Epitimo (Dodder epithymum)

It is a plant that is not green (no chlorophyll), nor has leaves, has a very thin stem, variable in color ranging from red to blond. It develops over other plants, of which absorbs its sap and through which manages to survive, because by not possess chlorophyll can not develop independently. The stems produce a series of tangles which capture literally the plant on which they grow, including inside the plant and generating a series of sucking organs. Its habitat is more suitable as thyme, lavender, rosemary ... although it can develop on almost any plant and are well distributed throughout the country.

FLOWERING

It blooms in spring and summer. The flowers are small, white or pinkish, and spherical cluster, are particularly small size, have fewer than 10 millimeters in diameter. The seeds are also very small and must be established quickly in the area conducive for germination, otherwise it will never do for lack of reservations.

APPLICATIONS

Contains cuscutina and tannin, and resin compound has a large amount of anthracene. The whole gives carminative properties, cholagogue, choleretic, laxative and mildly sedative, so its use is indicated for biliary dyskinesias, bloating and constipation. It also has anthraquinone derivatives which are responsible for their use is contraindicated in individuals with hemorrhoidal processes. The cuscutina is a glucoside, amorphous, insoluble in cold water but soluble in boiling water, making it possible to extract through the preparation of infusions.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Three grams of whole plant, not including the organs of the host plant-are added to three hundred milliliters of boiled water, leaving sections of the fire for three minutes this way, and after filtering, can be prepared up to three cups a day to be taken before meals to enhance their action and colagoga choleretic.
Fluid extract. It will take 300 milligrams a day dissolved in half a glass of water to achieve a sedative and laxative.
Capsules. They contain 100 milligrams of plant extract, taken before meals for the output of bile from the gallbladder and extrahepatic canaliculi, also stimulate bile production.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Cuscutaceas
HABITAT: About the thyme, savory
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Whole plant hosts without organs
CASTILIAN: Cabellos de tomillo
CATALAN: Cabell de´ àngel
BASQUE: Kuskula
GALICIAN: Linho-de-cuco

USES

Fort Carminative, Laxative Moderate, Mild sedative.