Book reveals medicinal properties of Tarragona's garrigue flora

The Botanical Guide of Tarragona, whose first edition has sold out, delves into the benefits of plants like carob and thyme.

Image of carob pods and thyme, with a botanical book in the background.
IA

Image of carob pods and thyme, with a botanical book in the background.

The Botanical Guide of Tarragona, a work detailing the medicinal properties of garrigue plants, has sold out its first edition, highlighting interest in local flora and its benefits.

The book, which was one of the best-sellers in Tarragona during Sant Jordi, updates scientific knowledge on the virtues of medicinal plants used popularly. This is explained by the Professor of Botany at the UB, Cèsar Blanché, in the work's prologue.
Among the highlighted species, the carob tree and its fruits, carob pods, have multiple therapeutic virtues. While the tree's bark can help stop diarrhea, carob has a laxative effect. Furthermore, an infusion of the leaves is beneficial for treating diabetes, as it reduces glucose absorption in the intestine.
Thyme is another example of a plant with surprising properties. Traditionally used as a digestive remedy, modern science has revealed that it stops the release of inflammatory molecules and relaxes intestinal muscles, reducing spasms. It also possesses potent antibacterial and antioxidant action, helps lower blood pressure, is neuroprotective, and anxiolytic.
The work, published by Silva Editorial, has been very well received, to the point that the first edition has completely sold out. Detailed information on the main garrigue species and their medicinal properties can be found in the Botanical Guide of Tarragona.