Asphodelus luteus

Asphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substances
Asphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substancesAsphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substancesAsphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substancesAsphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substancesAsphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substancesAsphodelus luteus, Liliaceae, Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substances
Botanical Nomenclature Asphodelus luteus
Common Name King's Spear, Yellow Asphodel
Taxonomy- Family Liliaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Asphodelus luteus is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 50 to 100cm, with oblong leaves and yellow, globular flowers. The flowering and the harvesting of the aboveground plant parts take place from April to June, while the harvesting of the bulbs takes place in autumn.
Region Found Epirus (Pindos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Aboveground plant parts
Active Substances Starch, pigments, glycosides, colloidal substances
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has expectorant, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, diuretic, emmenagogue, emetic and spasmolytic properties. It is administered in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, fever, constipation, edema caused by heart failure, ascites and liver cirrhosis. It is applied externally in the form of ointment against skin wounds and for the treatment of furuncles, testis and breast inflammations, alopecia, burns, purulent otitis and eye infections. Finally, in folk medicine it is administered in the form of poultice against toothache, reptiles and insects bites.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as expectorant and emmenagogue in the form of herbal tea (20g of dried herb in 400mL of boiled water, 2-3 times a day) and as antitussive, antispasmodic, cardio and diuretic in the form of herbal tea (4g of dried root in 300mL of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). It is applied externally as soothing and healing in the form of ointment (2:5 parts of dried root and ointment base) and poultice (made from the fresh leaves), mainly in folk medicine.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects No side effects have been reported. Plant's consumption is contraindicated in patients who suffer from severe diarrhea.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 121-125 2) http://www.herb.gr/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/337/s/anernarrhenae-superfine/ 3)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/galleries/photos/a/as/asphodeline-lutea.html 4)http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/asphodeline-lutea 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Asphodeline+lutea 6)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/aspho080.html