Of the 10 Genista species in the Canary Islands just a few are used medicinally.
Of those, Canary Whin is slightly narcotic and has been used as a form of tranquilliser.
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• A fusion is made from leaves, flowers, seeds and branches BUT this a potentially dangerous medicinal plant which can affect breathing and heart function. So it should only be used with medical supervision.
• The related Genista canariensis is said to have been introduced into North American where the Native Americans smoked the dried flowers to induce a mild euphoria – this use is not recorded in the Canary Islands.