Black Hellebore

(Helleborus niger L., Ranunculaceae)

Also Called: Christmas Rose.

Description: Perennial plant, 15-30 cm (6-12in) high, with stout blackishbrown rhizome.
The petiolate leaves, persistent in winter, are coriaceous, divided into 7-9 leaflets with dentate margins.
Flowers, white or pink, 3-8 cm (1-3in) wide, single on long peduncles, campanulate when young, with 5 ovoid petals and numerous stamens.
Flowering: DecemberMarch.

Part Used: Dried rhizomes.

Habitat and Collection: On rocky slopes and in woods on calcareous soils only.
In southern and eastern Europe; cultivated as a garden plant in England.
The rhizomes are collected throughout the year.

Constituents and Action: The entire plant and especially the rhizome contains highly active glycosides that regulate cardiac rhythm, increase the flow of blood in the arteries and have a diuretic action.
The drug also contains a saponin and a volatile oil.

Caution:All parts of the plant are very poisonous.

Action of other Hellebores: Green Hellebore (H. viridis L.) and Stinking Hellebore (H. foetidus L.), both natives of
Britain, have similar actions and both are poisonous.

Usage: Should not be taken except under medical supervision.