MEDICINAL PLANTS

The stinking hellebore is a perennial. The stem can reach 3 feet high and is lined with numerous leaves. It has a very peculiar as it is twisted at the base, but then straightens. Its leaves are leathery and remain green throughout the year. They come in two types: the lower and higher, the former have tipped teeth at the edge towards the tip, are lanceolate and are divided into segments, the latter are rather pale green and are divided into segments too small to be well seen with the naked eye. This plant is found mostly in the northern half of the peninsula. One grows in ravines, shady slopes, etc.. Can also be found in the south, although this is less common.

FLOWERING

The time of fetid hellebore bloom from late fall through spring. The flowers appear at the end of the upper branches. Its calyx is composed of five green sepals that enclose the flower. They have a large number of stamens that contain honey for the outside. The fruits appear in the middle of the flower and are composed of one to five pieces, too green, ending in a beak. Following is collected for later use in veterinary medicine.

APPLICATIONS

The composition of fetid hellebore is quite unknown but is thought to contain saponin eleboreína and glycosidically components can also be found in the black hellebore. This plant is very dangerous for human consumption and can even cause death. It is a very violent purgative and also plant toxic to the heart. Never used, then, for home consumption. The effects produced by ingestion vary widely: if it enters in the form of dust makes a very strong sneezing; if absorbed can cause, in addition to stomach pains, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety ... And in high doses can trigger death. It also produces skin redness and blisters. However, in veterinary medicine is a plant widely used. Its use is very frequent in the area of Leon. The shepherds used to treat their animals in outbreaks.

ADMINISTRATION

The stinking hellebore should never be used in folk medicine due to serious health problems that may occur because it is a very toxic plant.
Is widely used in veterinary medicine: You go through a needle with the horse's chin, neck skin of the horses or ears and introducing a fiber fetid hellebore root.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ranunculaceae
HABITAT: Shady slopes of the north
FLOWERING: Late fall through spring
PART USED: Rhizome
CASTILIAN: Heléboro
CATALAN: Baladre
BASQUE: Baladre
GALICIAN: Erva-dos-besteiros

USES

Toxic Strong, Strong Laxative, Cardiotonic Strong.