Ancient Herbarium — Detailed Entry

Delphinium peregrinum

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: All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain diterpene alkaloids related to those of hellebore and aconite, potentially toxic including by contact or in small quantities. No internal use should be attempted without supervision by a qualified healthcare professional; this plant should be considered toxic by oral route. Strictly not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for children, due to lack of safety data. In case of external use, perform a skin test beforehand and avoid any contact with mucous membranes, eyes, or open wounds.

Oil Maceration — Seeds

Traditional external-use oil macerate

The seeds were sometimes crushed then left to macerate for several days in a vegetable oil, then filtered for local external use. This preparation, reported in certain folk traditions, must be handled with the utmost caution and never ingested. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

This species is found in the wild on dry and rocky hillsides of western Asia; it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in some botanical gardens, but it is not sold in herbal shops due to its toxicity.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The seeds, when they were traditionally harvested, were collected at maturity in late summer, once the capsules had dried on the stem.

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