Components:

Acids : ascorbic, caffeic, oleic and salicylic. (Leaves)

Essential oil rich in : alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinene, beta- pinene, azulene, Chamazulene, camphene, caryophyllene, bornyl acetate, pe-cymene and sabinene.

Flavanoids: apigenin and luteolin. ( Plant)

Sesquiperpenic lactones: : achilicin, achilleine,. millefin ( Plant)

Alkaloids: betonicine, betaine, choline and stachydrine ( Plant)

Eugenol

Coumarins

Tannin

Minerals: calcium , chromium, cobalt, aluminium . ( Plant)

Astringent and anti- diarrheic: : Being very rich in tannins, as well as chamazulene and apigenin, bestows it anti-diarrhoeic and astringent properties. Very useful when having diarrhoea or colitis . ( Infusion of a tea spoonful of floral summits by each glass of water. Drink a couple of cups a day. )

Circulatory system : To diminishblood pressure one can drink a couple of glasses of the above mentioned infusion. In the same way a maceration can be realised with three spoonfuls of floral summits in a litre of white wine during 7 days. Drink three little cups a day, each one after each main meal . These two remedies are very efficient in the internal treatment of haemorrhoids and varicose veins, taken into account that using this plant favours the blood circulation, strengthens the veins and diminishes their swelling. The same that happens with the leg and anal veins, is also applicable to the general inflammation of blood vessels ( Phlebitis ) . All this properties must be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of azulene and specially to the salicylic acid.

Respiratory tract : Acid ascorbic - Vitamin C - because of its bactericide and depurative properties makes it suitable for the treatment of most frequent respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, cold and influenza as well as to avoid respiratory spasms in tuberculosis, asthma, allergies and hay fever ( Steam inhalation of a handful of flowers in a litre of hot water)

Digestive and tonic : Flavonoids grant it antispasmodic properties very useful in case of intestinal spasms. On the other hand, the sour principles give it digestive properties to treat indigestions, heartburn, vomiting and also as an appetizer when inappetence is present . In all these a mixing of tincture of camomile and yarrow can be a very good resource. ( Take 4 daily drops after the main three meals) The infusions of this plant with chamomile are useful to treat gastric ulcers ( Infusions of a teaspoon o this plant and a teaspoon of chamomile. 3 cups a day)

Menopause: Anxiety and nervousness, together with other after-effects related with premenstrual syndrome ( headache, pain in the breast, stomach swelling , skin irritation, redness, etc. ) can be palliated by using this plant.

External use:

Skin diseases : The astringent components previously mentioned are very suitable for the external treatment of the skin, such as pimples, eczemas and another skin disorders ( Decoction of a handful of summit flowers in a litre of water. Soak a piece of cloth in it and apply on the affected part) This can be also used to disinfectanimal wounds or wounds done to people by animal bites . It has been traditionally used in some places to treat snake bites.

Emenagogue: : Decoctions of flower summits are appropriate to ease menstruation, in case of painful periods ( Dysmenorrhoea ) or when too much mucous is present ( blennorrhoea ) ( Boil a handful of flower summits in a litter of water during 15 minutes. Pour it in the bath or in a basin and make hip baths with this preparation)

Varicous veins and haemorrhoids : : The above decoctions ca be used to treat varicous veins externally . Make leg baths to treat the first ones and hip baths in case of hemorrhoids.

Toxicity :

The contact with the fresh plant, because of the presence of coumarins , can produce allergic reactions on the skin. The fresh juice can also be photo- toxic, producing eczemas in the skin of people who are exposed to sun rays, specially in high places, where solar radiation is higher. Do not take in cases of pollen allergy. Sometimes it can produce gastric hypersensibility.

Gardening :

Picking-up and storing: Flower summits should be collected in spring and autumn. They should be dried in the shade and be stored in a sealed container, once cleaned and dried.