Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)

The Latin name of this herb comes from the Greek "anagalein" which means "laughing hard" it is said that chickens who eat it then sing euphorically and hence the Greek name, which figuratively means to sing. It's not really a plant that is enjoyable, but rather it is a fairly toxic, as we shall see. Regarding its morphology, is an annual plant and creeping stem. The leaves are opposite and ovate shaped, at meetings of leaves with flower stems emerge one by one, without forming bouquet. The fruit is a round capsule with thin cover. Its habitat, are cultivated and uncultivated fields of almost the entire peninsula.

FLOWERING

It blooms from February in the southern coasts of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, extending throughout the summer in cooler lands. Collection of all flowering plant care, which should be collected in August, when most flowering. The flowers are solitary and are available at the end of a long stalk. It is important not to confuse them with the flowers of other species because, as discussed above, this is a very toxic herb and can provide more of a problem if accidentally swallowed.

APPLICATIONS

The pimpernel contains two glycosides that produce intense skin inflammations, particularly on mucous membranes. We have also found the ferment primaverasa so common in the family of the Primulaceae. Both roots and stems, leaves and flowers, have hemolytic properties more or less severe. This property is due to the presence of saponins that, in addition to this action, are irritating to the digestive and respiratory mucosa. It is therefore a highly toxic plant via internal. Its use is recommended only topically in certain fungal infections, superficial ulcers and viral infections such shingles. Administered at high doses produces tremor, diarrhea, and a strong diuresis.

ADMINISTRATION

Juice of the plant. From the fresh plant juice can be extracted from it, which is applied topically to wounds and superficial wounds. Also prepare a poultice with a gauze folded several times and managed the same way. There are several preparations of scarlet pimpernel, but all external use, do not forget that domestic inland can cause serious trouble.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Primulaceae
HABITAT: In the fallow
FLOWERING: February
PART USED: Flowering plant
CASTILIAN: Anagálide, hierba coral
CATALAN: Moragues
BASQUE: Amorrubedarr
GALICIAN: Herba-do-garrotillo

USES

Diuretic Moderate, Moderate antifungal, Mild sedative.