Tidlösa (Swedish text on print)

Tidlösa (eng. The Naked Lady), Colchicum autumnales, is recognized by the fact that it does not flower until the leaves have withered away - hence its name. Also called meadow saffron or autumn crocus, due to its similarity to crocus, it has been known since ancient times and was used by the father of medicine, Hippocrates, to treat joint pain.

The flower was used in the Middle Ages to treat rheumatism and gout. It contains the substance colchicine, a cytotoxin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Colchicine has been shown to be effective in treating acute gout attacks and also in preventing future attacks.

The action of the poison of the Naked Lady has an effect similar to that of arsenic. Symptoms of poisoning only show up several hours after the plant is ingested. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the bulb, which contains high levels of colchicine. Poisoning can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, vomiting, visual disturbances, bloody urine and diarrhea. In the case of a fatal poisoning, the process can take several days, while survivors may experience symptoms for years afterwards.