The Centaurea aspera (Tramaladros)

pinkish-colored flower of the plant species called Centaurea aspera

The Centaurea aspera, also known as Cornflower or Talamadros is a genus comprising 500 species all originating in the warm regions of the earth, usually annual, biannual and subtle.

It has branched stems with smooth leaves and may be covered with fluff, depending on the species. Its fruits are achenes and the flowers form rounded or elongated chapters and being rustic accommodates any soil that is permeable.

Farming

close up picture of pink flower of Centaurea aspera plant

The most convenient thing is that you plant it in full sun in a pot or directly in the ground and take into account the existing climate in your area. When he thrives and gets taller he wears a beam or bra to avoid that the weight of the plant or the wind does not break and tilt it.

Features

Motivated by the great diversity of species, shapes, colors and sizes, the use of the cornflower is diverse and varied and this is planted in grassy paths and the annuals are used in floristry.

A species of the Centaurea is the Rough Centaurea, called Travalera as we have well indicated and belongs to the genus Centaurea sensu lato, described by the Swedish botanist and naturalist Carlos Linneo.

This is a hermaphroditic herbaceous plant of the Compositae family. In recent classification systems they refer to the sub-genus and occurs in relatively dry grassy areas.

Very branched and lively, it is usually creeping, with a hard, woody stem. The configuration of its leaves is variable, these being linear, petiolate and irregularly pinnate at the base and in the middle part of the stem, grayish in color divided into lobes, gradually they compress until they become sessile and with several teeth.

They have a narrow oval receptacle at the top that measures one to two centimeters in diameter and is characterized by its lush purple flowers, arranged in artichoke-like heads.

It is protected by bracts that have a terminal appendix of three to five erect or curved spines directed outward and of light yellow color that will make it easier for you to identify the species with certainty and something very curious is that manages to prolong flowering for months and while the intense cold does not appear.

Its active components are tannins, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, traces of oils and alkaloids, bitter principles such as secoiridoids and heterosides, phytosterols, as well as magnesium and potassium salts.

Blooms in spring though it is in flower almost all year round, this variety being protected in some countries.

In the wild you can get it in the Mediterranean, since it was implanted in northern Europe and New York, the United States and It spread from the Iberian plateau to the Douro Valley, as well as the Balearic Islands.

It is probably the most common species in the region of Bages, in Catalonia and the same as the Centaura minor it is sown for phytotherapeutic purposes in temperate zones of America and Europe.

Once you collect it and if you are not going to use it fresh, let dry quickly in a dark place, crumble or cut into small portions and store in tightly closed jars away from moisture.

Therapeutic properties

close up image of a flower from a plant bush called Centaurea aspera

The composition of the Centaura aspera it has not been as studied as other types of plants.

It contains beta-sitosterol, which you can use for prostate problems (not proven for sure). It also includes other substances such as sesquiterpene lactones, slightly toxic since it causes allergies, so we insist that if you are going to use the plant it must be under medical supervision.

It is antiseptic, aperitif, eupeptic and anti-inflammatory, indicated to treat anorexia, hyposecretory dyspepsia, hepatobiliary dyskinesia and diabetes (Before taking it, you have to previously check your blood glucose or urine.), although it supposes that it can replace the frequent oral drugs to treat this disease, be careful, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, since it is only an alternative therapy.

If you are listless, this plant has the property of causing the secretion of gastric juices to stimulate the appetite, also improves digestion.

Although its taste is bitter, take it as an infusion (it should not be sweetened with honey or sugar), fasting or before going to bed is advisable. You just have to take the stems and leaves of the dried plant, exactly 30 grams, put them to boil in a liter of water and add sweetener.

The market offers you different natural preparations of the powdered plant, in tablets or combined with eucalyptus, being ideal for curing cystitis.


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