Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris)

The thistle is an herb belonging to the family of zigofiláceas. It is characterized mainly by dragging its branches on the ground, which can reach up to one meter in length. The leaves are opposite and are composed of five to eight pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and the nut. It is a plant so hairy that sometimes takes a white appearance. One grows in roadsides, areas much rubbish and generally uncultivated sites throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

FLOWERING

The thistle flowers in spring and summer, roughly from mid-April. Therapeutic purposes aerial parts are collected, what must be done when the fruits have ripened.

APPLICATIONS

The fruits contain a substance of glycoside nature, not yet well defined. Furthermore, we find the whole plant steroidal saponins. The remaining components of this herb is not known at the moment, but neither interested in learning more, as this plant can be toxic at doses half by the presence of saponins that we mentioned before, so its management must be very controlled and we must also remember that should be prescribed at low doses. Tribulus is popularly used as a mild analgesic, diuretic and spasmolytic via internal and external route astringent. In some areas, also attributed as hypotensive properties, ie reducing blood pressure. As for its fruits, used as tonics and some sites are used as astringent in hemorrhages and dysentery. But do not forget that throughout the plant are steroidal saponins, toxic at high doses. Therefore not be used except by doctor's prescription.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. We start from the aerial parts of the plant. You take a teaspoon of it and add a cup of boiling water. The usual dose is 2 to 3 cups a day.
Decoction. It's more popular to prepare a decoction 2-4%, or maceration 2%, taking 11 / 4 l. fasting day.
For external use. In the form of washes, pads or friction, the decoction is used on wounds or eczema sores.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Zigofilaceas
HABITAT: Vera Road
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Aerial parts
CASTILIAN: Espigón, mormaga
CATALAN: Abrull, canets
BASQUE: Sasilarra

USES

Moderate analgesic, Mild diuretic, Mild hypotensive.