Medicinal properties:

In fact, it is a plant that should not be included in the list of medicinal plants used at home . However, since it was much used in the past and it is still being done in some places nowadays , it is very convenient to know its properties and its risks, too. It must be stressed that because of its composition it is a plant that must be used cautiously. Moreover, not being very sure, it is advisable to disregard it . Superior doses to 2 gr. per litre may produce intoxications !!! (See alkaloids)

Internal use

- Hepatic: ( Specially in hepatic colic) Decoction of 1 gr. of seeds per litre of water. Two cups a day.

- Astringent: ( Against diarrhea) The same dose previously mentioned.

- Carminative: ( It cures flatulence) One or two cups a day of the decoction previously mentioned.

- Emenagogue : ( It increases menstruation, easing the pain ) A daily for some days.

External use

- Vermifuge.: ( It expels worms from the intestine) There is the custom in some locations of putting in a glass of water and later placing it on the navel so as to get rid of worms)

Cookery use:

Well pulverized seeds have been used in some places - specially in Orient - as a spice instead of pepper and to make bread, so as this could be more digestive.

Picking up and storing : Seeds must be collected in Autumn when they are well ripe. They should be stored in an airtight well-closed container. The fresh plant can be gathered in spring.

More information about natural medicine in the listing above.