Galega: properties, use, contraindications

The galega ( Galega officinalis ) is a plant of the Fabaceae family . Known for its galactogenic properties, it is useful for treating diabetes and liver. Let's find out better.

Properties of the galega

The galega, known since ancient times, is traditionally used in herbal medicine during the nursing phase, due to its galactogenic properties . This action is due to the cumestanic derivatives (medicagolo, medicagolo-methylether) and to the saponins that stimulate the release of prolactin. The intake of galega not only favors the increase in the quantity of milk produced (up to 50% more), and the quality, increasing the content of nutrients, but also improves the circulation of the mammary gland and therefore the oxygenation of the its fabrics.

The flavonoids contained in the flowering tops of the galega also act as regulators of the natural production of female hormones, which are naturally picked up by the cells of the receptors in the mammary glands, causing an increase in the volume of the breast.

The galegina present in the plant gives it hypoglycemic properties, thanks also to the presence of chromium salts, making a reduction in the blood sugar level. Its use is therefore indicated in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Obviously it cannot replace insulin therapy, and should only be used by diabetics under medical supervision.

Finally, the galleon also exerts a purifying action on the liver and kidneys, thanks to its ability to increase the secretion of urine, and the elimination of toxins through diuresis.

Method of use

INTERNAL USE

INFUSION: 1 tablespoon of galega top, 1 cup of water

Pour the galleon into boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 10 min. Filter the infusion and drink 2 cups a day during the period of breastfeeding.

Contraindications of the galega

Interactions with oral antidiabetic agents are possible due to its hypoglycemic activity, because it enhances its effect.

The galleon among the herbal remedies for diabetes

Description of the plant

Perennial herbaceous plant 50 to 100 cm high (rarely 150 cm). The stem is erect, glabrous, hollow inside, which becomes very hard in tufts. The rhizomatous root is robust with abundant root system. The leaves are glabrous, imparipinnate with 11-19 leaflets endowed with a small thin point and stipules free and pointed.

The flowers are hermaphrodite, bluish blue, more rarely white gathered in racemes with long peduncle, at the axil of the leaves; the chalice has 5 very thin teeth, a flag and a hull that go beyond the wings. The fruit is an enlarged legume at the point where the seeds are inserted, 2-3 cm long, striated oblique and glabrous.

The habitat of the galega

Native to the Middle East, but is naturalized in Europe, in Western Asia. It grows on fresh and moist soils, ditch banks and rivers.

Background

The galega, whose botanical name derives from the Greek gala aghein " milk- bearer ", is also known in the ancient herbaria as Herba rutae caprariae, grass tail of goats, widely used for its diaphoretic properties against malignant fevers and plague, from which one of its popular German names, pestilenzkraut, plague herb .

It was also used as a remedy for worms and recommended as a cure for snake bites.

It is one of the sacred herbs mentioned in the German Dictionary of Plant Names, by Marzell (Leipzig. 1954), together with alfalfa. In France it was known in some places as " Spanish holy herb ", in the Gallo-Italic dialect as " wild sacred grass ".

In 1873 Gillet-Damitte, in a communication to the French Academy, stated that this plant, if given to cows, increased the secretion of milk from 35 to 50%, and since then, many French doctors have confirmed that the galega is a powerful galactagogue.

The herb is officially registered in the IV National Form included in the United States Pharmacopoeia.