Properties and medicinal uses of boxwood

The Boxwood , Buxus sempervirens L , although it is also known in some areas as Bucho, Alarguez, Sargatillo, Corona or Boje. It is a small perennial shrub native to Europe that belongs to the Buxáceas family. This small shrub can live for 600 years and can be up to 12 meters high. Formerly it was widely used as an ornamental plant. It has very bright oval green leaves and yellow flowers that grow in inflorescences that can be seen during spring and the stem is covered by a bark.

The medicinal use of boxwood should always and exclusively be done under the supervision of a professional, since its consumption can be very toxic.

Medicinal properties of Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens L

It has vitamin C, tannins, alkaloids (the main one is buxin), essential oil and flavonoids.

These components give Boxwood cholagogue, sudorific, antiseptic, diuretic, abortive, cardiotonic, anthelmintic, purgative, antibacterial, diaphoretic, laxative, emollient, exciting and antirheumatic action.

. boxwood

Benefits and uses of boxwood

It is very useful to combat fluid retention

Promotes the expulsion of bile, purging the intestines

Improves cases of gout , rheumatism and arthritis

Helps eliminate intestinal parasites

Combat hair loss or alopecia

Stimulates the functioning of the gallbladder

Clean wounds

Relieves constipation

Improves slow and heavy digestions

Used for fever

Improves seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (applied externally)

Helps eliminate dandruff

It is used to dye hair reddish

It is beneficial in cases of hypotension

Applied externally, it improves skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

It is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and for children under 15 years of age

How to prepare the boxwood

The leaves, roots and bark are used for medicinal purposes.

For internal use

To take the boxwood in infusion you just have to put a teaspoon of dried leaves or bark in a cup and add 150 ml of boiling water. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Then it is strained and drunk little by little as it cools down. You can add stevia leaf to sweeten it if you want.

For external use

It can be applied as a poultice or as a tonic with which the affected area is massaged, as for example in the case of seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss.

This is general information, if you want to use this plant, put yourself in the hands of a professional who can tell you if it is beneficial in your specific case and how to use it due to the toxicity that this plant presents if it is not taken properly.