Wild cress (Cronopus squamatus)

The wild cress is a small plant whose measure is between 10 and 25 cm high. It has many stems that grow upright but not spread out, giving the plant look a little sloppy. Leaves are covered completely segmented elongated, and these leaves join the stem directly, without auxiliary corner, no hair as much by the beam on the underside, like the rest of the plant. It can be found throughout the Iberian Peninsula, but always looking for areas close to towns to develop. It breeds on the roads in Spain, on the walls of houses, slipping through any crack.

FLOWERING

The flowering season lasts all spring. Its flowers are grouped approximately 5 by 5, are white and do not stand out much because their size is negligible. Inside are the fruits that also have a tiny size and its shape resembles that of a small bean. The used parts of this plant are the stem and leaves. Can be collected at any time of year but should do so in spring when the principles are most active. It is used either fresh or dried, so to collect part of the plant begins to dry in a place with no humidity and sunny. Once the process is stored in sealed glass bottle.

APPLICATIONS

Like all plants belonging to the cruciferous family, which is used to combat scurvy. It is also considered as a good diuretic, although there are other plants that are more effective in combating this problem. This plant produces a supply of vitamin C provided that the take raw without cooking it or drying it before. It is a plant widely used as a home remedy but little used in medicine is optional, since it is often replaced by other plants of the same family with the greatest effects.

ADMINISTRATION

cooking. They get 30 gr. of the dried plant to boil in a pint of water. is left for fifteen minutes. If the taste is not very nice you can add a little sugar. It takes one cup before meals and acts as a good diuretic.
Fresca. It is prepared in a salad with all kinds of ingredients. If you do not cook the plant produces vitamin C intake in the body.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Crucifer
HABITAT: At the roadside
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Stems and leaves
CASTILIAN: Mastuerzo verrugoso
CATALAN: Morritort bord

USES

Fort antiscorbutic, Diuretic Moderate, Moderate vitamin C intake.