Veratrum nigrum

Taxobox
name = Black Hellebore


image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Veratrum nigrum"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Liliales
familia = Melanthiaceae
genus = "Veratrum"
species = "V. nigrum"
binomial = "Veratrum nigrum"
binomial_authority = L.

"Veratrum nigrum" (Black Hellebore [ [http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Veratrum+nigrum "Veratrum nigrum"] at Plants For A Future] ) is a medicinal plant and poisonous plant native to Asia and Europe. In China, it, and other false hellebore species are collectively called "li lu" (藜蘆).

Medicinal Usage

The roots of "V. nigrum" and "V. schindleri" have been used in Chinese herbalism. Li lu is used internally as a powerful emetic of last resort, and topically to kill external parasites, treat tinea and scabies, and stop itching. [Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E. (3rd edition 2004) Materia Medica Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, p 461] . Many root (and root-shaped) herbs used in Chinese herbalism, particularly ginseng, san qi, and hai seng, will create and or exacerbate a toxic effect [Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E. (3rd edition 2004) Materia Medica Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, p 461] . Some herbalists refuse to prescribe li lu internally, citing the extreme difficulty in preparing a safe and effective dosage, and that death has occurred at a dosage of 0.6 grams [Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E. (3rd edition 2004) Materia Medica Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, p 461] .

References