Acanthus (Acanthus mollis)

The acanthus is a giant herb of the family of Acanthaceae; has a funny way, elegant and harmonious. It has a beautiful large leaves together in a clump, with the tip curled down. Each kill gives rise to a long spike, erect and covered with small prickly leaves from whose axils leave flowers with pale yellow petals. It breeds in streams and shady areas, wet winter. In Spain it is relatively easy to find at any point, especially in the south-central of the country.

FLOWERING

It blooms from May, drying completely in summer. Then the rains is reborn and goes all winter vegetating. Interesting collection of the leaves should be collected and put to dry in the shade or drying, at temperatures not too high. From this family in our country only gives this species, making it difficult to go and get confused. Moreover, its beauty is very unique. Legend has it that the famous sculptor and architect of Corinth, Callimachus, was inspired by the acanthus plant when it created the Corinthian capital.

APPLICATIONS

The whole plant, from roots to flowers, secretes a viscous liquid emollient, astringent and detergent very effective. In fact, the composition of the plant is not known in depth. Is known to contain abundant mucilage, tannins, carbohydrates, minerals and a bitter principle. What is not in doubt is that this is a plant with emollient, that is, it has the ability to soften tissues and tumors. Are also attributed to other virtues as an astringent, antidiarrhoeal, expectorant. It is indicated for diarrhea, bronchitis, colds, liver problems and external use in stomatitis, pharyngitis, and vaginitis.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Boil 100 grams water with 10 g. acanthus leaves, and the resulting liquid strokes are performed on those parts of the mouth swollen. If you keep a little more boiling water and then filtered through a linen cloth, this preparation can be used as a gargle in cases of strep throat.
Infusion. Putting 1 g. roots and leaves in a cup of boiling water, you get an excellent astringent and healing of wounds. Washing should be done just before putting the bandage, and it is appropriate to repeat a couple times a day.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Acanthaceae
HABITAT: Coasts and Islands
FLOWERING: May and autumn
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Hierba gigante
CATALAN: Acant
BASQUE: Molo horrika
GALICIAN: Herba cepeira

USES

Emollient Moderate, Antidiarrheal Moderate, Mild Astringent.