Common Name: |
Pulsatilla |
Other Names: |
May Flower, Pasque Flower |
Botanical Name: |
Pulsatilla vulgaris syn. Anemone pulsatilla |
Genus: |
Pulsatilla |
Family: |
Ranunculaceae |
Native Location: |
Great Britian, Europe, W Asia. |
Cultivation: |
Sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe; by division after flowering; by root cuttings in winter. Pulsatilla vulgaris does not transplant well. |
Harvest: |
Plants are cut when flowering for use fresh in elixirs, liquid extracts, and tinctures; these must be used within a year. |
Height: |
10-20cm (4-8in), reaching 40cm (16in) when fruiting. |
Width: |
20cm (8in) |
Variations: |
Alba Has white flowers. |
Eva Constance Is vigorous, with deep red flowers. |
Var. rubra Has ruby-red to brick-red or purple-red flowers. |
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Hardiness: |
Z5-8 |
Parts Used: |
Flowering plant, petals/flowers, roots |
Chemical Constituents: |
Anemome camphor
Ranunculin
Tannins
Volatile Oils
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Properties: |
A bitter, cooling, alterative herb that relaxes spasms, relieves pain, and calms the nerves. |
Known Effects: |
Irritates mucous membranes
Shrinks tissues
Prevents secretion of fluids
Decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus in lungs and bronchial tubes
Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally
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Possible Additional Effects: |
May treat menstrual disorders
May depress sexual excitement
May increase sexual strength
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Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for premenstrual syndrome, inflammations of the reproductive organs, tension headache, neuralgia, insomnia, hyperactivity, bacterial skin infections, septicemia, spasmodic coughs in asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis. |
Warnings and Precautions: |
Harmful if eaten. Repeated handling may cause skin irritation. Not given to patients with colds. Excess causes diarrhea and vomiting, and convulsions. For use by qualified practitioners only.
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, supplements, amino acids, other prescription or non-prescription drugs
Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
Breastfeeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use
Infants and Children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None are expected, if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
Safe Dosage:
Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
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Toxicity: |
Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55, and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended periods of time. |
Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms |
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 337 Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 404-405 |
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