Veratrum Album

Veratrum album, commonly known as white hellebore or false hellebore, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, belonging to the family Melanthiaceae. The Latin name "Veratrum" is derived from the Greek word "veratro," meaning "to drive away," referring to its historical use as an insect repellent. In Hebrew, it is known as וֶרָטְרוּם לָבָן (Veratrum Lavan). Other relevant translations include Weißer Germer in German, Vérâtre blanc in French, and Veratro bianco in Italian. This plant is characterized by its tall, erect stems and large, white, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in the summer. Historically, Veratrum album has been used in traditional medicine for its potent alkaloids, which have both therapeutic and toxic properties. However, due to its high toxicity, it should be handled with extreme caution and is not recommended for use without professional guidance. The plant grows in moist, shady areas, often found in mountain meadows and along stream banks.