Veratrum californicum

Veratrum californicum
Family:Veratrum californicum; Analgesic; Contraceptive; Disinfectant; Febrifuge; Poultice; Salve.
Common name:California false hellebore
Although a very poisonous plant California false hellebore was often employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it mainly as an external application to treat wounds etc. It also had quite a reputation as a contraceptive. It is little if at all used in modern herbalism. Any use of this plant especially internal use should be carried out with great care and preferably only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The root is analgesic disinfectant and febrifuge. A decoction has been used in the treatment of venereal disease. The roots have been grated then chewed and the juice swallowed as a treatment for colds. A poultice of the mashed raw root has been used as a treatment for rheumatism boils sores cuts swellings and burns. The dried and ground up root has been used as a dressing on bruises and sores. A poultice of the chewed root has been applied to rattlesnake bites to draw out the poison. The powdered root has been rubbed on the face to allay the pain of toothache. A decoction of the root has been taken orally by both men and women as a contraceptive. A dose of one teaspoon of this decoction three times a day for three weeks is said to ensure permanent sterility in women.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:43 []