Adonis

About 20 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials make up this genus, which occurs in temperate Europe and Asia in a variety of habitats. Several species are valued as ornamentals for their exquisite, early flowers. The genus is named after Adonis, the beautiful youth of Greek myth who was killed by a boar. The flowers that sprang from his blood as it touched the earth are planted in Greece to celebrate his return to life each spring. Spring adonis (A. vernalis) is rare and protected in many areas. It contains glycosides that have both tonic and sedative effects on the heart, and is an ingredient of several commercial German preparations for heart complaints and low blood pressure. Spring adonis is also found in Bechterew's Mixture, a Russian formulation for heart conditions of nervous origin.

Clump-forming perennial with a stout rootstock and numerous, finely dissected leaves, to 5cm (2in) long. Solitary, yellow flowers resemble large buttercups in early spring.
The Pheasant's Eye (Adonis autumnalis), a plant very nearly allied to the Anemone, is sometimes found wild in England, mostly in cornfields in Kent, but is often regarded as a mere garden escape. Though generally only a cultivated species in this country, it is common enough on the Continent.
It is a graceful plant, growing about a foot high, with finely cut leaves and terminal flowers like small scarlet buttercups.Its Latin name is derived from the ill-fated Adonis, from whose blood it sprang, according to the Greek legends. 'Red Morocco' was a somewhat strange old English name for this plant, also 'Rose-a-rubie' and 'Red Mathes,' 'by which name,' says Gerard, 'it is called of them that dwell where it groweth naturally and generally red camomill' - the latter on account of the finely-cut leaves. It is now aptly called Pheasant's Eye, on account of its brilliant little scarlet and black blossoms. Although named A. autumnalis, it blossoms throughout the summer, commencing to flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August and September.In olden days it was considered to have some medicinal value, but is no longer used. Its near relative, A. vernalis (or 'Ox-eye'), though not officinal, is still regarded of medicinal value, and is a perennial species, not a native of this country, but common in central Europe, where its root is often used in the place of Black Hellebore. 'A. vernalis is one of the brightest and most effective of spring plants, known in many places as Sweet Vernal. It might be said of this, as of the Daffodil, that it "takes the winds of March with beauty," for often before the month is out it opens its rich, golden Anemone-like cups to the sun, and when planted in profusion, presents a glowing mass of colour. The plant is only about 9 inches high, and its foliage is one of its beauties. It makes a good addition to the rockery. Another species, A. amurensis, which is among the earliest of all the flowers, for it comes into bloom in February and March, is rather taller, and the foliage is more finely cut. There is a double variety, flore pleno, with large, yellow flowers. These plants will grow in any good garden soil, well drained and not too heavy. They should have a sunny position, but should not be allowed to suffer from drought during summer. They are quite hardy, and if left undisturbed improve from year to year.

Named for the Greek god Adonis, from whose blood this plant is said to have sprung, adonis is used as a cardiac stimulant that may be effective even when digitalis fails, especially in cases of kidney disease. Because of its sedative action, adonis may also be used to treat irregular or rapid heartbeat.

About 20 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials make up this genus, which occurs in temperate Europe and Asia in a variety of habitats. Several species are valued as ornamentals for their exquisite, early flowers. The genus is named after Adonis, the beautiful youth of Greek myth who was killed by a boar. The flowers that sprang from his blood as it touched the earth are planted in Greece to celebrate his return to life each spring. Spring adonis (A. vernalis) is rare and protected in many areas. It contains glycosides that have both tonic and sedative effects on the heart, and is an ingredient of several commercial German preparations for heart complaints and low blood pressure. Spring adonis is also found in Bechterew's Mixture, a Russian formulation for heart conditions of nervous origin.

Clump-forming perennial with a stout rootstock and numerous, finely dissected leaves, to 5cm (2in) long. Solitary, yellow flowers resemble large buttercups in early spring.

Common Name:	Adonis
Other Names:	False Hellebore. Red Chamomile. Pheasant's Eye. Red Morocco. Rose-a-rubie. Red Mathes. Sweet Vernal. Oxeye. Spring adonis. yellow pheasant's eye.
Botanical Name:	Adonis autumnalis syn. A. vernalis
Genus:	Adonis
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Cultivation:	Well-drained, medium soil in sun or partial shade, blossoms more readily in full sun. Does not take well to transplanting. Light, well-drained soil, enriched with leaf mold, in sun or partial shade. The crown should be planted 2.5cm (1in) below the surface. New growth may be damaged by slugs and snails. Plants die down in summer, so label them to prevent accidental damage.
Propagation:	By seed sown in situ, when ripe. By division in early autumn; by seed sown under cover in summer, as soon as ripe. Germination may be slow and erratic.
Harvest:	Leaves, stems, and flowering plant are picked when flowering and used dried for decoctions, powders, tinctures, and liquid extracts. Due to over-harvesting this plant is now considered on the extinct list and harvesting is prohibited in most countries. Plants are cut when in full flower and dried for use in liquid extracts and tinctures. The dried herb does not keep well, and stocks are renewed each year.
Height:	15-49cm (6-16in)
Width:	30-45cm (12-18in)
Hardiness:	Z4-7
Warning:	Adonis' side effects include nausea and irregular heartbeat. Adonis contains cardiac glycosides, which can help control irregular heartbeat, reduce the backup of blood and fluid in the body, and increase blood flow through the kidneys, helping to excrete sodium and relieve swelling in body tissues. However, a buildup of cardiac glycosides can occur, especially when the herb is combined with certain mediciations or other herbs that contain cardiac glycosides, causing arrhythmias, abnormally slow heartbeat, heart failure, and even death. For use by qualified practitioners only. Medicinal use of this herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Native Location:	S, C, and E Europe.
Parts Used:	Leaves, stems, flower, Whole Plant
Properties:	A tonic, diuretic herb that stimulates the heart.
Constituents:	A. vernalis contains a glucoside Adonidin and has an action almost exactly like that of digitalin, but is much stronger and is said not to be cumulative. It appears to be about ten times as powerful as digitoxin. It has been prescribed instead of digitalis, and sometimes succeeds where digitalis fails, especially where there is kidney disease. It is, however, less certainly beneficial in valvular disease than digitalis, and should be used only where digitalis fails. It produces vomiting and diarrhoea more readily than digitalis. It is given in the form of an infusion.
Medicinal Uses:	To treat menstrual problems, dehydration, fever and a weak heart. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of adonis to treat nervous heart complaints and irregular heartbeats. Internally for cardiac insufficiency, irregular or rapid heart beat, mitral stenosis, and edema due to heart failure. Included in many commercial formulas for heart complaints. Similar in effects to Digitalis lanata (see wooly foxglove), but not cumulative.
Dosage and Preparation:	A typical daily dose of adonis is approximately 0.6gm of powder. Fluid extract, 1 to 2 drops. Glucoside adonidin, 1/4 to 1/2 grain. The infusion is made with 1/4 oz. of the herb to a pint of boiling water and given in tablespoonful doses every three hours.
Drugs Interactions:	Increases Absorption and Effects Taking adonis with these drugs may enhance the therapeutic and adverse effects of the drug; Decreases Absorption and Effects Taking adonis with this drug may be harmful: Beclomethasone, (Beconase, Vanceril) Betamethasone, (Betatrex, Maxivate) Budesonide, (Entocourt, Rhinocort) Budesonide and Formoterol, (Symbicort) Calcium Acetate, (PhosLo) Calcium Carbonate, (Rolaids Extra Strength, Tums) Calcium Chloride, (Calcium Chloride) Calcium Citrate, (Osteocit) Calcium Glubionate, (Calcium Glubionate) Calcium Gluceptate, (Calcium Gluceptate) Calcium Gluconate, (Calcium Gluconate) Cascara, (Cascara sagrada) Cortisone, (Cortone) Deflazacort, (Calcort, Dezacor) Dexamethasone, (Decadron, Dexasone) Digitalis, (Digitek, Lanoxin) Docusate, (Colace, Ex-Lax Stool Softener) Docusate and Senna, (Peri-Colace, Senakot-S) Flunisolide, (Aerobid, Nasarel) Fluorometholone, (Eflone, Flarex) Fluticasone, (Cutivate, Flonase) Hydrocortisone, (Cetacort, Locoid) Lactulose, (Constulose, Enulose) Loteprednol, (Alrex, Lotemax) Magnesium Citrate, (Citro-Mag) Magnesium Hydroxide, (Dulcolax, Milk of Magnesia, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia) Magnesium Hydroxide and Mineral Oil, (Phillips' M-O) Magnesium Oxide, (Mag-Ox 400, Uro-Mag) Magnesium Sulfate, (Epsom Salts) Medrysone, (HMS Liquifilm) Methylprednisolone, (Depo-Medrol, Medrol) Polyethylene Glycol- Electrolyte Solution, (Colyte, Miralax) Prednisolone, (Inflamase Forte, Pred Forte) Prednisone, (Apo-Prednisone, Deltasone) Psyllium, (Metamucil, Reguloid) Quinidine, (Novo-Quinidin, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs) Rimexolone, (Vexol) Sorbitol, (Sorbilax) Triamcinolone, (Aristocort, Trinasal) Quinidine, (Novo-Quinidin, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs) — May cause electrolyte abnormalities, plus changes in cardiac rhythm and vital signs.
Disease Effects:	May worsen conditions related to low levels of calcium or potassium.
Supplement Interactions:	Increased risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity when used with other herbs that contain cardiac glycosides, such as Black Hellebore, Calatropis, Motherwort, and others. Increased rish of cardiotoxicity due to potassium depletion when taken with cardioactive herbs, such as Digitalis, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Squill. Increased risk of potassium depletion when used in conjunction with Licorice, or Horsetail Plant. Increased risk of potassium depletion when used with stimulant laxative herbs, such as Black Root, Cascara Sagrada, Castor Oil, and Senna. May increase risk of cardiac toxicity when taken with calcium supplements.
Bibliography:	The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD pp. 24-26 Botanical .com A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve Copyright © 1995-2009 by Botanical.com Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 103.