Ally itself (Alliaria officinalis)

Herbaceous plant that may reach two feet in height. It takes two years to produce their sexual organs, and then dies. The leaves are wide, with toothed edge. Its name comes from the strong smell of garlic which is obtained by simply pressing plant, but not to be confused with the latter. It is typically located in areas with gullies, fences, and generally any place where the presence of the sun is not excessive and always in the far north of the Iberian Peninsula.

FLOWERING

It blooms from April through June, depending on the height of their location. The flowers are small and white, composed of four petals arranged in a cross (hence the name of the family to which it belongs) and four sepals which, like its predecessors, are separated yes. The fruit is a dry pod size and elongated to reach maturity that opens by itself. Harvesting of the stems and leaves should be done just before flowering occurs, coinciding with the further development of those. The roots are collected to begin the second year, in April.

APPLICATIONS

This plant is stimulant, diuretic and antiscorbutic, and that its composition has a large amount of vitamin C, so its effect is greater when administered in the form of salads, uncooked or pre-heating as vitamin C, by heat, is degraded, releasing compounds that are inactive and therefore ineffective for any treatment. It has a aliicina essential oil, which is transformed by hydrolysis of allyl disulfide, acting as an antiseptic. Its diuretic effect is due to the presence of Fructan on the ground. Also used as an astringent skin for Encore, which produces a hardening effect of the same, which is partly prevents the formation of sores and even manage to produce a cure.

ADMINISTRATION

Juice of the plant. The plant juice extracted by expression is used on wounds, applying it with a pad, after a while healing occurs.
Solution. About one liter of boiled water add four tablespoons of juice from freshly obtained ally himself. From the resulting liquid can take small amounts throughout the day to get a diuretic and antiscorbutic.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Crucifer
HABITAT: Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Plant fresh
CASTILIAN: Hierba del ajo
CATALAN: Alliària
BASQUE: Baratxuri
GALICIAN: Erva-alheira

USES

Stimulant Moderate, Mild diuretic, Mild antiscorbutic.