Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed RecordFR · EN
Corn Cockle
Agrostemma githago
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: The entire plant, and particularly the seeds, contains githagine and agrostemmine, toxic saponins that can cause severe digestive and neurological disorders. Internal use is strongly discouraged without supervision by a qualified healthcare professional trained in plant toxicology. Contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children, due to its confirmed toxicity. Never confuse Corn Cockle seeds with cereal seeds during harvest or mixing of heirloom seed varieties.
Poultice — Crushed seeds
Traditional external poultice
The seeds were sometimes roughly crushed and mixed with a little water to form a paste applied locally to the skin. This preparation, poorly documented, should be reserved for use supervised by a qualified professional, as handling the plant requires great caution. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to find it
Obtaining the plant
Corn Cockle has nearly disappeared from modern fields due to seed sorting, but can still be observed, more rarely, on the edges of certain traditional crops or in messicole plant conservatories; it is not sold in herbal shops due to its toxicity.
Harvest season
When to harvest it
The plant flowers from June to August, but its harvest is not recommended due to the toxicity of its seeds.
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