The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication |
| A detail of the plant the flowers. |
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Daniel M. Bou |
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| Common noun: Love-in-the-mist. | ||
| Scientific noun:: Nigella Damascena L. | ||
| Family. Buttercup family - Ranunculaceae | ||
| Habitat: In sown fields and dry Mediterranean places. It is cultivated in some other cold places as a garden plant. | ||
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| Characteristics : Annual herb of the Buttercup family- ranunculaceae- up to 30 cm. Stems erect, somewhat wooden. Leaves divided in many segments Bluish flowers, about 3 cm wide, on an involucre of leaves similar to those of the stem. Very swelled fruit |
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| Composition:: It mainly contains the alkaloid damascenine and essential oils.. | ||
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Medicinal properties: In fact, it is a plant that should not be included in the list of medicinal plants used at home . However, since it was much used in the past and it is still being done in some places nowadays , it is very convenient to know its properties and its risks, too. It must be stressed that because of its composition it is a plant that must be used cautiously. Moreover, not being very sure, it is advisable to disregard it . Superior doses to 2 gr. per litre may produce intoxications !!! (See alkaloids) Internal use Hepatic: ( Specially in hepatic colic) Decoction of 1 gr. of seeds per litre of water. Two cups a day. Astringent: ( Against diarrhea) The same dose previously mentioned. Carminative: ( that cures flatulence) One or two cups a day of the decoction previously mentioned. Emenagog : ( It increases menstruation, easing the pain ) A daily for some days. External use Vermifuge.: ( It expels worms from the intestine) There is the custom in some locations of putting in a glass of water and later placing it on the navel so as to get rid of worms)
Well pulverized seeds have been used in some places - specially in Orient - as a spice instead of pepper and to make bread, so as this could be more digestive. |
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 | Picking up and storing : Seeds must be collected in Autumn when they are well ripe. They should be stored in an airtight well-closed container. The fresh plant can be gathered in spring.
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