Like most of the Crowfoots, the Bulbous
Buttercup possesses the property of inflaming and blistering the skin, particularly the roots, which are said to raise
blisters with less pain and greater safety than Spanish Fly, and have been applied for that purpose, especially to the joints, in
gout. The juice, if applied to the nostrils, provokes sneezing and cures certain cases of headache. The leaves have been used to produce
blisters on the wrists in
rheumatism, and when infused in boiling water, as a poultice, at the pit of the stomach.
A tincture made with spirits of wine will cure shingles very expeditiously, it is stated, both the outbreak of the small pimples and the accompanying sharp pains between the ribs, 6 to 8 drops being given three or four times daily. For sciatica, the tincture has been employed with good effect.
The roots on being kept lose their stimulating quality, and are even eatable when boiled. Pigs are remarkably fond of them, and will go long distances to get them.
The herb is too acrid to be eaten alone by cattle, but possibly mixed with grasses it may act as a stimulus.
It is recorded that two obstinate cases of nursing soremouth have been cured with an infusion made by adding 2 drachms of the recent root, cut into small pieces, to 1 pint of hot water, when cold, a tablespoonful was given three or four times a day, and the mouth was frequently washed with a much stronger infusion.
Its action as a counter-irritant is both uncertain and violent, and may cause obstinate ulcers. The beggars of Europe sometimes use it to keep open sores for the purpose of exciting sympathy.
Source: botanical.com
