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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


ADONIS
aka False hellebore, Yellow Pheasant's Eye
(Adonis vernalis)
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Recommended for professional use only. Similar in use to DIGITALIS LANATA, but not cumulative.

PROPAGATION: By division in early spring or by fresh seed. Germination is slow and eratic. It is liked by snails and slugs.
NEEDS: Light well-drained soil which is rich in leaf mold. Requires sun to partial shade. Crown must be planted one inch below the surface of the soil.
HARVEST: Whole plants are cut while in full flower and then dried to be used in liquid extracts or tinctures. Stocks must be renewed each year as they deteriorate.

MEDICINAL USES:
Tonic, diuretic, cardiac stimulant; contains glycosides that have a tonic and sedative effect on the heart.
Has been used internally for cardiac insufficiency, irregular or rapid heartbeat, mitral stenosis, and edema due to heart failure.
Has been used in commercial preparations for heart complaints.
Has been used in German preparations for heart complaints and low blood pressure.
Has been used in a Russian preparation (Bechterew's Mixture) for nervous heart conditions.



©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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