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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.


ANEMONE

PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY!!

Perennial. Buttercup family members of damp meadows. All anemones are poisonous!. They contain caustic irritants. Sap can cause contact dermatitis. Internal use can cause acute inflammation of the digestive tract and kidneys. Severe cases are accompanied by cramps, unconsciousness and even death through respiratory failure. In the USSR extracts were used to poison arrow tips. The dried herb should be replaced yearly as it deteriorates.

PROPAGATION: By seed.


Anemone cernua
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Roots have been used to treat bone fractures, stomachache, toothache, aching bones and sore throat.


Anemone chinensis
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Roots have been used to treat diarrhea. Considered anti-inflammatory, astringent and antibacterial.


Anemone huperhensis var. japonica
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PART USED: Whole plant for ringworm and tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands.


Anemone pratensis
(syn Pullsatilla pratensis)
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Used in homeopathy for a wide range of conditions.


Anemone raddena
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Roots have been used to treat swellings, itch, and skin rashes.


Canadian Anemone
(Anemone canadensis)
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PART USED: Roots and leaves.
MEDICINAL USES:
Astringent, styptic.
Native Americans used the root or leaf tea as a wash or poultice for wounds, sores, nosebleeds.
Has been used as an eyewash for nervous tics of the eyes and to cure crossed-eyes as well as other eye problems.
The root was chewed by Native Americans to clear the throat before long speaking or long periods of singing (certainly NOT recommended).
Among Plains Indians the root was used externally for various ailments and was considered to have 'mystical' properties.
Pillager Ojibwas made a lozenge from the plant to be used to clear the throat for singing.
Root was highly esteemed by the Omahas and Poncas for many ailments, but especially wounds.
The root tea was applied externally for sores affecting the eyes or sores on other parts of the body.


Pasque Flower
aka Bleeding Nose Plant
Anemone patens syn Pullsatilla patens
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Listed in the US Pharmacopaeia from 1882 to 1905 as a diuretic, expectorant, and uterine stimulant.


Star Anemone
(Trientalis americana)
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Was used by the Tadoussacs of Ontario to brew a drink used as a cure-all and for consumption.


Thimbleweed
Anemone cylindrica
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Leaves were used by the Meskwakis as a poultice for bad burns; the roots were made into a tea for headache and dizzy spells.
The stem and fruit were used as medicine for sore eyes.
Root was used by the Ojibwas as a tea for lung congestion and tuberculosis.


Wood Anemone
aka Wind flower
Anemone quinquefolia
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PART USED: Whole herb.

Was used by Eclectic physicians as a local irritant.


Virginia Anemone
Anemone virginiana
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Was used by the Menominees as a poultice for boils.
Meskwakis placed its seeds on hot coals to produce smoke and used it as inhalation therapy for catarrh or to revive an unconscious person.
Ripe seed capsules were used by the Iroquois for toothache. The capsule was rubbed into pieces until it looked like cotton, then dipped in brandy and applied to the offending tooth.



©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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