The showy draba is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family of crucifers. It is an herb that can live for two years or more, depending on the conditions he finds. The stems can reach two to three feet high and are quite plump, covered with white fuzz that gives them a characteristic softness to the touch. The lack of stem and leaf-shaped iron spear, long at the base and covered with the same lint. The fruit is small and short, finishing off a sharp stiletto.
It breeds on the edge of fields, edges of roads, over railroad tracks, etc.., Throughout the peninsula and especially in the lowlands.
This herb blooms in spring and even earlier in warm countries. Collection of medical interest interest with the leaves and seeds, which are collected and are dried quickly in the shade or drying, at temperatures not too high. Then stored in airtight jars, protected from light and moisture.
As has noted, in the leaves can find a component that follows hydrocyanic acid. As for seeds, known to contain an essence that is volatilized sulfur rapidly on contact with air. Hence, the plant will be dried and stored as soon as possible.
This plant has been used to replace other similar characteristics, but often fraudulently, and that their actions are much softer than the others. Is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties and rubefacients, but exercised in a manner so smooth that often go unnoticed. The seeds have a strong spicy flavor, using in place of pepper. In some areas of our country use the leaves in infusion or decoction to prepare a refreshing drink and diuretic properties.
The use of draba seed instead of pepper and was indicated by Dioscorides, who has in his writings how these seeds were used to prepare various teas. Other scientists do not have anything oldest of this species, which suggests they did not know or that were classified in another family.
cooking. With leaves a decoction is prepared by adding about 30 g. Plant to 1 l. Of boiling water and leaving for 30 min. Then allowed to cool down and take two to three cups a day, always under medical prescription.
This plant is used in conjunction with others to develop more complex preparations, which have many properties in theory but little practical use.
HABITAT: At the edge of the fields
PART USED: Leaves and seeds
CASTILIAN: Mastuerzo bárbaro
CATALAN: Babol, capellans
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