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Galanthus nivalis, better known as snowdrop is a small genus of a species of bulbous herbaceous plants in the Amaryllis family. Native of Switzerland, Austria and of Southern Europe, they can be found throughout Europe. Snowdrops bloom in spring and are seen as heralds of spring.
One legend says in a fight with the Winter Witch, that wanted to rule all year, the Spring Witch cut her finger and few drops of her blood fell on the snow, a snowdrop grew and Spring defeated Winter. It is also known as "Our Lady's Bells" and is used during Candlemas, a celebration of the The Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple or as The Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin, which is on February 2nd, so it also has a religious significance.But although in some parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe, is seen as a good omen, snowdrop is not too well seen in other countries. In Great Britain in particular,it is believed bringing snowdrops into your house will bring misfortune. In other parts of Europe it is believed snowdrops will invite death into your home home, and no one should even pick wild snowdrops, especially from a graveyard.
Studied by specialists, it was discovered that the plant can be helpful in treating diseases.WARNING: If you want to enjoy the therapeutic effects of snowdrop, just use the dried herb, otherwise, it can be toxic. Also, you can not use the bulb for the same reason. Here are just a few benefits for your health :
One cup of infusion of dry snowdrops (leaves, stems and flowers) is an excellent remedy to combat muscle cramps and is excellent for muscle relaxation. In folk medicine it is also used to relieve rheumatic pains. Snowdrop flower infusions are also effective in relieving pain caused by varicose veins.
From snowdrops is extracted an active substance called galantamine, which, along with other substances in the composition of medicines is used to treat Alzheimer's disease, but also other forms of dementia.
Snowdrop decoction is used as a remedy in cases of vaginal diseases. If you want to get rid of vaginal candidiasis, prepare a decoction of snowdrop (boil for 15 minutes 30 grams of dried flowers and leaves in 1.5 liters of water) and use it in the local baths.
Compresses of infusion of snowdrop (flower and leaves) do wonders for the skin, especially in delaying the signs of aging and blemishing spots. Applied every evening (simple, combined with lemon juice or parsley infusion) on clean skin, snowdrop infusion calms the skin and reduces spots and freckles.