Medicinal Plants : Mercurialis perennis

Name

Dog's mercury

Biological Name

Mercurialis perennis

Other Names

Dog's cole, perennial mercury, Dog's mercury

Parts Used

The herb

Description

Dog's mercury is a perennial plant found in waste places in the eastern U.S., having been naturalized from Europe, where it grows especially in shady mountain woods. The round, furrowed, glabrous, branched stem bears opposite, dark green, ovate, serrate, hairy leaves. The flowers are light green and axillary, the male in spikes, the female solitary or in twos and threes. Flowering time is April and May.

Remedies For

Emetic, purgative.

The fresh plant is sometimes used as a laxative. A homeopathic tincture is used for rheumatism and stomach problem.

CAUTION: THE FRESH PLANT IS POISONOUS, and the poison is believed to be cumulative in effect Thorough drying or boiling seems to destroy the poisonous activity.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE.

Dosage

DO NOT USE.

Safety

CAUTION: THE FRESH PLANT IS POISONOUS, and the poison is believed to be cumulative in effect. DO NOT USE.