Alchemilla alpina (Alchemilla alpina)

The Alchemilla alpina is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. Its leaves are broken into several segments, usually 5 or 7, leading to your heart. They have a dark green and are completely smooth, without hair on its upper surface while on the back are covered with a fine hair that is well distributed throughout the leaf, forming a uniform layer that makes them shine. It is a plant rather thin. It grows on granite or slate rocks of the Pyrenees and is also found in other mountains of the peninsula.

FLOWERING

The flowering of this plant occurs in June, July and part of August. In recent months his collection is performed, taking advantage of the plant has already bloomed or are about to do. It is usually collected as the whole plant can be used throughout.

APPLICATIONS

It contains tannic substances and is widely used against intestinal inflammation. Its effect is to reduce inflammation in the gut largely relieving sore belly. This relief is due to their astringent and analgesic and especially to inflammatory bowel condition. The name of this plant comes from the frequent use of it were the alchemists, great observers of nature in their continuous search for the so-called philosopher's stone. This species tends to accumulate because of water droplets in the center of its leaves, which come from rain or dew. As the sun rose, the drops sparkle accumulated a lot, which led to the alchemists would notice it and start using distilled water. This plant is also good for animals, then successful cure gastrointestinal upset and, in particular, enteritis with cramping normally produced by the ingestion of noxious weeds. Despite these properties, past the shepherds their flocks avoided ingesting these plants when they were still wet, because they thought they could inflame the stomach of animals, just let them do it when they were totally dry.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. It puts water on to boil with a sprig of this plant and take when it is still hot. Must be consumed 2 times a day and take avoiding sugar, as this is not recommended for intestinal disorders. If your taste is not pleasant, can be supplemented with some mint leaves or marialuisa.
Cook. It is cooked for 5 or 10 minutes in water and then taken 3 times daily before meals.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Rosaceae.
HABITAT: Crags of the Pyrenees
FLOWERING: June, July and August
PART USED: Whole plant
CATALAN: Herba desinflamatòria

USES

Moderate inflammatory, Mild Analgesics, Mild Astringent.