narcissus, porillion, daffy-down-dilly, fleur de cou cou, lent lily
wild in most European countries including the British Isles
the bulb, leaves and flowers.
The flowers, when powdered, have emetic properties (causes vomiting) and as an infusion they are used in pulmonary catarrh. The bulbs are also emetic, but can cause people to collapse and die due to paralysis of the central nervous system. Accidents have resulted from daffodil bulbs being mistaken for onions and eaten. Since high temperatures and cooking do not break down the poisenous alkaloid lyconine, considerable care should be taken. The bulbs are used externally as an astringent poultice to dissolve hard swellings and aid wound healing.
power and extract