Muskrat (Erodium moschatum)

The muskrat is an annual plant with a height that varies depending on ground conditions where you are, so that in a rainy area of fertile soil and can reach a height much greater than if you are in dry lands. The stems grow upright and are divided into numerous branches covered with hair, is also completely covered with leaves, heart-shaped and segmented edges. The muskrat is found from north to south across the Iberian Peninsula breeds in uncultivated areas, preferably near the rivers.

FLOWERING

The flowering season covers all spring, the flowers are born at the end of a corner that joins the branch and are usually clustered in bunches of 6 flowers. The calyx consists of 5 sepals, like the corolla consists of 5 petals. The most widely used parts of this plant are the leaves and stems and can be harvested at any time, but it is always advisable to coincide with the flowering season and that is when they are most active components of the plant. Once harvested, the leaves are dried in the sun and stored in a dark place without humidity so they retain their properties longer.

APPLICATIONS

This plant has astringent and diuretic but with weaker effects. It is sometimes used to clean wounds and injuries. It is a home remedy that has traditionally been used to cure many diseases, although it was proven today that its effects are quite moderate and that this plant should be replaced wherever possible by more effective ones. In medicine is rarely used and is included in very few pharmaceutical preparations.

ADMINISTRATION

Poultice. Place the crushed plant on cotton canvas and placed on wounds to clean them.
Juice. The juice of this plant (approximately 30 gr.) Mixed with milk or water and a cup a day to produce urine.
Tisane. You put them 20 gr. from plant to pint of water for twenty minutes, slip the remains of the plant and allow to cool. You can have a cup after meals and if the taste is not very nice you can add sugar or honey.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Geraniaceae
HABITAT: Uncultivated slopes
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Stems and leaves
CASTILIAN: Almizcleña
CATALAN: Almescat

USES

Mild Astringent, Healing Light, Mild diuretic.