MEDICINAL PLANTS

The green hellebore is a perennial plant that sinks its winter buds and dry after ripening fruit. It differs from other Hellebores for being more green and formed their own lack of stench from other species of the same gender. Each plant will only give one or two radical leaves, large and long tails. The flowers have five sepals extended, longer than the stamens and a very marked green. One grows in hedges, woods and slopes of the Pyrenees and in some mountains of the Cantabrian Mountains and in other mountain ranges of our geography.

FLOWERING

The time of flowering and harvesting varies widely depending on the geographic area where you are. As a general rule, flowering in late winter and early spring. Collection and for medicinal purposes mainly interested in rhizome, which should be collected and dried quickly. Once dried, is chopped and stored for later use.

APPLICATIONS

Almost all of our geography Hellebores are characterized by their high toxicity at relatively low doses. They contain, apparently, a heart tonic and a saponin called eleborina, frankly dangerous properties. The use of these plants is absolutely reserved for medical staff, taking into account that contain substances that are active on the heart. Any drug that acts on the heart viscera should be used with great respect, because small variations in dose can mean large increases in the effects, with attendant consequences this may entail. Finally, to end the description of this dangerous plant, we must remark that the mere contact with the hands may appear to some unpleasant feeling, so for those who venture to pick it up, we advise to be completed expediently.

ADMINISTRATION

Because of its toxicity, not discuss any form of administration and also advise against experimenting with it at home plan.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ranunculaceae
HABITAT: Rocky slopes of the Alps
FLOWERING: Winter
PART USED: Rhizome
CASTILIAN: Heléboro
CATALAN: Baladre
BASQUE: Lupu belarr
GALICIAN: Herba chaveira

USES

Toxic Strong, Cardiotonic Strong, Diuretic Moderate.