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STAVES-ACRE DELPHINIUM
STAPHISAGRIA The powder is used to kill lice. This is closely related to the Larkspur and grows about four feet (1.2 m) high. The lower leaves are large and round but divided into sharp-pointed segments. The blue flowers are produced in a spike at the top of the stern and are followed by seed pods. Also called Housewort. Where to find it: Is cultivated in gardens, but comes originally from warmer climes, such as Greece and Italy.Flowering time: Midsummer. Astrology: Not assigned to any planet. Medicinal virtues: Only the seed is used. It is seldom taken inwardly, being of a hot burning taste. Sometimes it is used in masticatories and gargarisms for the toothache.The seed is given in small doses against rheumatic and venereal disorders, but they cause vomiting and purging and it is better to omit their use internally. Chewed in the mouth, they largely expel watery humours from adjacent parts and are of service in disorders of the head. Modern uses: The seeds are poisonous and should not be administered internally. They are used to make lotions and ointments for killing head lice and other parasites. Homoeopathic physicians prescribe pills made from the plant for impotency. These are prepared pharmaccutically and are safe to take. All Larkspurs are poisonous and ingestion of the seeds can cause paralysis of the nervous system. |