Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus

What is Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus?

Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus is a variety of the species Narcissus tazetta, belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae.

It is a bulbous perennial plant with linear, channelled leaves that are 2-4 cm long, and scapes that are 10-30 cm tall, bearing 2-4 yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with golden or yellow anthers. The flowers are 3-4 cm in diameter, have a short tube, and are fragrant. Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus is a winter-bulking species, meaning it flowers from December to January, and it is native to China.

Its flowers are followed by capsule-like seed pods that contain numerous seeds.

What ailments can you heal with this herb?

The most common ailments you can heal with Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus are fever, as the plant contains volatile oils that have antipyretic properties, reducing body temperature and alleviating symptoms.

It is also used to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis, as the plant's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus has been used to alleviate digestive problems like diarrhea, due to its antispasmodic properties that help to soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the plant has been employed to treat skin conditions such as eczema, as its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to reduce redness and promote wound healing.

Furthermore, Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus has been used to treat urinary tract infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation.

What are the therapeutic properties this herb?

The main therapeutic properties of Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus are its anti-inflammatory effects, which are attributed to the presence of flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and quercetin, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and mediators.

This plant also exhibits antimicrobial properties, as its volatile oils, such as geraniol and linalool, have been found to exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal activities, contributing to its use in traditional medicine for wound healing and infection prevention. Additionally, Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus has been reported to possess antioxidant properties, with the plant's saponins and flavonoids contributing to its ability to scavenge free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. Furthermore, this plant has been used in traditional medicine for its anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety effects, with its bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and phenolic acids, potentially contributing to its sedative and anxiolytic properties.

The antiviral properties of Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus have also been reported, with its volatile oils and flavonoids exhibiting inhibitory effects against various viral strains.

What are the medicinal constituents this herb?

The most important healing constituents of Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus are quercetin, kaempferol, and gallic acid, which have been identified as responsible for its medicinal properties.

Quercetin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, while kaempferol has been shown to possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Gallic acid has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, contributing to the plant's ability to protect against infections and oxidative stress. Additionally, Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus contains saponins, which have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the immune system.

The combination of these constituents in Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus makes it a valuable resource for the treatment of various health conditions, including inflammation and infections.

What are the main herbal preparations this herb?

The main herbal preparations of Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus are made from its flowers, leaves, and bulbs, which are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes.

Tazette tea is an infusion of the flowers in hot water, used to treat respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and coughs, due to its expectorant properties. Tazette tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of the plant, used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and stress disorders, as it contains alkaloids that interact with the nervous system. Infused oil is a solvent-extracted oil from the flowers, used topically to treat skin issues, such as eczema and acne, due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Tazette salve is a topical ointment made from infused oil and wax, used to treat skin wounds, cuts, and burns, due to its antimicrobial and antiseptic effects, while tazette tea infusion is used for the same reasons as tazette tea but with a stronger effect.

What are the possible side effects of using this herb improperly?

The possible side effects of using Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus improperly include causing diarrhea, inducing vomiting, and experiencing nausea, as these effects are due to the toxic compounds such as lycorine and galantamine present in the plant.

These compounds can irritate the gastrointestinal tract when ingested, leading to abdominal discomfort, and in severe cases, may cause vomiting and diarrhea. The toxicity of Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus is heightened when ingested in large quantities or for prolonged periods, increasing the risk of severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant's toxic properties are also responsible for the risk of developing diarrhea, as the gastrointestinal system reacts to the toxic compounds.

Ingestion of Narcissus tazetta var. chrysanthus can have severe consequences, especially in children or pets, due to their smaller body weight and sensitivity to toxins.