The zahareña or cat's tail (Sideritis angustifolia) is an aromatic plant of the family Lamiaceae highly appreciated in traditional medicine for its digestive uses and its marked action vulnerary and anti-inflammatoryBelow you will find a complete and structured guide with its identification, composition, internal and external uses, preparation methods, recommended dosages, and precautions, as well as traditional blends with other plants to enhance its effects, as passed down in herbalists and the popular culture of the Iberian Peninsula.
Sideritis angustifolia (cat's tail)
The cat's tail, Also called Zahareña, terral grass o cattail (in Valencian rabet de gat o wedge of cat), is a low-growing perennial bush that usually reaches between 30 and 40 cm high. It has erect and woody stems, a general whitish or greyish appearance due to its pubescence, leaves linear and opposite, and yellow flowers grouped in widely spaced whorls.
It is distributed naturally in the Iberian Levant, with a prominent presence in Valencia and Catalonia, where it grows on stony slopes, poor soils, and uncultivated areas. For medicinal purposes, the flowering tops are collected during bloom, when they contain a higher concentration of active compounds.
In addition to S. angustifolia, in these regions other species of the same genus coexist such as Sideritis tragoriganum, also known locally as cat's tail and valued for similar purposes. In this article we focus on Sideritis angustifolia, noting, where appropriate, the shared tradition in its popular use.
Cat's tail in bulk
In herbalists it is common to find zahareña in bulk as a dried plant for infusion or decoction. It is advisable to choose raw material with clean and well-dried tops, without excess woody parts or dust, and with its characteristic balsamic aroma. Correct drying preserves the flavonoids, tannins and essential oil responsible for their properties.
Traditional herbalists of the Levant have integrated zahareña into digestive and vulnerary mixtures, both for internal use and for washes and compresses. The plant has also been used in veterinaria rural as support for wounds and minor skin conditions.
Characteristics of the Cat's Tail
Sideritis angustifolia It is a small, highly branched plant with rigid stems and narrow leaves distributed throughout the branch in opposite pairs. yellow flowers They sprout in whorls and are very visible during flowering. The entire plant has a whitish hue due to its pubescence, a typical feature of the genus.
From a phytochemical point of view, it stands out for its flavonoid content, tannins, saponosides y essential oil. This composition is associated with effects anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, digestive, antiseptics, vulneraries y healing, among others described by herbal tradition.
Its collection focuses on the flowery tops, used both alone and in combination with other digestive and balsamic plants to modulate the flavor and enhance its effectiveness.
Benefits of Cat's Tail
It has traditionally been considered a digestive plant useful in cases of slow digestions, meteorism and gastric discomfort. In suitable mixtures it is also used as a support in gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer y gastrointestinal spasms, as well as in hyposecretory dyspepsia and reflux.
Due to its balsamic and antiseptic action, it is considered useful in conditions of the respiratory tract high: catarrhal processes, flu, laryngitis, pharyngitis y tracheitisIn these cases, it can be combined with aromatic plants such as oregano, hyssop, or pine shoots for traditional synergies.
Applied externally, zahareña is considered an excellent Vulnerary to minor wounds, sores and burns, in addition to support in eczema, dermatomycosis, bruises and discomfort osteoarticular. It has also been used in stomatitis, aftas and as a mouthwash in irritated throat. For the eye area, tradition describes the use in conjunctivitis y Blepharitis in the form of very well filtered washes.
He is also credited with actions diuretics and inhibition of allergic reactions, although these effects are limited to traditional experience and the phytochemical composition of the plant.
How to use
In internal use it is usually taken in mild infusion or decoctionFor external use they are prepared washes, compresses and mouthwashes with the filtered infusion. In general, it is recommended not to exceed 2–3 cups a day for internal use, except under professional criteria.
How do you prepare Cat's Tail infusion?
- Direct infusion: heat water until 75–80 °C. Add 1 dessert spoon of tops per cup, let it rest 8–10 minutes, strain and drink.
- Short decoction: boil barely 2–3 minutes the same proportion of the plant, turn off the heat, let it rest for 10 minutes, strain and consume warm.
- External use: use the infusion already filtered For washes, compresses, or gargles. Filtration is required for homemade eye drops. very delicate and maximum hygiene.
The most widespread traditional pattern limits consumption to a maximum of 3 cups a day, separated from meals if a gentle digestive effect is sought.
Buy Cat's Tail
You can find zahareña in bulk in herbalists and specialty stores. Prioritize batches with good traceability, proper drying and packaging that protects from light and humidityMany establishments offer blends designed by herbalists for specific purposes.
Presentation
It is marketed as dry plant en special packaging for plants, as well as in formats of liquid extract y dyeingThe dosage is determined by the dosage form chosen; always follow the manufacturer's or a professional's instructions.
What is the plant like?
The morphology of S. angustifolia It is characteristic: erect stems, leaves linear and narrow ones facing each other two by two, and flowers yellow in separate whorls that give it a very recognizable appearance. The pubescence gives it a distinctive tone. grayish or whitish, and the branches appear stiff and dense.
La flowering extends from the end of the spring until the beginning of the summerThe optimal harvest coincides with this period, when the tops are at their most aromatic.
Medicinal properties
Among its active ingredients are: Flavonoids, tannins, saponosides y essential oilHerbal tradition attributes to it actions anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive, antiseptics, vulnerary y healingThese properties explain its versatility both in infusion and external applications.
Thanks to its aromatic character, preparations with zahareña usually have a nice flavor, which improves when combined with anise, fennel or other balsamic plants.
What is it for
- Digestive and carminative: support in gases and meteorism, heavy digestion, reflux and bad taste in the mouth.
- Gastrointestinal mucosa: It is considered useful as an adjuvant in gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, spasms y irritable bowel with a tendency to diarrhea.
- Respiratory system: as a balsamic plant with potential antiseptic, has been used in colds, flu, laryngitis, pharyngitis and tracheitis.
- External use: washes and compresses in conjunctivitis and swollen eyelids, wounds, minor burns, bruises, eczema, fungus and joint pain.
How is it used
The most common way is dry plant to infusion or decoctionThe filtered infusion is also used as eyewash traditional (always with extreme hygiene), mouthwash, gargles, local car washes y CompressesIn modern phytotherapy it is also found in liquid extract y dyeing.
Infusions and other remedies
1. Digestive herbal tea after eating
Mix equal parts zahareña with licorice, fennel, green anise y star anise. Ratio: 1 tablespoon per 250 ml of water. Boil 3 minutes, rest for 10 minutes and drink throughout the day after meals. Combines effect carminative and pleasant aniseed flavor.
2. Herbal tea for respiratory infections
Combine equal parts zahareña with oregano, hyssop y pine shoots. Dosage: 1 tablespoon per glass or 4 per liter. Boil 2 minutes, rest and sip throughout the day to enhance its action balsamic.
3. Mouthwash for sore throat
Prepare a mixture of zahareña, walnut leaves, mint, agrimony y thyme in equal parts. Cook 5 g per glass for 10 minutes. Use warm for gargles several times a day. You can add a pinch of bicarbonate; avoid ingestion.
Application of the Cat's Tail
Its main traditional value is as Vulnerary, widely used in wounds and sores, and how anti-inflammatory. In the peninsula it is considered a good digestive, with the capacity to mitigate the acidity and postprandial discomfort. A side effect has also been described antispasmodic useful when there are mild cramps and colic.
Administration
- Infusion for external use: bring 1 liter of water to a boil, add 30 g flowering tops, turn off, let it rest and strain. Use the liquid to wash wounds or apply in Compresses.
- Digestive decoction: 20 g of tops in 500 ml of water, heat until gently boiling, let it cool, strain and, if desired, sweeten. Take a cup after meals.
Flowering
The zahareña blooms from the end of the spring until the beginning of the summer. Its flowers, of deep yellow, emerge from the axils of larger leaves. The collection of flowery tops coincides with this period to ensure maximum quality.
Precautions and recommendations
The information in this article describes traditional uses and does not replace medical advice. Avoid in case of pregnancy, lactation and in children small due to lack of sufficient data. Do not use if there is allergy known to plants of the Lamiaceae family. If you are taking medication or suffer from any diagnosed digestive or kidney condition, consult with a professional before using it continuously.
To ocular use, extreme hygiene and filter properly Very fine (ideally using a sterile filter); if pain, purulent discharge, or worsening occurs, discontinue and seek medical evaluation. For internal use, do not exceed traditional doses and discontinue if symptoms appear. adverse reactions.
Zahareña maintains its prestige as a digestive, balsamic and vulnerary plant. Thanks to its aromatic profile and the versatility of its preparations, is a recurring option for domestic herbal medicine cabinets, especially in areas where it has been part of popular knowledge for generations.