Latin name: Anemone pulsatilla
Standardized common name: European Pasqueflower
Other common names: Common Pasqueflower, Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla, Easter Flower, Dane’s Blood
Family: Ranunculaceae
Authored by: Lisha Fenimore
Parts used:
In this case, the whole plant is used as medicine. The plant is harvested shortly after it blooms around April-June. This is a low-dose herb, so it is not employed as a food source. As all parts are employed, it is important to note that the root and seed will contain the most potent medicine and the aerial parts the least.3
Botanical description:
Pulsatilla is a mostly low growing and pubescent perennial plant. It is sure to catch your eye on a sunny spring day by its elegant fuschia to deep violet flowers and glowing halo of furry hairs. The inflorescence is solitary and actinomorphic with a superior ovary.5 The bisexual flowers bloom between April and June, around Easter, and house six tepals, numerous stamens, and a single ovary with a persistent style. The inflorescence is caressed and subtended by a very pubescent involucre of leaf-like bracts that look like a collar and have a sessile attachment to the peduncle. It bears a furry and brown achene; a dry single-seeded and indehiscent fruit that cracks open upon ripening. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and arise on separate stems than the peduncle with the determinate flowers. They have a petiolate attachment to the stem and are bipinnately compound with deep dissection.12 The bottom of the stems are a very dark purple color and turn more green as it grows taller.2 It can grow up to a height of about 6-18 inches and usually spreads about 8-14 inches.
Habitat:
It is native to Northern, South Eastern, and Central Europe in grassy isolated hillsides.3 Its presence has been found to be most concentrated in the Czech Republic. It mostly grows in the wild, but it is sometimes cultivated -- usually for its landscape value. It enjoys dry, sandy and clay soil, ideally with some lime and chalk which is alkalizing. It can thrive in partial or full sun making it able to grow in varied environments and it is drought tolerant. It does not have a USDA zone because it is native to Europe, but flowers in the same genus grow mostly everywhere in America except the East Coast.
Taste & Energetic properties:
The taste is acrid, bitter, aromatic, and slightly salty and putrid. It also provides a tingle and a numbing effect like Aconite and Echinacea.14 The energetics are rooting and empowering. To me, this shows that it has an affinity for the root chakra. It strengthens our roots by strengthening our nerves, enabling us to feel more truly and deeply. Pulsatilla acts on mostly hot and wet conditions as it has a drying and cooling characteristic in regards to the Galenic system.8 It is a Mars plant and associated with the element of fire. The deities it resembles are Adonis and Venus.11 It guides me to feeling certain and inspired to stand for what I believe in and persevere. It shows me the bigger picture and allows me to step back so things are put in a more humbling perspective.
Doctrine of Signatures:
The flower’s petals are protruding, creating a tunnel-like inside that is dark with the reproductive structure being bright yellow. To me, this symbolizes light at the end of the tunnel -- a signature of hope and relief. The soft pubescence lends to its medicinal action of being antispasmodic and soothing a spastic cough. The purple color of the flowers can refer to its ability to tame inflammation, especially in nerves and smooth muscle. This plant’s name means ‘wind flower’ because the leaves blow open, this can symbolize growth and allowing others to support you in order to know your self worth and strength. In Ayurveda it is administered by excess vata conditions which relates to the plant’s name Wind Flower. This symbolizes its use as an acute anxiolytic which is a very vata condition. Its drought tolerance might pertain to its ability to stabilize hot and damp conditions as it is able to still thrive in a dry environment.
Actions section:
Sharol Tilgner states that Pulsatilla’s actions are anti-inflammatory, sedative, and analgesic.8 This opinion is a little stretched from the actions others have noted. It is mostly known as a nervine, antispasmodic (mostly smooth muscle), and alterative.12 Grieves also adds that it is also employed as a diaphoretic and emmenagogue.3 Some that use this plant fresh say that it is also used an an antibacterial agent,13 although other plants have a stronger affinity for this action. When used fresh topically it is an irritant and can become caustic.16 On an energetic note, Winston talks about it being used as an anxiolytic and antidepressant, specifically menopausal and andropausal.9 It has been known in Eclectic medicine as having an affinity for the central nervous system -- the brain and spinal cord. It is a calming sedative and hypotensive with hyper and nervous conditions.14 What ties these actions together is the act of removing heat and dampness which is synergized in the plant by the tannin content. It is also important to note its action in homeopathy as an anxiolytic for panic attacks and acute depression.14
Constituents:
Pulsatilla is considered a low-dose herb mostly because of the glycoside Ranunculin. It is converted to the toxic and caustic lactone protoanemonin and then chemically changed to anemonin and anemonic acid.8 This conversion makes the plant less toxic when dried, but also less potent as medicine. Protoanemonin is a selective antimicrobial agent that notably kills Candida glabrata.15 Its acrid aromatic property is also due to the presence of anemone camphor which is a yellow oil. This plant also contains triterpenoid saponins such as Hederagenin which can irritate the GI if too much is ingested. The flavonoids include Delphinidin and Pelargonidin glycosides which are anthocyanidins. There are tannins which lend to its tonifying astringency and there are minimal volatile oil constituents.8
Pharmacodynamics:
The acrid Protoanemonin first exists as the sesquiterpene glycoside Ranunculosides and then is converted to ranunculin and glucose through hydrolysis. The Ranunculin becomes unsaturated and is transformed into protoanemonin. Upon oxidation due to drying, the antimicrobial protoanemonin is dimerized and converted to the nontoxic mucus membrane irritant anemonin and anemonic acid.8 This is why it is indicated to use dry rather than fresh. Anemonin and protoanemonin were also found to produce antipyretic and sedative effects. The antipyretic effects tie into the diaphoretic action and how it is used to lower the body temperature and disperse concentrated heat. Hederagenin is a triterpenoid saponin that, in appropriate amounts, helps with the absorption of medicine and keeps the preparation homogenous and enforce the integrity of vasculature. This is partially why it is a nerve tonic and restorative through modulating inflammation. It is also helpful in binding with cholesterol so it is mostly secreted rather than stored in the body. The flavonoids Delphinidin and Pelargonidin are both anthocyanidins and lend to the purple coloring of Pulsatilla. They also are restorative to the nerves and general cells because they bind to free oxidative radical species so they lose their harm. They also assist with inhibiting the release of mast cells which cause inflammation. It is a diaphoretic similarly to Belladonna.14 It stabilizes circulation and disperses heat throughout the body which brings on diaphoresis which cools the body. It is not understood how it works in the brain to alleviate symptoms as well as the root cause of anxiety and depression, but most likely it is due to its nerve restorative ability. Its alterative action ties together all of these actions as it provides restoration to normal body function as allowing for healthy sleep cycles and adequate energy consumption.
Pharmacokinetics:
There is no research that has been conducted to explore the pharmacokinetics of Pulsatilla specifically as a whole plant without constituent isolation so synergy can be observed.
Indications and Effects:
Pulsatilla is largely used as a simple due to its power to affect many systems of the body. The Eclectics have many important and specific uses for Pulsatilla such as being a heart depressant at high doses which is useful during acute panic attacks. Scudder is the one that brought this plant to light in the Eclectic community and enjoys using this plant in homeopathic doses. In Ayurveda, it is administered for the excess vata condition of anxiety. Especially anxiety due to reproductive insufficiency or disease. It is also appropriate for those that have a fear of dying, anticipation, and worry due to thoughts of a potential disaster occuring. For inflammation, it is best used in hot, stagnant and damp conditions. This points to its indication of clearing up leucorrheal discharge and excessive mucus.14 This brings up the point that it is balancing to both ends of the spectrum. It clears excess mucus as well as calming a spastic and unproductive cough that is causing inflammation. More than the initial stage of inflammation, it is used for the catarrhal, damp, and weeping stage that inflammation brings to make up for excess inflammation. This is made possible due to the synergy of the constituents. It is also indicated for dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea which are both irregular menses and it is especially indicated when there are symptoms insecurity due to deeply rooted fear of the unknown.14 The constitution that Pulsatilla works best for are those with coated tongues, an unstable pulse, intolerant of fatty foods, and have cold extremities.8 Its affinity for the sympathetic nervous system makes it useful for people that have disease due to being in a constant state of fear, acutely or chronically. The antibacterial action has a tendency to treat more skin infections rather then internal; again, usually those that bring a hot and damp condition.4 Although this is true, it is also proven effective against some strains of candida. 15 This is an instance where the fresh plant is used. Continuing with its affinity for the restoration of the reproductive organs, it is used for hysteria, sometimes with convulsions, due to uterine dysfunction. This encompasses uterine inflammation, constriction, atrophy, and exhaustion. This also applies to the realm of endometriosis and the ovarian pain it brings.16 In addition, it works best in the instance of alkaline urine and burning, sharp shooting pain. Not only does it treat the actual issue, but also the symptoms that come with it such as nervous headaches14 and menopausal depression.9 For men it is productive against pain in the prostate and testes,13 as well as andropausal depression.9 For other body systems, the anodyne effect is indicated for pain that is very heavy seated and brings chills especially in the presence of wind.16 As it is drying, it also heals excessive fluids in the stomach such as acidosis which results in alkaline urine. Specifically it is used when the condition is worsened by eating cold and raw foods.14 The anemonin content is specifically a mucous membrane irritant and dries sinus catarrhal. It is also quite randomly indicated in Eclectic medicine, notably by Scudder, for those that have eye complications due to the presence of diabetes such as glaucoma, although the mechanism is unknown.14 In the presence of night terrors, Pulsatilla brings peace and deep sleep.4 When someone has overdosed on Pulsatilla, it brings the effects of which it cures such as GI irritation.16
Safety/Contraindications:
Like the dosage, there are very variable opinions on when this herb should be administered. In Western herbalism, it is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its uterine stimulating action.1,4,8,12 Whereas in Eclectic medicine it is used to relieve symptoms triggered by pregnancy such as asthma and reproductive organ pain in small and frequent doses. They also believes it allows for an easier labor if administered prior to delivery. The eclectics also warn against GI irritation and slowed activity of the heart if toxic doses are consumed.14 David Winston believes that Pulsatilla should not be used during pregnancy or lactation,4 whereas Eclectics use it for agalactia.14 Mills and Bone advise against using Pulsatilla during lactation and pregnancy and warn that convulsions, burning gastric pain, and vomiting can occur at toxic doses.1,6 More toxicity pictures can manifest as bloody diarrhea, hypotension, hypothermia, neural depression, and coma.8 It is agreed by all that fresh plant material used topically will create irritation and can even become caustic and blistering during prolonged exposure which is called ranunculus dermatitis.6 There are no herb/drug interactions that are known at this point due to lack of research, especially on this particular Anemone species. Although, combination with other powerful anodynes can have an additive effect possibly relaxing the body too much which could speculatively create adverse effects.1
Classic formulas:
Pulsatilla is usually employed as a simple for acute conditions, and added into formula for chronic conditions. David Winston who infuses traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Tibetan medicine, and Cherokee medicine, uses Pulsatilla with Saw Palmetto and Black Cohosh to relieve the symptoms of andropause such as depression that creates erectile dysfunction.9 Spindle Tree is also traditionally paired with Pulsatilla as a hepatic restorative in the instance of insufficiency in European medicine.12 It is also formulated with gelsemium and hydrangea to ease pain associated with urinary irregularities according to Physiomedicalists. They also formulate Pulsatilla with heart tonic herbs such as Hawthorne for weakness and high atrial pressure to improve cardiac output.14 Since it is a European plant, it is not found as an herb used in TCM, Ayurveda, or Unani Tibb scripts.
Combinations:
It would be useful to combine Pulsatilla with Black Cohosh.9 Especially for pain associated with constricted and inflamed reproductive organs. They are both nerve tonics with an affinity for the reproductive system and will pair well to help restore equilibrium at the root within this system which will lead to the alleviation of its symptoms. Feverfew and Pulsatilla can be administered for nervous headaches. The Feverfew has an affinity for the head and treats headaches and the Pulsatilla will calm the nerves and assist Feverfew in taming the headache due to excessive pressure.
Preparations and Doses:
The fresh plant should be macerated at a 1:2 ratio with a maximum dose of 10 drops three times a day.8 Dried plant material should be tinctured at a 1:10 ratio13 in 40% alcohol4, but there are varying opinions of the therapeutic dosage parameters. Hoffman and Ellingwood believe that up to 30 drops can be taken three times a day13, 14 The Eclectics think 10 drops is the maximum dose16 and David Winston caps the dosage at 5 drops three times a day.9 For a hot infusion, there are also varying ideas for dosage. Since this is a low-dose herb, one teaspoon per cup is the medicinal dose. The Eclectics administer up to 2-3 teaspoons three times a day of a tea.16 Modern herbalists tend to lean more towards ingesting up to a whole cup three times a day.13 Rather than a powdered herb, isolated anemonin crystals are talked about by Ellingwood. He recommends 1/20 to ¼ of a grain as a therapeutic dose.14 An oil can also prepared to use in the instance of an earache, although preparation parameters were not found, it is probable that dry herb is used. As a rule of thumb, fresh plant preparations are used mostly as an antimicrobial agent, irritant, and sedative that is used acutely. The dry preparation can be used for more chronic conditions such as nervous anxiety, alterative, and nerve tonic.
Sustainability/Ecological Issues:
There are no sustainability issues for this specific species, but other species in the Anemone genus are protected by law in some European countries due to overharvest mostly by florists. It is native to Europe, so its dried herb supply is usually slim and it is mostly wildcrafted and used fresh. Due to the whole plant being used, some people yank the whole plant out of the ground instead of taking some which could eventually bring it to the ‘At Risk’ category according to the United Plant Savers. As long as people are educated about perpetuating plant life and harvesting in the name of medicine rather than money, this should not be an issue. Thankfully this is less of an issue due to its demand of being used fresh rather than dried.
Current literature:
Grazyna, L., Sienkiewicz, A., Zjawiony, J. K., Jacob, M., & Khan, S. (2017). Antifungal Activity of the Root Extracts of Pulsatilla patens against Candida glabrata. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 74(4), 1143-1149. doi:74(1):179-185
It should be noted that this plant has gone through many name changes and Anemone pulsatilla is very closely related to Pulsatilla Patens as stated in this research paper. This study found that the root extract of Pulsatilla was as effective as a commonly prescribed antifungal called Amphotericin B for lowering the activity of the strain Candida glabrata. As for the other strains tested, Pulsatilla was not very effective and the Amphotericin B was much more effective. Further research needs to be done to determine the plant’s efficacy due to its strain-selective activity.
Personal Experiences:
Personally I have not used this plant much myself, but I have heard a lot about it. I mostly have heard about its use around depression, nervous anxiety, and to redirect a negative psychedelic experience. I have tried it a few times and it has a very heavy and powerful presence. This is the kind of heavy that allows subtle distractions to be alleviated so that truth can shine through the veil and disallow trite instances to become overwhelming and uncomfortable.
Works Cited
Brinker, F. J. (2010). Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Elpel, T. J. (2013). Botany In A Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification: An Herbal Field Guide to Plant Families of North America. Pony, MT: HOPS Press.
Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic, and Economic Properties, Cultivation, and Folklore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs, and Trees With All Their Modern Scientific Uses (Vol. 2). Dover.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Judd, W. S., Campbell, C. S., Kellogg, E. A., Stevens, P. F., & Donoghue, M. J. (2016). Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach (3rd ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2016). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety . St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone.
Skenderi, G. (2004). Herbal Vade Mecum: 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, etc., Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution. Rutherford, NJ: Herbacy Press.
Tilgner, S. (2009). Herbal Medicine: from the Heart of the Earth. Creswell, OR: Wise Acres.
Winston, D. (2013). Herbal Therapeutics: Specific Indications for Herbs & Herbal Formulas. Broadway, NJ: Herbal Therapeutics Research Library.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants (Vol. I). Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Cunningham, S. (2003). Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.
Wren, R. C., & Holmes, E. M. (2005). Potters Encyclopaedia of botanical drugs and preparations. New Delhi: Published by Cosmo Publications for Genesis Pub.
Hoffmann, D., & DeLuca, D. M. (1993). An Elders Herbal: natural techniques for promoting health & vitality. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Ellingwood, F., & Lloyd, J. U. (1983). American materia medica, therapeutics and pharmacognosy: developing the latest acquired knowledge of drugs, and especially of the direct action of single drugs upon exact conditions of disease, with especial reference to the therapeutics of the plant drugs of the Americas. Portland, Or.: Electric Medical Publications.
Grazyna, L., Sienkiewicz, A., Zjawiony, J. K., Jacob, M., & Khan, S. (2017). Antifungal Activity of the Root Extracts of Pulsatilla patens against Candida glabrata. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 74(4), 1143-1149. doi:74(1):179-185
Felter, H. W. (1983). The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Comments