Medicinal Plants : Colchicum autumnale

Name

Autumn Crocus

Biological Name

Colchicum autumnale
Lily family, Liliaceae

Other Names

Autumn Crocus, Colchicum, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies, upstart

Parts Used

Bulb, seeds

Active Compounds

colchicine, an alkaloid, relieves pain and inflammation of gout.

Remedies For

Contains the poisonous alkaloid colchicine, which is used medicinally for gout and arthritis. The whole plant is poisonous. Even small amounts of the bulb or seeds can cause death.

DO NOT USE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

Description

Autumn crocus is a perennial herb that is found in damp meadows, fields, woodlands, and mountainous areas. It grows to a height of 1 foot. Large, lance shaped leaves develop in spring, and envelop the previous year's seed pot. In the fall, a leafless flowering stalk produces white to pale purple crocus like flower in August to October.

Dosage

See the warning below. Not recommended for use.

Safety

Warning: Ingestion of any part of the plant may cause death. The bulb may be mistaken for an onion. Symptoms are a burning sensation in the throat and vomiting, followed by kidney and respiratory failure.

DO NOT USE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.