Veratrum nigrum

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Black Hellebore
Veratrum nigrum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Liliales Family: Melanthiaceae Genus: Veratrum Species: V. nigrum
Binomial name
Veratrum nigrum L.

Veratrum nigrum (Black Hellebore ^[1]) 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).

[edit] 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. ^[2]. 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^[3].

[edit] References

1. ^ Veratrum nigrum at Plants For A Future
2. ^ Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E. (3rd edition 2004) Materia Medica Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, p 461
3. ^ Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E. (3rd edition 2004) Materia Medica Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, p 461