HELLEBORE, BLACK HELLEBORE, FALSE. I2Q 



HELLEBORE, BLACK. Helleborus nlger, Linn. 



x,, . . -D N.O. JRanunculacea. 



Syn. Christmas Rose. 



Parts used Rhizome, root. 



Action Diuretic, cathartic, emmenagogue. Has 

 been used in dropsy, chlorosis and amenorrhcea. In 

 nervous disorders, hysteria, and melancholia it is of value. 

 Should be given in minute doses only, as larger ones 

 cause untoward effects. 



Preparations Fluid extract: Dose, 2-10 drops. 

 Solid extract : Dose, 1-2 grains. 



Distinctive character Rhizome blackish, mostly 

 forming an entangled mass of very short branches, and 

 straight, rather brittle, black rootlets ^ inch in 

 diameter, which exhibit a central slightly angular cord. 

 Transverse section of the rhizome shows a thick bark 

 and a ring of whitish woody wedges. Taste, bitter and 

 slightly acrid. Odour, slight, fatty. 



HELLEBORE, FALSE. Adoais vernalis, Linn. 



N.O. Ranunculocea. 

 Syn. Adonis, Pheasant's eye. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Cardiac tonic, diuretic. Is not cumulative 

 in its action, but should be used with caution. Highly 

 spoken of in heart diseases and kidney affections. 

 Valuable in cardiac dropsy and heart strain. The dose 

 of an infusion of J ounce in a pint of boiling water is a 

 tablespoonful every two to three hours. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, 1-2 drops. 

 Glucoside, Adonidin : Dose, A-J grain. 



Distinctive character Stem about 6-9 inches long 

 alternate, terminated by a single large yellow flower, 

 about i inch across, followed by an oval head of achenes 



