Turpentine (Pistacia terebinthus)

The turpentine is a shrub that can become tree, with the help of man, but in no case exceed 5 m. high. Take green and tender branches, although they quickly harden and become brownish. The leaves are alternate and only developed after flowering. The flowers are grouped in terminal panicles, have a yellowish green color and give off a smell mealy. This shrub grows on cliffs, rocky slopes of mountains., From the coast to the Pyrenees and Cantabrian mountains, mainly on limestone soils. It is a shrub that withstands cold very well, better than most others in his family.

FLOWERING

It blooms from the month of May when the season starts gentle heat. Harvesting for medicinal purposes are interested in the leaves, bark and grit. The forms of collection of this plant vary according to what you will get. Thus, to obtain turpentine must bleed the cortex. The gills are structures that form in the leaves, as a goat's horns, produced by an insect group of aphids. As a special feature shrub is recommended that the collection of its parts is carried out by specialized personnel.

APPLICATIONS

From the bark of turpentine-conveniently-bleed if you get what is called Chios turpentine, turpentine is par excellence, known for many years by our ancestors. This core consists mainly of pinene, benzoic acid and small amounts of resin. In the leaves and bark are important concentrations of tanning materials and the gills, whose formation we discussed earlier, are also rich in tannins, resins, essence and gallic acid. It is a plant that is mainly used for its astringent virtues in regard to their leaves and especially the gills. The root is often used in cases of ascites. In external use some form of gum solutions used as mouthwash.

ADMINISTRATION

Maceration. Gills are used together with the bark. Macerated about 30 g. Plant in 1 l. of fine wine for nine days, after which the wine is filtered and stored. This wine is used for rinsing the mouth and strengthen the gums.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Anacardiaceae
HABITAT: Limestone soils
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Leaves, bark and grit
CASTILIAN: Cornezuelo, cabricuerno
CATALAN: Cornicabra
GALICIAN: Escornacabras

USES

Astringency, Moderate gingival Mouthwash, Mild cases of ascites.