Christe Herbe


Christe Herbe

A genus of 15 species of poisonous perennials, found mostly on alkaline soils from C, E, and S Europe to W Asia. Hellebores are popular garden plants, producing handsome foliage and long-lasting display of bowl-shaped flowers in winter and spring. Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose) is one of the earliest and most popular, often in flower during the coldest, shortest days of winter. The species name niger and common name "black hellebore" refer to the color of the roots. The word "hellebore" is Greek in origin and came to be used for any plant supposed to cure madness, as in American hellebore (Veratrum viride, See, green hellebore) and false hellebore (Adonis vernalis, See, spring adonis). In Classical times the plant was also known as "melampodium" after Melampus, a Greek shepherd who in c.1400BCE reputedly discovered its use in treating nervous conditions after noticing its effects on goats. According to the Theory of Four Humors, black hellebore expelled black bile, which in excess was thought to cause mental disorders. It was an ingredient of Paracelsus's Elixir of Life and remained popular in medicine until the 18th century. Few herbalists now use it due to its toxicity. One of its earliest uses was to destroy lice; it has caused abortion in pregnant women who used it for this purpose. The roots contain cardiac glycosides, similar in effect to those found in Digitalis species (See, woolly foxglove).

Black hellebore, which takes its name from the Greek elein, meaning "injure" and bora, meaning "food", is a very poisonous plant that has been used in the treatment of edema, amenorrhoea, nervous disorders, and hysteria. Because it is so toxic and its medicinal value has not been proven, it is not recommended for use.

Clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with pedate, leathery, dark green leaves, 5-20cm (2-8in) long, divided into 7-9 narrowly ovate, toothed leaflets. White, often pink-flushed, 5-petaled flowers, to 8cm (3in) across, aging pink, are produced singly or in twos or threes from winter to spring.


Common Name:
Christe Herbe
Other Names:
Black Hellebore, Christmas Rose
Botanical Name:
Helleborus niger
Genus:
Helleborus
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Cultivation:
Moist, rich, neutral to alkaline soil in partial shade. Thrives in heavy clay soils.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by division after flowering or in late summer.
Harvest:
Roots are collected in autumn for extraction of alkaloids.
Native Location:
Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia.
Height:
15-30cm (6-12in)
Width:
45cm (18in)
Variations:
Potter's Wheel
Has large-centered flowers.
Hardiness:
Z3
Parts Used:
Dried Rhizome, Roots
Properties:
A bitter, acrid, purgative herb that stimulates the heart and uterus, and has anthelmintic and insecticidal effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Formerly used internally for nervous and mental disorders, dropsy, amenorrhea, and intestinal parasites; externally to destroy lice. Used internally, in the form of alkaloids, to treat heart conditions in the elderly. For use by professional practitioners only. Excess causes abortion in pregnant wormen and may prove fatal.
To treat nausea, worm infestation, constipation, irregular menstruation, and head colds.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of black hellebore may range from 0.2 to 1.0gm per day.
Possible Side Effects:
Black hellebore's side effects include poisoning, symptoms of which include a scratchy feeling in the mouth and throat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, possible spasm, and asphyxiation. Black hellebore contains cardiac glycosides, which can help control irregular heartbeat, reduce the backup of blood and fluid in the body, and increase blood flow through the kidneys, helping to excrete sodium and relieve swelling in body tissues. However, a buildup of cardiac glycosides can occur, especially when the herb is combined with certain medications or other herbs that contain cardiac glycosides, causing arrhythmias, abnormally slow heartbeat, heart failure, and even death.
Drug Interactions:
Taking black hellebore with this drug may increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity:
Digitalis, (Digitek, Lanoxin)
Disease Affects:
Can worsen gastrointestinal inflammation.
Supplement Interactions:
Warning:
All parts are extremely toxic if eaten. Prolonged handling may cause systemic poisoning.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 233
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.78-79