Components:

• Acids: acetic, lactic ( plant) ascorbic, nicotinic ( leaves )
• Sugars: arabinose, galactose ( Plant)
• Vitamins: ( beta-carotene) , C (acorbic- acid), Choline ( leaves)
• Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorous ( leaves) cobalt ( plant)
• Fiber ( plant )
• Mucilage (plant)
• Tannins (plant)
• Alkaloids (plant )

Medicinal properties:

Internal Use

Diuretic: It favours the removal of urine of the body, being very interesting to use it , not only in case of obesity, but when one must get rid of toxins through urine such as in the rheumatic, hepatic and cardiac diseases. It is very influential in this case the fact tha t the plant contains choline, an element which takes part in the vitamin B complex, essential in the fat metabolism, because the lack of it may produce cirrhosis, high blood pressure or renal dissorders..( Infusion for 30 minutes of 15 gr. of dry leaves. Drink a cup after the main meals)

Sudorific : It increases sweat , so, besides the commented uses, it is particularly interesting to help fighting pectoral diseases: cough, anginas, bronchitis, cold, etc. . ( Decoction of an ounce of dry leaves per litre of water. Drink 4 small cups a every day )

External use

Emollient and tonic : It is beneficial pr skin affections l ( pimples, pustules, furuncles, herpes etc. ) and tonic effects which increases its strength and appearance. The presence of nicotinic-acid (niacin) must be fundamental here, to prevent skin maladies besides nervous and gastrointestinal disorders.( Plasters soaked in the infusion of a handful of dry leaves per litre of water.) (Washes with water where it has been added a couple of litres of the same infusion)

Another uses

Edible:

• Tender leaves can be eaten as a boiled vegetable, alone or mixed with another vegetables. In this case it is convenient to drink the broth , containing all the medicinal properties mentioned above. The leaves can also be eaten raw, in salads. fried, sauté , with cheese, and so on...( it is advised not to leave the cut leaves without cooking for too long since they tend to become rotten very soon)
• Flowers can be eaten alone or in salads , to provide them an exotic touch .

Toxicity : The presence of alkaloids seems to have a toxic effect in the liver, so it is not advised to use it during long treatments and when it is suspected the existence of a tumour or in case of pregnancy

Picking-up and storing: Leaves must be collected when they begin to grow, at the end of winter or beginning of spring. Flowers during all summer. All of them must be dried in the shade and kept in a dry , clean place in a cloth bag..