The genus of Adonis florets includes 30 to 35 different species with red or yellow, sometimes white flowers. Adonis florets are medicinal plants used mainly for diseases of the heart.
Occurrence and cultivation of the Adonis rose.
The genus of Adonis florets includes 30 to 35 different species with red or yellow, sometimes white flowers. Adonis florets are medicinal plants used mainly for diseases of the heart. Adonis florets belong to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae in Latin). They are found in Europe and some regions of Asia. The plants like it warm and dry and prefer calcareous dry or semi-dry grasslands, grow in pine forests and on clay or sandy soils. Due to intensive agriculture, the Adonis rose is rarely found in Europe and is therefore a protected species. Some species, such as the summer Adonis rose, grow as annuals. Other species, such as spring Adonis rose, are perennial herbaceous plants that form rhizomes for survival. The erect stems are hairy or hairless, depending on the species, and have alternate stem leaves. The stem leaves are palmate or multipinnate. The flowers in yellow, red or white are up to seven centimeters in size. They may be striped or have a darker base. The plants, which usually have more than one flower growing on each, bloom between March and June and grow between 20 and 50 centimeters tall. According to Greek mythology, the Adonis rose was created after the death of Adonis from his blood drops, which were transformed into Adonis roses by the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
Effect and application
Adonis floret contains various heart-active glycosides. The ingredients include adonitoxin and cymarin but also flavonoids and other glycosides. Adonis floret improves the muscular contraction of the heart without causing an increase in the pulse rate. It also has a venous tonic effect, which means that it increases the tone of the veins and thus promotes the return of blood. In addition, it is said to have a sedative and diuretic effect. The above-ground parts of the Adonis rose are picked during the flowering period. The spring Adonis rose, Latin Adonis vernalis, which is dried, is usually used as a medicinal plant. Since too high a dosage of the substances contained in the plant have a toxic effect, preparations from the pharmacy containing precisely defined quantities of the active substances are recommended. The medicinal plant is available as a powder, and more rarely as a tincture. When taking the powder, the average daily dose is half a gram, the highest single dose is one gram. The highest daily dose is three grams and should not be exceeded. Due to the toxicity of the Adonis rose, it is advisable to consult a doctor about the correct dosage before use. In this way, an overdose or possible interactions with other medications can be avoided, as Adonis robe can enhance the effects and side effects of other medications, such as laxatives, cortisone, or drugs for sodium excretion. In addition to single preparations, Adonis rose can be purchased in combination preparations with other medicinal plants. These preparations sometimes contain other medicinal plants with heart-active substances, such as lily of the valley, sea onion and oleander. In other preparations, Adonis rose is combined with medicinal plants such as arnica, valerian, broom or others. Homeopathic remedies with Adonis vernalis are also available. A toxic effect is not to be feared here due to the strong dilution. Usually, 5 to 15 drops of the homeopathic preparation are taken three times a day. In folk medicine, Adonis rose is also used as a tea. In this case, mixed teas with other plants are suitable in order to avoid an overdose of Adonis rose. In case of treatment with digitalis cardiac glycosides, no additional Adonis rose preparations should be taken. In case of potassium deficiency or pregnancy, the intake should also be refrained from. Likewise, children and lactating women should not take Adonisroem preparations.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
As early as the 16th and 17th centuries, Adonis rose found use as a medicinal plant for heart weakness, urinary problems and dropsy. Today it is mainly used for heart diseases.For mild heart failure, especially with accompanying nervous symptoms, clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of Adonis robe. For severe heart failure, however, a more effective therapy is advised. The symptoms should be clarified by a physician and a sensible therapy should be discussed with him. In folk medicine it is also used for asthma, epilepsy, edema, prostate problems and rheumatism. It is said to help with menstrual cramps and fever, low blood pressure and poor circulation, and bladder and kidney stones. The homeopathic preparation can be used for the same complaints. However, there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness in conditions other than mild heart failure. For the prevention of ailments, Adonis rose has no significance, as it is ineffective here. In case of sudden complaints, the cause should be clarified first. Side effects occur only if the dosage is too high. Loss of appetite and depression may occur, in men breast enlargement is possible. Poisoning by too high concentrations of the active substances contained in Adonis rose manifests itself in nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, nervous restlessness and cramps. Cardiac arrhythmia, hallucinations, psychosis, visual disturbances, confusion and shortness of breath may occur. In such a case, it is imperative to seek medical attention, as severe poisoning due to ventricular fibrillation can be fatal. Since glycosides from Adonis rose do not accumulate in the body, they are more suitable for long-term treatment in some patients than preparations from foxglove. In addition, glycosides from Adonis floret can sometimes be used in cases of intolerance to foxglove preparations because Adonis floret has a milder effect.
