Raspberry (Rubus idaens)

The raspberry is a shrub found mainly in mountain areas, in the Peninsula is located in the northern half, to a certain height above the sea level in the Pyrenees, across the Cantabrian mountains and occasionally in the central massif . His demeanor reminiscent of one plant related to her: blackberry, but with some features that make them easily distinguishable, as the presence of the raspberry thorns on the stem, which are of much smaller size and strength than the blackberry.

FLOWERING

The flowers of this shrub, with five petals and white, we can see during the months of May and June, the flowers, after fertilization and then matured, providing a reddish fruit, which releases the aroma and flavor. They shall be collected only when the fruit is fully ripe.

APPLICATIONS

The raspberry is commonly used as a diuretic due to the use of its leaves, which contain organic acids, flavonoids, pectin and tannin acts as a laxative used internally as pectin, in contact with liquid in the digestive tract, increases its volume and swells, thus producing a better intestinal transit leading to a better final evacuation, so it corrects constipation. Externally acts as an astringent and anti-inflammatory, it contains up to ten per cent of tannin in the leaves. The fruits are rich in vitamins, malic acid, oxalic, tartaric, essences and sugar, so it is used in the manufacture of flavoring and for preparation of refreshments and food supplements. In cases of vitamin deficiency such as scurvy (vitamin C) his employment is also very popular thanks to its high content of vitamin C.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction external use. 40 grams of leaves are added to a quart of boiling water, thus leaving it for ten minutes, after which they are removed from the heat, 12 minutes left in contact with this water, still warm, and added two grams of salt , the resulting liquid is used in gargles for the treatment of pharyngitis. Also can be used as a mouthwash, for treatment of cold sores and also to the eye wash in conjunctivitis cases.
Infusion. Three grams of leaves were added to 250 milliliters of water, previously boiled, leaving away from the fire for twelve minutes. For use as a diuretic can drink three cups a day is recommended in cases of oliguria, kidney stones and cystitis.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Rosaceae
HABITAT: Among slate or granitic rocks
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Leaves and fruit
CASTILIAN: Sangüeso
CATALAN: Gerdera
BASQUE: Mugurdi
GALICIAN: Framboeseira

USES

Strong diuretic, Moderate inflammatory, Mild laxative.