Ranunculaceae
Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: Common Columbine, European Columbine, Granny's Bonnet
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlowerSeed
Therapeutic Uses
Historically: digestive complaints, skin conditions, menstrual disorders. Limited modern use. Seeds TOXIC. Primarily ornamental today.
Herbal Actions
Diuretic, mild analgesic, antispasmodic
Active Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (magnoflorine, berberine trace), cyanogenic glycosides (seeds — toxic), flavonoids, saponins, volatile oil
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5–1 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min — low dose only |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 2x daily |
| Notes | LIMITED USE — safer herbs available for all indications. Seeds highly toxic (cyanogenic). Leaf and flower in very low doses only. Rarely used in modern herbalism. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Seeds toxic — cyanogenic glycosides. Avoid in pregnancy. Safer alternatives available for all indications.
Side Effects: GI irritation. Seed poisoning: cyanide toxicity. Low therapeutic doses relatively safe but limited indication.