- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Mexico, Central America and Venezuela; also traded as a remedy further into South America
- Traditions
- Kallawaya healing knowledge
South America · Herb · № 900
Schoenocaulon officinale
Herb · South America
Sabadilla
Schoenocaulon officinale
A lily-like plant with highly poisonous seeds containing alkaloids such as veratridine and cevadine. Pharmacists around the world made louse treatments and insecticides from them.
Safety notes
Highly toxic, also through the skin and mucous membranes: it can cause vomiting, a slow heartbeat and paralysis. Do not swallow, keep away from eyes and mouth, and out of reach of children.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Highly toxic, also through the skin and mucous membranes.
Preparation
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Use in traditions
The seeds are still used locally to rid domestic animals of fleas, ticks and lice. According to Bastien Kallawaya healers washed people and clothing with an infusion of sabadilla against lice and fleas.
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.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
As a wash against lice and fleas on people and animals.
Preparation and amount
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Caution: Highly toxic, also through the skin and mucous membranes.