Helleborus niger is evergreen flowering plant but poisonous in nature
belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.
Helleborus is perennial flowering plant that and has numerous species
distributed in various parts of the world. Helleborus niger is further
subdivided i.e. H. niger and H. macranthus.
H. niger is usually found in mountainous regions of Switzerland,
Austria, Germany, Slovenia and northern Italy.
While H. macranthus is found only in the areas of northern Italy and
adjoining parts of Slovenia.
Helleborus niger is evergreen plant which is 9-12 inches tall with dark
leathery leaves coming out of stem.
The flowers are large borne out of small stem which is usually white or
pink.
H. niger is horticulture favourite and generally cultivated in cottage
gardens for its beautiful flowers.
Screw tree prefers moist-humid rich and well drained alkaline soil and
mottled shade to grow best.
Dried rhizome.
Glucosides named Helleborin and helleborcin, resin, fat and starch.
Screw tree possess highly purgative, anthelmintic and narcotic actions.
H. niger is highly poisonous in nature, so it must be used carefully as
formerly it is bee used in the treatment of leprosy and nervous disorders
like hysteria.
In homeopathy screw tree roots are used which makes a remedy for
headaches, psychic disorders, spasms and enteritis.
Due to its toxicity it is been used against lice, parasites and fleas.