Herbier des Anciens — Detailed Notebook

Galanthus nivalis

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: All parts of the plant, particularly the bulb, contain toxic alkaloids and must not be ingested under any circumstances without strict medical supervision. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, neurological and cardiac disorders. Plant strictly contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, in children, and in case of ongoing drug treatment (risk of interactions). Never confuse with other edible woodland bulbs (such as wild garlic) when foraging.

Supervised pharmaceutical use — Bulb

Controlled laboratory extraction

Galantamine, the active principle isolated from the bulb, is produced and dosed only in an industrial pharmaceutical setting, in the form of a prescription medication. No domestic preparation allows for safe dosing, and any artisanal attempt is strongly discouraged. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

Snowdrop is observed in the wild in damp woodlands and fresh meadows of Europe, flowering from January to March; it is also very widespread in ornamental cultivation in gardens. The plant and its derivatives are not found in traditional herbal shops, as galantamine is only available in supervised medicinal form.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Snowdrop flowers early, from January to March, but its harvest is not recommended outside of a scientific or pharmaceutical context due to its toxicity.

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