SNOWDROPS

The whole plant is poisonous, especially the bulbs. 

Snowdrops can be used as rub-on treatment for headaches, painkiller & poison antidote.

Common snowdrop contains an alkaloid, galantamine, which has been approved for use in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.
Galantamine can slow down the progression of dementia & can help to ease the symptoms of memory loss, confusion & changes in behavior. It works by increasing the amount of a natural chemical in the brain called acetylcholine which is known to be lower in people suffering from Alzheimer's dementia..

Snowdrops can be beneficial in use against memory problems, nerve pains & myasthenia.

Snowdrop can be used externally for the alleviation of neuromuscular ailments including neuralgia & neuritis.
Infusion of dry snowdrops leaves, stems & flowers is an excellent remedy to combat muscle cramps & is excellent for muscle relaxation.
It is also used to relieve rheumatic pains.

Snowdrop flower infusions are also effective in relieving pain caused by varicose veins.

Snowdrop decoction is used as a remedy in cases of vaginal diseases.
Baths made with snowdrop decoction can be used for vaginal candidiasis.
Snowdrop can also activate the menses.

As a poultice for frostbite.
Tea made with bulbs is useful for children's poliomyelitis.

PRECAUTIONS:

The whole plant is poisonous but especially the bulbs.

Initial symptoms are dizziness, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting & diarrhea. 

Most people recover but a fatal dose is said to result in trembling & convulsions prior to death.

RECIPES:

Decoction of snowdrop: take 30 g of dried flowers & leaves
boil for 15 minutes in 1.5 liters of water

Can be added to the bath water.

Tea: add 1 tsp of finely cut dried bulbs in 500 ml of water & let steep for 5 minutes. 

Drink 2-3 cups a day. 

For neural disorders, late menstruation & HIV infection.

Tea: add 1 tbsp of dried leaves, stems & flowers in a cup of hot boiled water & let steep for 5 minutes. 

Drink 2-3 cups a day. 

For muscle problems, rheumatic pain & varicose veins.

For fungal & other skin lesions & joint diseases:
50 g of crushed bulbs or 100 g of leaves

cover with a liter of vodka or brandy,

infuse for a month in a cold, dark place. 

Apply as a compress.

For sciatica & multiple sclerosis:
Grate 1 cup of bulbs. 

Mix it with 5 cups of goat fat, cover with a lid & put it in a hot oven for 3 hours on medium mode. 

Rub the ointment into the affected areas daily before going to bed.

Treatment of foot fungus:
Cover the fresh leaves with cold water & leave for 12 hours. 

Pour the resulting infusion into a basin & dip your feet into it.
It can also be used to wipe sore knees, lower back, fingers & shoulders for 15 min. Helps to pull pain. 

The course of treatment is 2 weeks. 

Wash your hands & application areas thoroughly.

BEAUTY:

Compresses of infusion of snowdrop flower & leaves for delaying the signs of aging & blemishing spots.
Applied every evening, combined with lemon juice or parsley infusion on clean skin, snowdrop infusion calms the skin & reduces spots & freckles.

MAGIC:

Snowdrops represent new beginnings, resurrection, renewal & fresh starts. 

Snowdrop symbolizes purity & hope.

This flower is perfect for working any magic with the intent to purify, renew, refresh or cleanse.

A single snowdrop growing in the garden foretells a death.
If you take a single flower into your home, it then becomes a “Death Token,” meaning a member of your family will be dead within a year.

It is unlucky to bring snowdrops into the house on Imbolc & if you wish to be married within the year you should not bring them into the house on Valentine's Day.

Poisonous Galantamine in Snowdrop bulbs can cause lucid dreams, increase the period of sleep that gives us dreams & also seems to help with recalling those dreams upon awakening. Can cause sleep paralysis that can be very nightmarish if you have never experienced it before.