ENGLISH NAME: Pasqueflower
LATIN NAME: Pulsatilla vulgaris
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Koniklec luční
Turkey: Paskalya çiçeği
Bulgaria: Пулсатила, съсънка или котенце
Georgia: აღდგომის ყვავილი (Agdgomis qvavili)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Pálava Hills and Bohemian Karst (Czechia), Inner Anatolian steppes (Turkey), Thracian Plain and limestone hills (Bulgaria), Javakheti and Shida Kartli (Georgia)
Elevation: 300–1500 meters
Terrain: Dry grasslands, open hillsides, rocky slopes, and calcareous meadows
DESCRIPTION:
A low-growing, perennial herb with finely divided, hairy leaves and large, bell-shaped purple flowers that bloom in early spring, often around Easter. After flowering, it develops silky seed heads. The entire plant is softly hairy, giving it a silvery appearance. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts (whole plant, traditionally used fresh)
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used in very small, carefully controlled doses as a nervine, antispasmodic, and sedative. Has been applied in historical herbalism for menstrual cramps, neuralgia, insomnia, and anxiety. Also used in homeopathy for emotional tension, hormonal issues, and grief.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
⚠️ Toxic when fresh. Contains protoanemonin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, dizziness, and even convulsions. Should only be used dried or in homeopathic dilutions. Not for internal use without expert supervision.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
In traditional formulations, sometimes combined with chamomile or valerian for nervous complaints — but rarely used in modern herbal blends due to toxicity.
PREPARATION:
Only dried herb is used, as drying neutralizes much of its toxicity. Infusions and tinctures are made in very low doses. In modern times, primarily used in homeopathic preparations (e.g., Pulsatilla 30C).
HARVEST TIME:
Early to mid-spring, during flowering (March–May)
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut aerial parts carefully while wearing gloves. Harvest only from abundant stands to avoid impacting wild populations.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry thoroughly in a shaded, ventilated area. Store in a clearly labeled container marked “toxic – use with caution.” Keep away from children and pets.
⚠️ Warning: Pulsatilla vulgaris is protected or endangered in some areas due to habitat loss and overcollection. Always ensure ethical sourcing or cultivation. Use medicinally only under expert guidance.