Ranunculus sceleratus

Scientific Name: Ranunculus sceleratus L. – cursed buttercup

Family:  Ranunculaceae – Buttercup family

Common Names: Cursed Buttercup, Poisonous Buttercup, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Blister Buttercup, Water Crowfoot, Shim, Aglaon, Jaldhaniya.

Cursed Buttercup is a fast growing annual herb which produces a multitude of small yellow flowers. The flowers have three to five yellow petals and reflexed sepals as long as petals. The leaves have small blades each deeply lobed or divided into usually three leaflets, and look like coriander leaves. They are borne on long stalks. The fruits arise in heads and make the plant easy to identify. Cursed Buttercup is a very poisonous plant. Bruised and applied to the skin, it raises a blister and creates a sore which is by no means easy to heal. When chewed, it inflames the tongue and produces violent effects.

Ranunculus sceleratus 

Medicinal uses:  The celery-leafed buttercup is one of the strongest acting of our native plants. The whole plant is acrid, mildly pain-relieving, and antispasmodic, induces sweating, promotes or assists the flow of menstrual fluid and causes irritation to the skin. When bruised and applied to the skin it raises a blister and creates a sore that is difficult to heal. If chewed it inflames the tongue and produces violent effects. If used medicinally, the herb should be used fresh since it loses its effects when dried. The leaves and the root have been used externally for rheumatism. The seed is tonic and has been used in the treatment of colds, rheumatism and excessive ejaculation.