Galician

The Galician (Galega officinalis) can be reminiscent of licorice. Like this one, it is a perennial plant, up to two meters tall, with beautiful light purple flowers. Originally from the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it grows near streams and in wet meadows, although it is also cultivated in orchards and gardens.

It blooms at the end of spring and in summer. For medicinal purposes, the tops are harvested, when they are about to flower, and the seeds.

La galega acquired some fame in the Europe of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance when it was attributed the ability to increase the production of breast milk during lactation.

Historical references attest to the use that was also given to the plant in Great Britain and Central Europe, in the form of baths or foot baths, in order to provide rest and relief to pilgrims, but also as a remedy against malignant fevers due to its diaphoretic virtues. .

In herbalists and dietetics you can find the dry plant for infusion, in liquid extract and in alcoholic tincture.

Galician properties

The traditional use of the Galician as galactogenic plant or natural milk stimulant maternity remains today.

At present it is also known that the galega contains flavonoids, saponosides, mucilages, alkaloids such as galega and d-peganin, and tannins. Herbalists have it as a great support resource in diabetes mellitus, associated with plants that complement it.

The hypoglycemic effect is attributed to its galegin and flavonoids. The blood sugar level decreases by inhibiting the production of glucagon – the hormone that acts in the metabolism of glycogen – from the pancreas.

It is also considered a plant very diuretic and purifying, designed to facilitate the emission of urine, and to treat the fluid retention, genitourinary problems such as cystitisthe excesses of urea, the drop and the arterial hypertension.

The fresh plant has a subtle and pleasant aroma, but once hot, when it boils, it gives off a smell that can be unpleasant and that explains the English name of the plant. goat’s rue or “rue goat”.

How to take the Galician

To promote lactation

Breastfeeding mothers who need to increase milk production can try combining galega with fennel, nettle and green anise seeds. Aniseed anethole passes into milk and helps babies have less gas.

A tablespoon of the mixture is enough for a quarter of a liter of water. Boil for 2 minutes, let it rest for 10 and drink a cup half an hour before breastfeeding.

You can also use the fresh or blended plant. In any case, as a measure of elementary prudence, one should tell the pediatrician.

As support for diabetes

This infusion of Galician, which combines this plant with others that complete its action, is useful as a support in diabetes. They mix in equal parts, the Galician with gymnema, bean pods and a sweetener already highly claimed, stevia, totally suitable for diabetics.

Boil a dense soup spoonful of the mixture per cup of water for 1 or 2 minutes and let it rest for 10. Up to three cups are taken, before meals, in periods of 7 days, resting for 14.

Precautions and contraindications

As it contains alkaloids, it is not recommended during pregnancy, and its use should be consulted with the pediatrician during lactation. It is necessary to always stick to the dose and in no case exceed it.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”