Yellow Toadflax

Bulk Herbs: Toadflax, Yellow

Linaria vulgaris

Format: C/S

Size: 1 oz package

Also known as Common toadflax, butter-and-eggs, Snapdragon

Origin: Bulgaria

Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), also called butter and eggs or wild Snapdragon, is one of about 130 species of Linaria native to Eurasia. Many weedy species of Linaria resemble true flax (Linum usitatissimum) in leaf shape and arrangement. Yellow toadflax is an escaped ornamental brought to this country in the mid-1800s. It was used as a yellow dye in Germany for centuries, so immigrants, especially the Mennonites, cultivated it for dyeing.

This perennial plant in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) occurs throughout most of temperate North America and is listed as a noxious weed in several western U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Because it contains a poisonous glucoside that may be mildly toxic to livestock, it is a particular problem in rangeland (although it is also unpalatable, so reports of livestock poisoning are rare). It is typically found in open, disturbed sites such as roadsides and waste areas, or in fields, pastures, forest edges, and rangeland, where it can displace desirable grasses.

Yellow toadflax has a long history of herbal use. It acts primarily on the liver and was once widely used as a diuretic the treat edema. Today, it is no longer used in this manner. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, astringent, cathartic, detergent, depurative, diuretic, hepatic, ophthalmic, and purgative. It is gathered when just coming into flower and can be used fresh or dried. The plant is especially valued for its strongly laxative and diuretic activities.

It is used to treat edema, jaundice, liver diseases, gallbladder complaints, and skin problems internally. Externally, it is applied to hemorrhoids, skin eruptions, sores, and malignant ulcers.

NOTE: The plant should be used with caution. It should preferably only be prescribed by a qualified practitioner and should not be given to pregnant women. Dosage is critical; the plant might be slightly toxic.

In Magick, Toadflax is ruled by the planet Mars and the element of fire, and may be used for general protection and for breaking hexes.

For educational purposes only. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated this information. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.