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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.




POISONOUSBUTTERFLY BUSH
Loganiaceae
(Buddleia officinalis)
imageImage

As the name implies this shrub, varities of which are commonly planted around homes, is a favorite of butterflies, as well as hummingbird moths. Some varieties are hardy to zone 5. The tops will winter kill in upper regions of zone 5, but the roots and several or more feet of the plant will survive. There are about 100 species of which a number are poisonous. It's medicinal uses are confined to Chinese medicine under a doctor's supervision.

PART USED: Flowers, leaves, roots
RELATED VARIETIES:
Buddleia lindleyana image: POISON!

USES

MEDICINAL:
Has been used in Chinese medicine to treat night blindness, cataracts, eyestrain.
The root has been used for asthma and coughing with blood.

OTHER:
Poisonous: used to stun fish and as an insecticide.





©2005 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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