- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa, Asia (tropical)
- Sanskrit
- Langalika
- Other names
- Klimlelie
- Traditions
- Local African healing traditions, Ayurveda
Africa · Herb · № 502
Gloriosa superba
Herb · Africa
Flame lily
Gloriosa superba
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, antipyretic, promotes bile, expels worms, cleansing, laxative; against lice, for gonorrhoea, leprosy, colic, worms; promotes contractions; compress for rheumatism and nerve pain.
Safety notes
All parts, especially the tuber, contain colchicine and are life-threateningly toxic; confusion with edible tubers has proved fatal. Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis belong with a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Highly poisonous in larger doses. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
The climbing lily with flame-like flowers is the national flower of Zimbabwe and the state flower of Tamil Nadu. In Ayurveda (langalika) and African folk medicine the tuber was used in small amounts for gout, rheumatism and to induce labour. The tuber contains colchicine; confusion with edible tubers regularly leads to fatal poisonings. Sanskrit name: Langalika.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Tonic, antipyretic, promotes bile, expels worms, cleansing, laxative; against lice, for gonorrhoea, leprosy, colic, worms; promotes contractions; compress for rheumatism and nerve pain.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: juice, paste, compress (partly external).
Caution: Highly poisonous in larger doses. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Compress, poultice and paste