Conium maculatum

Conium maculatum
Family:Conium maculatum; Analgesic; Antispasmodic; Cancer; Emetic; Galactofuge; Homeopathy; Sedative.
Common name:Hemlock
Hemlock is a very poisonous plant that has a long history of medicinal use though it is very rarely used in modern herbalism. It is a narcotic plant that sedates and relieves pain. The plant contains coniine an extremely toxic substance that can also cause congenital defects. The whole plant is analgesic antispasmodic emetic galactofuge and sedative. It is a traditional folk treatment for cancer and was formerly widely used internally in very small doses to treat a variety of complaints including tumours epilepsy whooping cough rabies and as an antidote to strychnine poisoning. It is still used externally usually in ointments and oils in the treatment of mastitis malignant tumours (especially breast cancer) anal fissure and haemorrhoids. The leaves and stems should be harvested when the first fruits are forming since they are then at their most active medicinally. The fruits are gathered either when fully ripe or before they turn from green to yellow and are then dried. Because of the extremely toxic nature of this herb it is seldom employed nowadays. Use with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. See also the notes above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from a tincture of the fresh plant harvested when in flower. It is used for treating complaints such as dizziness coughs insomnia exhaustion arteriosclerosis and prostate problems.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:28 []