Botanical Index No. 64

Autumn Crocus, Colchicum, Meadow-saffron

colchicum autumnale

Medicinal Actions

Alterative, Antichemotactic, Antiinflammatory, Antimitotic, Antirheumatic, Antitumor, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emetic, Laxative, Sedative, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Aperient Aphrodisiac Poison Aposteme Arthrosis Asthma Bright’s Disease Cancer skin Cholera Cirrhosis Condyloma Corn Dermatosis Dropsy Enterosis Fever Gas Gastrosis Gout Hepatosis Induration Inflammation Insomnia Leukemia Mediterranean Fever Morbus Behet Necrosis Nephrosis Nervousness Pain Palsy Pleurosis Polyp Prostatosis Psoriasis Rheumatism Rhinosis Splenosis Tendinitis Tumor Typhus Vaginosis Vasculosis Wart Water Retention

General Dosage

1 mg colchicine initially and 0.5–1.5 mg every 1–2 hrs until relief.

Safety & Contraindications

Not covered. Contraindicated in patients with pregnancy, debility, cardiac, kidney, or GI problems. Side effects include agranulocytosis, alopecia, aplastic anemia, diarrhea, enterosis, leukopenia, myopathy, nausea, skin alterations, and vomiting. No known interactions with other drugs. Do not use again for 3 days for gout. Colchicine may cause fetal abnormalities. Fatal doses as low as 7 mg.

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