In Roman times, extract of Hellebores was used to tip arrows. Small doses were given to treatment symptoms of cholera, gout, hypertension, and herpetic lesions. It was used by Native Americans to treat congestion and arthritic pain. European settlers used it for delousing. It is believed that Alexander the Great died of a hellebore overdose.

Hellebores are noted for their long-lasting, attractive blooms as they push their way out from under the snow showing that winter is almost over. Their blooms come in whites, yellows, purples, red, and pinks. They are easy-to-care-for perennials. They love the shade and make excellent ground-cover under deciduous shrubs, conifers, and evergreens. You can just plant them, leave them, and watch them emerge through the late winter's melting snow.

Hellebores prefer full to part shade. Mix their soil with well-aged leaf mould and compost before planting. Mulch newly planted Hellebores with shredded leaves in spring and autumn to prevent weeds and to conserve moisture. These plants are heat, drought, and humidity tolerant.

Hellebore is used to treat high blood pressure. The classic dose is in the range of 0.02 to 0.1 grams of powdered root. It is toxic so can be irritating and ingestion can result in a burning sensation in the upper abdominal area, followed by salivation, vomiting, gastric erosion, hypotension, and bradycardia. Other uses have been for respiratory problems, convulsions, mania, neuralgia, headaches, inflammations, toothaches, hiccoughs, measles and sunstroke.

To store, grind up the root with a mortar and pestle and place in a dark, cool room with no moisture or humidity. It can be placed in a dark glass container. Make sure you use it up within one year. Again, you can use the spell Friomente to keep that area cool.

In potions, it is used in the Syrup of Hellebore and the Calming Draught.