout in the spring with new shoots, which can reach up to half a meter in height. The stem is straight, has a cylindrical section and has no villi, usually no divisions, only the top and to maintain a bouquet of yellow florets. Depart from these stalks and leaves and oval alternate disposition.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs in summer when flower clusters provides a chapter in yellow, the flowers are tubular-shaped interior, while the external ligule possess. In general they are very fragrant. Harvesting is done in the flowering season, for the employed is the sumidad florida; is necessary to dry the sample protected from the direct heat of the sun, keeping the temperature rises over 35 grados CelsiusC.

APPLICATIONS

Is rich in tannins catechists of around 15% of the total weight, which act as astringents and anti-inflammatory when applied on eczema, wounds or skin ulcerations. It also contains phenolic acids such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid, which provide antiseptic activity. Flavonoids also has an action seeking phlebotonics venotonic and therefore used in people suffering from varicose veins, haemorrhoids and capillary fragility. It also contains saponins, which are what give it its most important effect as a diuretic, so it is used in cases of nephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, edema, oliguria and even obesity problems. In the leaves has located a sedative and hypotensive effect, and therefore they are used to relieve anxiety and control hypertension.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Are added 35 grams of florida sumidad a liter of water, letting it boil for two minutes, after which let it rest another ten minutes. Then filtered, and the resulting liquid can be drunk throughout the day to get a diuretic effect.
Infusion of leaves. The addition of two grams to a quart of water and boiled, leaving it in contact for ten minutes, you get a fluid that can take half an hour before bedtime to reduce anxiety.
Macerado. Are added 40 grams of florida sumidad a liter of cold water, leaving it in contact for twelve hours, after which filters through expression thus obtained a liquid used to soak towels or perform washing of wounds and skin ulcers; and improvement occurs due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite tubulifloras
HABITAT: Non-calcareous mountains
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Sumidad flowers and leaves
CATALAN: Vara d´or
GALICIAN: Vara-de-ouro

USES

Diuretic Moderate, Moderate inflammatory, Mild antiseptic.