Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Urginea maritima (syn. Drimia maritima) (Liliaceae)

Botanical Information

Family: Liliaceae
Common Names: Squill, Sea Onion, Maritime Squill, White Squill, Red Squill
Parts Used: Bulb (dried scales), Seeds

Description

Urginea maritima, also known as Drimia maritima, is a perennial bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa and the Middle East. This powerful herb has been historically used for its cardiotonic, expectorant, and diuretic properties. It is commonly classified into white squill (used medicinally) and red squill (used as a rodenticide due to its toxicity). The dried bulb scales are particularly valued in traditional medicine for their effects on heart health, respiratory conditions, and edema.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Arabic medicine for treating dropsy (edema), heart conditions, and respiratory ailments.
  • Traditionally employed as a powerful expectorant for chronic bronchitis, asthma, and congestion.
  • Applied as a diuretic to reduce fluid retention and support kidney function.
  • Historically used in low doses for heart failure and irregular heartbeats, similar to digitalis (foxglove).
  • Red squill has been used as a natural rodent poison due to its high toxicity to mammals.

Constituents

  • Cardiac glycosides (Scillaren A & B)
  • Flavonoids
  • Saponins
  • Alkaloids
  • Mucilage

Actions

  • Cardiotonic (Supports heart function)
  • Expectorant
  • Diuretic
  • Emetic (in high doses)
  • Anti-inflammatory

Medicinal Uses

  1. Cardiovascular Health
    • Traditionally used for congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and edema.
    • Acts similarly to digitalis by strengthening heart contractions while slowing the pulse.
  2. Respiratory Health
    • Used as a strong expectorant, helping clear mucus from the lungs.
    • Beneficial for chronic bronchitis, asthma, and persistent coughs.
  3. Diuretic for Fluid Retention & Kidney Support
    • Helps reduce swelling (edema) associated with heart and kidney conditions.
  4. Potential Anti-Microbial & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
    • Some traditional applications suggest squill may be useful against certain infections and inflammatory conditions.

Preparation and Dosage

Tincture:

  • 0.5-2 ml taken once or twice daily (must be used cautiously).

Powdered Bulb (In Capsules):

  • 50-100 mg per dose (strictly monitored for safety).

Infusion (Tea – Not Commonly Used Due to Potency):

  • Rarely recommended, as squill is highly potent and should be used in precise doses.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Highly Toxic in High Doses: Overuse can cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeats, and death.
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Strongly contraindicated due to its cardiac glycoside content.
  • Heart Conditions: Must be used under supervision if combined with other cardiac medications (e.g., digitalis).
  • Kidney Disease: Use with caution due to strong diuretic effects.
  • Not for Self-Medication: Due to its potency and toxicity, squill should only be used under professional guidance.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

Traditional Western Herbalism: Warming and drying; strengthens heart function, expels mucus, and reduces excess fluids.
Ancient Greek & Egyptian Medicine: Used for dropsy (fluid retention) and respiratory conditions.
Unani Medicine: Considered a powerful diuretic and expectorant, often blended with other herbs.

Combinations

  • For Heart Support: Combine with hawthorn and motherwort (under supervision).
  • For Chronic Bronchitis & Coughs: Blend with licorice and elecampane.
  • For Fluid Retention & Kidney Health: Pair with dandelion leaf and parsley.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting:
    • Bulbs are collected in late summer or autumn, carefully dried, and sliced for medicinal use.
  • Drying:
    • Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area to prevent degradation of cardiac glycosides.
  • Storage:
    • Store in airtight containers, away from light and moisture, and clearly labeled due to its potency.

Modern Research

  • Studies confirm its cardiotonic effects, similar to digitalis, with potent diuretic and expectorant properties.
  • Research suggests its potential for lung conditions, as squill stimulates mucus clearance in chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Toxicity studies emphasize controlled dosage, reinforcing the need for professional guidance.

Conclusion

Urginea maritima (Drimia maritima) is a highly potent medicinal plant, historically used for heart health, respiratory conditions, and fluid retention. Due to its strong cardiac glycosides, it should only be used under expert supervision to avoid toxicity. While it remains a valuable traditional remedy, its use today requires great caution and respect for its powerful effects.