Cicuta virosa

Cicuta virosa, Umbelliferae, cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resins
Cicuta virosa, Umbelliferae, cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resinsCicuta virosa, Umbelliferae, cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resinsCicuta virosa, Umbelliferae, cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resinsCicuta virosa, Umbelliferae, cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resinsCicuta virosa, Umbelliferae, cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resins
Botanical Nomenclature Cicuta virosa
Common Name Cowbane, Northern Water Hemlock
Taxonomy- Family Umbelliferae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Cicuta virosa is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 60 to 150cm, with wavy, lanceolate, big leaves, spherical, red or yellow fruits and small, white flowers in umbrella shaped inflorescences. The flowering and the harvesting take place from July to October.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances The whole plant, root
Active Substances cicutoxin, cicutole (polyamines), alkaloids, essential oil, resins
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications Nowadays the plant is mainly recommended in homeopathy for the treatment of epilepsy, psychosis, meningitis, migraines, intestinal helminths and muscle cramps. Also, it is applied externally to the skin against rashes, eczema, scabies, inflammation and other skin problems.
Method of Administration In homeopathy it is administered in the form of tincture (equal amount of dried herb and ethyl alcohol 75%, recommended dose from 10 to 20 drops, 3 times a day).
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 The whole plant is highly toxic and its consumption may cause muscle spasms, which damage at first the respiratory system and then the brain, leading finally to death within an hour.
References 1) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-948-water%20hemlock.aspx?activeingredientid=948&activeingredientname=water%20hemlock 2)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hemwat19.html#con 3)http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Cic 4)http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/cicuta.htm 5)http://lifehub.gr/%CE%BA%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CF%88%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%B4%CE%BF%CE%BA%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF/