Sentry Page Protection

Asphodelus, Asphodel

White Asphodel, Royal Staff, King's Spear
Asras, Hunta (Unani)
Lobel, M. de, Plantarum seu stirpium icones (1581)

Left: White Asphodel; Right: Yellow Asphodel
Kreutterbuch, Matthiolus, 1586

Sibthrop, J., Smith, J.E., Flora Graeca (1823)
Botanical name:
Asphodelus ramosus
In Unani, A. fistulosus and A. tenuifolius are used.

Parts used:
Root

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Pungent, Bitter

Uses:
1. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-diuretic in edema and fluid swelling
-the root ash of related species are also taken as a diuretic (Unani)

2. Moves the Blood, Promotes Menstruation:
-Amenorrhea
-also Hemorrhoids

3. Stops Cough:
-juice in wine and sugar for Cough

4. Stops Spasms:
-Spasms, Convulsions, Epilepsy
-'brings happiness' (Botanicon Continens Herbarum, Theodore Dorsten, 1540); first listed by Dioscorides.

5. Resists Poison:
–fruit and flowers are antidotes to Scorpion and Centipede bites.

6. Externally:
-topically to Fractures
-bruised root is applied to Scrofula and Lymphatic swellings
-inflammation of the Breast or Testicles (Dioscorides)
-root ashes are mixed with oil and applied to baldness (Dioscorides)
-mixed with vinegar and applied to Ringworm, Scabies, Leprosy


DOSE:
Decocted in wine to promote urine, open obstructions, ease pain and resolve tumors.
The acrid principle is destroyed by boiling.
1–3 grams; 9 grams (3 drams) was given for snake bite.

COMMENT:
1. White Asphodel root was eaten as a food, prepared into bread, or roasted in ashes and eaten in ancient times. It was used as cattle and pig fodder and was also used to prepare alcohol.
2. In Unani, A. fistulosus and A. tenuifolius are used. Seeds are hot, dry and are used as a diuretic and to open obstructions

Main Combinations:
1. Epilepsy:
i. Asphodel with Pellitory, Stoechas, Agaric, Asafetida, Peony, Chebulic, Yellow and Black Myrobalans, and with Squill juice and Honey form an Electuary. (Dispensatory of Ibn at Timid)
ii. Asphodel with Pellitory, Siler montane, Stoechas, Agaric, Cardamon, Hyssop, Licorice, Peony (Mesue)
2. Fractures:
i. Asphodel with Comfrey topically
ii. Asphodel with Gum Senegal, Aloe, Red Earth, Marshmallow as a cataplasm (Dispensatory of Ibn at Timid)
iii. Asphodel, Glossostemon root, Red Earth, Marshmallow, Myrtle berry, Mung bean, Aloe (Dispensatory of Ibn at Timid)
3. Scabies, Leprosy, Asphodel root with Burnt Alum, mixed with honey and applied.
4. Abscesses, Asphodel root topically with Barley meal
5. Inflammation of the Breast or Testicles, Asphodel root decocted with feces of wine and made into a plaster. (Botanicon Continens Herbarum, Theodore Dorsten, 1540)
6. Earache, juice of Asphodel and Ivy dropped into the opposite ear (Botanicon Continens Herbarum, Theodore Dorsten, 1540)
7. Promote hair growth, Asphodel root with Sothernwood in lixivium and apply. (Botanicon Continens Herbarum, Theodore Dorsten, 1540)


Cautions:
None noted

Main Preparations used: