Anemone pulsatilla Folio

(1) Anemone pulsatilla, (A. hirsutissima, A. patens, Pulsatilla
ludoviciana) (2)Anemone occidentalis (3)Anemone tuberosa. The taxonomy of these plants is very fuzzy...as are the plants themselves. I like the minority
botanical viewpoint that places a few Anemones into a Pulsatilla genus, characterized by long
feathery achenes...plumed seeds meant to wind-seed. Hence the common name, Wind Flower.
These three Anemones are chemically similar (with several Eurasian relatives)...and as a group
supply us with the drug: Pulsatilla. The vast majority of North American Anemones seem to
have little or no value as a pulsatilla...I have chewed and tasted most of them Anemone occidentalis, from subalpine California. The plant on the left has just begun to bloom in the early spring. Late-spring plants on the right have grown to nearly their full height. Photos by Mimi Kamp These folios are intended to offer brief and concise
information about the preparation and uses of North
American botanicals...to encourage the viewing of our
herbs as LIVING PLANTS, not merely abstract roughage
purchased in commerce, derived from sources
mysterious Anemone
Pulsatilla Prepared by Michael Moore MEDICINAL PLANT FOLIO PLANT PART ............ FRESH HERB-from spring flowering to early seeding. PREPARATION:
Tincture of the fresh plant [1:2]. Despite many references to the contrary, ONLY the fresh plant is potent. DOSAGE: 3-10 drops, to 4X a day. USE WITH CARE. NOTE: The medicine works quickly...the active constituents are camphor-like and acrid,
similar to those found in such relatives as the Buttercups. Its absorption is quick, effecting the
central nervous system almost immediately, rather that the usual pattern of gradual
absorption from the intestinal, through the liver, thence into general circulation.
Several drops on the tongue or with a little water is the appropriate dose. Larger amounts
wont help if smaller ones dont. It simply means the herb is inappropriate, Large amounts
(usually over 30 drops) may produce strong effects on the autonomic nervous system, with a
sense of cold, a clammy sweat and even dizziness...the small doses produce NO side effects.
This dichotomy may seem peculiar, but a LITTLE Pulsatilla effects the brain only...large
doses are absorbed in general circulation and produce a predominantly somatic response Anemone patens (also called A. pulsatilla, A. hirsutissima, Pulsatilla hirsutissima and P. ludoviciana. Young spring plants in a field in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. The best-known of the medicinal Pulsatillas Photo by Michael Moore SUMMARY OF USES: Insomnia, nervousness, and a generally agitated emotional state with gloom and distress. Wan and chilly, not hot and flushed. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, bradycardia, acute and febrile conditions. SPECIFIC INDICATIONS:
Increased intraocular pressure; lachrymitis; glaucoma in aged or tired; viral iritis; full- blown styes on lids; ophthalmalgia; Eyestrain with orbital pain; conjunctivitis, watery and inflamed with grainy vision.
Tongue white coated with nausea, or creamy white

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