Stinking Hellebore, Setterwort, Bear's Foot, Bearsfoot, Setterwort, Stinkwort, Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus

Physical Characteristics

Helleborus foetidus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western and southern Europe, including Britain, from Belgium to Spain and Italy.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

A very toxic plant that is considered to be useful for reducing blood pressure in various conditions of hypertension[213]. Tthe root contains the alkaloids nervine, pseudo-nervine and veratridine[213]. It is best to harvest the root in the autumn and dry it for later use[213]. This species has similar medicinal properties to the black hellebore, H. niger[4]. These properties are:- Black hellebore is a very poisonous plant that is toxic when taken in all but the smallest doses. As such it should not be taken except under professional supervision. The plant contains cardiac glycosides which have a similar action to the foxglove (Digitalis spp) and it has been used as a heart stimulant for the elderly, though this treatment is no longer recommended[254]. The root is anthelmintic, cardiac, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, irritant, violently narcotic and a drastic purgative[4, 9, 21, 46, 240]. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[4]. It has been used in the treatment of dropsy, amenorrhoea, nervous disorders and hysteria, but it is very poisonous and great care must be taken over the dosage[4]. The root is also applied externally as a local irritant[4], but even this should be done with care, see notes above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots[9]. It is used in the treatment of headaches, psychic disorders, enteritis and spasms[9].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[9, 10, 65], this poison can possibly be absorbed through the skin[76].