ΣΤΟΙΒΗ
Sarcopoterium spinosum
(Thorny burnet)
Botanical info:
Thorny burnet is a spiny dwarf shrub, 30–60 cm in height, with branches ending in dichotomous and leafless thorns. It appears over a wide range of climatic conditions between the Mediterranean and central Asia vegetation zones. It grows naturally in sunny positions on dry rocky hills. Flowering from February to April.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Nature of Women:
a. Thorny burnet plant is suggested for genitals fumigation.
b. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. Thorny burnet fruit is recommended as a poultice against mastitis.
Other uses:
The whole bush is used as fuel, for making fences and sheep pens, for making brooms and as stuffing for mattresses. One of the most quoted medicinal indications is the use of its root bark as a popular cure against diabetes and for dissolving kidney stones. Traditionally it is used as a tranquilizer and a potion prepared from its leaves is said to dispel fears. Green leaves salted and spiced and soaked in saliva are used to cure eye complaints, and as a lucky charm. Extracts of the plant have been shown to be useful in the control of postprandial blood glucose, and therefore presenting interesting potentials in the management of obesity.