Pinillo (Ajuga chamaepitys)

The pinillo is an annual plant that is lying flat and is covered with hair. Can reach a foot long. Its leaves are very large and are divided into three segments very narrow, so their stems are very thin. This plant normally grows in dry areas, on slopes and hills of stony fields. It usually occurs mainly on limestone soils. It is found in most of the Iberian Peninsula, to a height of 1,500 meters above sea level. In parts of northwestern Spain is harder to find, because they do not dominate the aforementioned areas.

FLOWERING

The drilling of pinillo begins in April and covers all spring and summer. The flowers are attached to the leaves opposite, particularly in the armpit, so they are almost hidden. These flowers are yellow and, like those of his family, has a lower lip of corolla divided into three lobes and an underdeveloped upper lip. This plant is basically collect the leaves and flowers. Gives off a soothing scent, although it appears very slight, so it is not easy to appreciate.

APPLICATIONS

This plant has not been studied, and its composition is unknown. Have been attributed many qualities and virtues, the most famous being the antispasmodic, diuretic and antihidrópicas, for all of which constitutes a good remedy for all problems resulting from osteoarthritis, for gout, rheumatism, sciatica, etc.. Once used to heal the wounds arising in the spleen of cattle, sewing plants with urine and soot and giving them to the cattle to drink.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Cook the leaves of the plant, but can also cook the flowers. The dose used should be about 3.5 grams. They say that the cooking must be prepared with buttermilk, and should be taken in the morning on rising.
Syrup. Used pinillo leaves mixed with wine. We drink this mixture for seven consecutive days and serves as a remedy COTRA jaundice. If performing honey mixed with water and drink for forty days in a row constitutes a good solution against sciatica.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: Limestone terrain in the south
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Leaves and flowers
CASTILIAN: Pinillo oloroso, hierba artética
CATALAN: Herba felera
BASQUE: Mullisca

USES

Diuretic Moderate, Antirheumatic Leve, Mild inflammatory.