MEDICINAL PLANTS

The verrucaria is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. Rarely reaches more than three feet high, is branched, with long branches from the base, and all of it is covered with small white hairs. The leaves are scattered, with the corners well developed, the flowers are small and grouped in clusters coupled to the top are curved, so a bit resembling the tail of a scorpion. It breeds on arable land and fallow, stubble, and in general almost uncultivated areas throughout the country.

FLOWERING

Flowers in summer, from June and continues throughout the season well into autumn. Collection of interest for medicinal purposes throughout the plant, from root to upper leaves. The leaves have a somewhat bitter taste, but easily masked. This plant is harvested when flowering, as it is at this point that more concentration in active ingredients have.

APPLICATIONS

Various authors, the root and the seeds of verrucaria have a curiously alkaloid also found in other species of this genus: we refer to cinoglosina, alkaloid in the cinoglosa-which is quite toxic if swallowed. Long ago this was called heliotropin alkaloid. There are other substances that have not been fully studied. This plant is widely used to combat multiple ailments. It is also used to stimulate bile secretion, ie as a choleretic, to induce menstruation and as a febrifuge, in short, was used for everything. But basically it was used in the treatment of warts in the form of poultice. Also-and always guided by the theory of the sign-on was applied to scorpion stings. In its time it was a plant which enjoyed great prestige, both attributed to him almost magical properties well, ensured that if a stem of this plant is drawing a circle around a snake, it would never kill him and for suffice to throw up some grass. Also, ensured that plugging an anthill with this herb has managed to annihilate every last ant. Of all these superstitions and is only legend. Today is only somewhat true that lowers fever and to some extent stimulates bile secretions. On its other multiple applications and it is best not to try them and come to safer remedies.

ADMINISTRATION

Poultice. With the plant can be cut properly prepare a poultice to apply in case of bites of scorpions and similar animals. The leaves may be applied directly to joints afflicted with gout and inflamed parts.
Infusion. Discharged 35 gr. Of the whole plant in 1 l. Boiling water, stopper five minutes and cool the same. This infusion is taken three cups, spacing takes between 4 and 6 hours.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Boraginaceae
HABITAT: Among vineyards and olive groves
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Verrugera, hierba borreguera
CATALAN: Mal gira-sol
BASQUE: Gireguzki
GALICIAN: Herba da disenteria

USES

Moderate Colerético, Moderate febrifuge, Mild Emenagogo.