Ancient Herbarium — Detailed RecordFR · EN
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Highly toxic plant containing colchicine: the margin between active dose and lethal dose is extremely narrow, even for small amounts of leaves. Use is strictly discouraged for self-medication; any reported historical use required precise dosing reserved for trained practitioners. Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and in cases of kidney or liver insufficiency. Known dangerous interactions with numerous medications; never combine without medical advice.
Tincture — Leaves
Traditional tincture (restricted historical use)
Fresh leaves were sometimes macerated in alcohol by experienced herbalists to obtain a precisely titrated tincture. This preparation should only be considered after consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, due to the plant's toxicity. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to find it
Sourcing the plant
Autumn crocus grows spontaneously in moist meadows throughout Europe, particularly in mid-mountain areas; it is cultivated only for controlled ornamental or pharmaceutical purposes, and wild harvesting for internal use is strongly discouraged.
Harvest season
When to harvest it
The leaves appear in spring, well before the autumn flowering period, during which dangerous confusion with wild garlic has already caused serious poisonings.
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