Adders Tongue by Regi

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

 

The fresh leaves having emollient and anti-scrofulous properties which are crushed and applied to swellings or skin ulcers. Apply 3-4 times a day.

Fresh Herb - Uses the leaf and spike that is heated gently in olive oil (Ratio 2:1, Oil:Herb). Heat below boiling point for half an hour. Apply by spreading the Adder's Tongue ointment thickly on clean Adder's Tongue leaves and bind into place, using cotton bandages.

Adder’s Tongue

(Erythronium americanum)

Common and folk names: American adder’s tongue, serpent’s tongue, adder’s mouth, yellow snowdrop, dog’s tooth violet, erythronium, lamb’s tongue, rattlesnake violet, snake leaf, yellow erythronium, yellow snake leaf.

Medicinal Parts: Bulb, leaves.

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Healing

Description: Adder’s tongue is a perennial plant that grows in thin woods or open areas with rich soil all over the United States. Its bulbous root is light brown on the outside and white inside. It grows two lanceolate, pale green leaves with purplish or brownish spots; and one drooping yellow flower appears in April or May.

Medicinal Properties and Uses: Emetic, anti-scrofulous, emollient. Initially the plant is taken in the form of as infusion. For scrofula and other skin problems, make the plant into a poultice for external application and rake the infusion at the same time. If you prefer, mix the expressed juice with cider for internal use to make it taste better.

Magickal Uses: Soak some adder’s tongue in cold water and apply it to a wound or bruise as a cold pack, (see plant encyclopaedia introduction for further instructions) next bury the wet herb in a muddy place. The wound will be cured.

Preparation and Dosage: The plant must be used fresh.

Infusion: Use 1 cup.

Poultice: Use crushed leaves, or simmer the root in milk to get the proper consistency.

Medicinal use of Adder's Tongue:

The root and the leaves are antiseptic, detergent, emetic, haemostatic, styptic and vulnerary. An ointment made from the plant is considered to be a good remedy for wounds and is also used in the treatment of skin ulcers. The expressed juice of the leaves is drunk as a treatment for internal bleeding and bruising.

Habitat of the herb:

Damp grassland, fens and scrub.

Edible parts of Adder's Tongue:

Used as a vegetable. No more details are given.

Propagation of the herb:

Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep them in humid conditions until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old. Division of underground rhizomes with care because the roots are brittle

Cultivation of Adder's Tongue:

Damp grassland, fens and scrub.

Known hazards of Ophioglossum vulgatum:

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase.