Pasque Flower Tincture

Anenome pulsatilla

Common name: Pasque Flower

Family: Ranunculaceae

Part used: Well dried aerial parts

Habitat: Pasque flower stems and leaves are covered in fine silvery hairs and the whole plant grows to 30cm or slightly taller when fruiting. The purple, bell shaped flowers open in mid spring and the silky grey-silver seed heads last on the plant for many weeks or even months. Pasque flower grows in temperate climates in woodland but in larger numbers in open sunny areas, which can be seen in the Gloucestershire Pasqueflower Reserve (Barnsley Warren) in the Cotswolds. Pasque flower is hard to establish in a garden and dislikes being disturbed but once settled will spread well. 

Folklore and History: Many myths surround pasque flower in traditional lore across Europe. One legend says that the pasque flower is soaked in blood, since it often would appear on burial mounds, barrows and banks marking boundaries in fortifications.

Constituents: Anemonin, triterpenoid saponins, volatile oil, tannins. Only preparations of the dried plant should be used; the fresh plant contains toxic protoanemonin which is turned to therapeutically useful anemonin upon drying.

Actions: Spasmolytic (relieves spasm), analgesic, nervine, sedative

Traditional and current uses:

• Insomnia, emotional distress, nervous exhaustion, PTSD, hyperactivity
• Migraine or tension headache
• Pain, cramping and inflammation in male and female reproductive tracts: ovarian or uterine pain, painful periods, period cramps, orchitis, epididymitis
• Painful cramping periods with associated headache and emotional tension

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.