Hellebore
Hellebore
Hellebore (pronunciation: /ˈhɛlɪbɔːr/), also known as Christmas rose or Lenten rose, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. The term "hellebore" is derived from the Greek words "hellein", meaning "to kill", and "bora", meaning "food", referring to the plant's toxic properties.
Description
Hellebores are native to much of Europe, including the British Isles, and parts of Asia. They are particularly known for their early flowering, often in mid-winter. The flowers are usually large and bowl-shaped, and come in a variety of colors, including white, green, pink, and purple.
Medical Uses
Historically, hellebore was used in medicine for its purgative properties. However, due to its high toxicity, it is no longer used in modern medicine. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, and contact with the skin can cause dermatitis.
Related Terms
- Ranunculaceae: The family of flowering plants to which hellebore belongs.
- Purgative: A substance that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.
- Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.
- Toxicity: The degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hellebore
- Wikipedia's article - Hellebore
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