ESPANTALOBOS (colutea arborescens)

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	ESPANTALOBOS
	*colutea arborescens*

Name
ESPANTALOBOS

Scientific Name
colutea arborescens

ESPANTALOBOS

Other Names:

Garbancillos, Sonajas

When the wind blows, the cases of the espantalobos are shaken a con others producing a typical sound, that thinks that he is able to drive away the wolves. The great botanists of the antiquity ignored this plant, that he does not invite to be used due to his nauseous scent and its bitter flavor. At the present time little is used, although it continues having his indications like smooth laxative.

Habitat: one grows up, although scattered enough, in calcáreos and mountainous lands of Europe and western Asia. One is naturalized in the American continent.

Description: shrub of the family of the Leguminosas, that reaches of 1 to 3 meters of height. Their flowers are of yellow color and with red spots. The hollowed cases (full of air), that locks up the seeds, measure of 6 to 8 cm in length.

Used parts: the leaves.

Properties and indications: the leaves contain an essential oil, acid coluteico, mineral salts and vitamin G. Poseen laxative properties and something diuréticas. They are used in some occasions as substitute of sen. The laxative effect of the leaves of the espantalobos is smooth, less intense than the one of other laxative plants; however, they have in addition a diurético and purifying effect, which makes recommendable for those who simultaneously suffer of constipation and of obesity or excess of acid.

Use: in infusion with 100 grams of leaves by liter of water. It is sweetened with honey, and 3 or 4 daily cups are taken, preferably before the meals.

Precautions: The seeds of this plant, that are within the cases, of aspect similar to the lentils, they are slightly toxic, and its ingestion can cause vomits.

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