Colchicum ritchii

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Colchicum ritchii R.Br.

Colchicaceae

  • Egyptian Autumn crocus
  • Egyptian Meadow Saffron
  • khamiret el-'attar خميرة العطار
  • sitvanit ha-Negev
  • סִתְוָנִית הַנֶּגֶב

Geophyte

  • Desert
  • Sand
  • Shrub-steppes
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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Colchicum ritchii R.Br.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/ Administration
Parts Used
Source
Musculoskeletal/ Joints

Arthritic & gouty pain

Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory, Uricolytic

Apply compress/bandage of crushed bulbo-tuber to affected area. (See NOTES)

Bulbo-tuber (Corm) Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

Both corm and tuber or bulbo-tuber are used in describing the parts used in these preparations. Both terms refer to underground storage units. A corm is a solid short, vertical, swollen underground stem base, round with a basal plate like a bulb, but flatter in appearance. It is used by some plants to survive adverse conditions e.g summer drought/ heat. A tuber is a short underground stem.

Cautions

Colchicum genus has some species which may contain the phenethylisoquinoline alkaloid, colchicine. Can cause burning of the mouth & throat, vomiting, diarrhea, liver, kidney, cardiac & neurological problems, blood disorders, shock, organ failure & death. Very contraindicated in patients with any of the above problems & in pregnancy. May cause fetal abnormalities.