Sweet Vernal Sweet
Vernal is a perennial which grows from south-east
Sweden to the south of Europe and eastwards to
western Siberia. It is a typical steppe plant, and
it doesn't grow in too many places in Europe.
Because of loss of habitat and too much of it has
been collected for medical purposes, Sweet Vernal
is becoming scarce there. More of it is starting to
grow in eastern Europe. This is a
very special plant because it is a potent heart
medicine. The plant contains something called
glycoside Adonidin, which is used in remedies for
chronic heart problems and as a tranquilizer. It
works almost exactly like digitalin, which comes
from Foxgloves, but is stronger and doesn't build
up in the body. It is used especially in cases
where people are also suffering from kidney
disease, as well as heart problems. It
does Because Sweet Vernal can't be cultivated, plants have to be collected from the wild, which make them very vulnerable. A rare plant in most of its range, it has legal protection from gathering in most countries. Sweet Vernal is a very beautiful flower. It blooms in early spring and has a rich, golden, buttercup-like glow. Its leaves are like filigree, and very delicate. Adonis vernalis is part of the Ranunculaceae family. 2000
bibliography: "Hellebore, False", http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/helfal15.html "Species of Concern", http://www.traffic.org/plants/species-1.html
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