Narcissus
|
Botanical Name |
Narcissus poeticus |
|
Family |
Amaryllidaceae |
|
Other Names |
Pinkster lily, pheasant’s eye, poet’s narcissus |
|
Description |
Long sword like leaves, white flowers with yellow trumpets and red edge. Up to 50cm/19in |
|
Native to |
Middle East |
|
Actions |
Antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, emetic, narcotic, sedative |
|
Extraction |
Solvent extraction from the flowers |
|
Constituents |
Quercetin |
|
Other Notes |
The name comes from the Greek “narkao” meaning “to be numb” due to its narcotic properties In India the oil is applied to the body before prayer In Greek folklore Narcissus was a youth who pined to death from love of his own reflection and the flower sprung from his body It is said to be unlucky to bring a single flower into a house The Greeks used them in funeral wreaths |
|
Caution |
Do not use |