Adonis Vernalis (Pheasant’s Eye)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Part Used: Whole Plant

Active Constituents:

Acids and glycosides – Adonidin, flavonoids – adonidroquertritin

Medicinal Actions:

Cardiac stimulant, diuretic, irritant & vesicant (fresh herb only)

Medicinal Uses:

1)       The action of Adonis on heart muscle is similar to Digitalis, but is prompter in action and is not cumulative. It slows, regulates and strengthens heart contractions, raises blood pressure and has a mild diuretic action. It reduces dyspnea and relaxes smooth muscle in the lungs allowing deeper breathing. It is especially indicated in congestive heart failure with arrhythmia, feeble force of contractions with dyspnea and dropsy. It has been used in Russia for edema of both heart and kidney origin. It does not have as strong a curative action when heart valves are damaged.

2)       Specific indications indicate Adonis when the cardiac system is weak, with little blood in the peripheral vascular system. Low blood pressure, shortened diastole with venous fullness and stasis accompanying a feeble and intermittent pulse. There may be valvular insufficiency and dropsy. The patient may have a dull, passive congestive headache and chronic congestion of the lungs.

3)       Part of mythology. God of the sun incharge of the sun. he would give life to those theat were dead

4)       Restor the body to those pt. That have no more energy left.

5)       Do not give it to ulverative colitis or crohn’s disease since it is a bitter plant

6)       good for conjunctive heart failure, causing fluid accumulation of the lung. King’s indicates that the stimulation of heart muscle is accompanied by contraction of small arteries throughout the body, increasing the cardiac tension. It lowers the pulse rate and regulates heartbeat. Its ability to diurese is by its action on the renal circulation.

7)       Keep eye on mineral since herb is a diuretic

8)       Hale states it is to be used on endocarditis with weak and irregular heart action caused by chronic nephritis.

9)       Tincture made form dry herb , irritative to the skin thus wear gloves or dry herbs first and prepare the tincture.

10)    High in minerals

Toxicity:

Adonis is contraindicated when GI irritation or inflammation is present. The fresh plant can cause blistering when touching the skin. Dry herb does not have this action.

Higher than indicated doses can cause bradycardia, hypertension, slows breathing and in continuing dose can lead to paralysis of the heart and blood vessels. It can also cause nausea, emesis and purging. Potassium levels need monitoring when using this herb in higher doses.

Pharmacy:

Tincture: (1:5): 2 drops every two to four hours could be used long term