Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed NotebookFR · EN
Summer Pheasant's Eye
Adonis aestivalis
Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Toxic plant containing cardiotonic heterosides similar to those of digitalis: any internal use must be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional, under no circumstances for self-medication. Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and in cases of cardiac disorders already under treatment. High risk of interaction with cardiac medications (digitalis drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics) and with certain other medicines: never combine without medical advice. Confusion with digitalis heterosides may lead to serious overdose; the margin between useful dose and toxic dose is very narrow.
Tincture — Flowering aerial parts
Traditional Adonis Tincture
The dried flowering tops were macerated in alcohol to obtain a concentrated tincture, used in drops according to very precise protocols established by practitioners of the time. Due to the plant's toxicity, this preparation should only be considered under the supervision of a healthcare professional trained in its use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Powder — Dried aerial parts
Historical Standardized Powder
Once dried and finely pulverized, the plant was formerly incorporated into pharmaceutical preparations dosed with precision due to the variability of its active principle content. Such use falls exclusively within the scope of medically supervised prescription. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to find it
Obtaining the Plant
Summer pheasant's eye once grew spontaneously in cereal fields across Europe, but is now rarer there due to modern agricultural practices; it is sometimes cultivated for ornamental or conservation purposes in botanical gardens.
Harvest season
When to Harvest
The harvest of flowering aerial parts was traditionally performed in midsummer, during the flowering period, between June and August.
← Back to plant profile