ΝΑΡΚΙΣΣΟΣ
Narcissus tazetta
(Paperwhite)
Botanical info:
Paperwhite is a bulbous perennial plant that grows to a height of up to 80 cm, with thin, flat leaves up to 40 cm long. Its natural habitat includes garigues with considerable amount of soil, uncultivated fields, and valleys. It is native to the Mediterranean basin. Flowering from February to April.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Epidemics 2:
a. For the treatment of fatigue induced fever, eat in the dinner two to three bulbs of paperwhite.
b. In Nature of Women:
a. As menstruation promoting agent.
c. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. As menstruation promoting agent.
d. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. Paperwhite is the best menstruation promoting enema.
b. As uterus analgetic and softener.
Other uses:
Socrates called this plant the 'Chaplet of the infernal Gods,' because of its narcotic effects. An extract of the bulbs, when applied to open wounds, has produced staggering, numbness of the whole nervous system and paralysis of the heart. The bulbs of the paperwhite, as well as every other part of the plant are powerfully emetic. Paperwhite flowers have been used as an antispasmodic. Paperwhite is grown commercially for its essential oil.