Dorothy FarrarWhite Germer
The white germer resembles the yellow gentian, it is a very imposing sight, but it is poisonous. Very poisonous in fact, so it only has a place in medically trained hands.
General overview
It grows in the high mountains, up to 2,000 meters. In ancient times, the well-known doctor Hippocrates treated cholera with this plant, but other contemporaries used it to combat pests. White Germer, also known as Hellebore or Lousewort, belongs to the Germer family of plants and its botanical name is Veratrum album.
The White Germer can grow up to 1.50 meters tall, is a very herbaceous plant and perennial. Care should be taken with this plant, because the white Germer is poisonous, the alkaloids are concentrated in the white root, but all parts are poisonous and must not be eaten under any circumstances. The higher the Weißer Germer is located, the lower the concentration of alkaloids, plants located in the valley are far more poisonous.
Occurrence and cultivation
These poisonous plants have leaves that are twisted and arranged alternately. The lower leaves are oval in shape and about 20 centimeters long. The leaves located higher up are more reminiscent of a lancet. All leaves have parallel nerves , a deep groove, and encircle the entire stem. The White Germer flowers for the first time a few years after budding. The White Germer flowers from June to August, it bears about 50 cm long panicles. On them are white flowers with green nerves.
The White Germer exudes a very unpleasant smell, which is considerably intensified when the sun shines. The White Germer is very common in the Alps, in the foothills of the Alps and in highland areas, but also grows on wet meadows and moors. It is particularly common in Austria and calves or sheep are often poisoned . Farmers often dig or uproot them. Outside the flowering period, this plant resembles the yellow gentian , it is often confused with dire consequences.
Application and effect
The white germer is a neurotoxin and its ingredients are germerin, protoverin, protoveratrin A and B, jervin, rubijervin, veratrenone and veratramine. The root of this plant is even more poisonous than the parts of the plant above ground, even one to two grams of this powdered root can lead to death. Nevertheless, it was used earlier for healing purposes, it was supposed to stabilize the circulation.
The roots of the plant have also been used to relieve sneezing. White Germer was also highly valued for its expectorant , analgesic , nerve-calming and hypotensive effects, but accidental overdose resulted in severe damage and often death.
The poisoning can be noticed quickly, sneezing, nausea and vomiting , as well as tingling in the mouth and increased salivation are the first signs. In severe cases, shortness of breath becomes noticeable and heart failure usually leads to death. The root is also used in today’s medicine, but white germ is administered in very small doses. If poisoning occurs, the person concerned must be taken to a hospital immediately, the patient can still be rescued within the first twelve hours.
He receives gastric lavage and the circulation is stabilized, artificial respiration is usually also necessary. Activated charcoal can stop the diarrhea and the painkillers help with cramps and general discomfort. In addition, these patients are nice and warm to keep. Even in the past, the Weißer Germer was mostly applied externally, it helps with psoriasis, scabies or rashes of various kinds. It also eliminated dandruff and strengthened the hair roots. Today, the Weißer Germer is only used in finished preparations and in homeopathy .
What does the White Germer help against?
- Niesreiz
importance to health
In ancient times, the white Germer was very popular as a remedy , it was often used as an emetic and it is said to have helped against heart problems and high blood pressure. It was even found in snuff, albeit in very small doses. Today the root only plays a role in homeopathy, the poison is diluted so much that it can no longer cause any damage. On the contrary, the otherwise very toxic substances become a very effective remedy. It is usually used when there is a tendency to faint and the White Germer can combat high or low blood pressure.
It is also used to treat sciatica, bronchitis, depression, constipation and food poisoning, and it can help with migraines. The Weißer Germer also helps with skin diseases, psoriasis or rashes can be successfully treated.
The Weißer Germer also helps with muscle diseases, with intestinal flu and even with menstrual problems. The Weißer Germer is also popular for general strengthening.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.