Squill
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Squill is an early spring or late winter flower. It is a flower of bulbous origin from the lily family. It belongs to the genus Urgenea. It is also named as the sea-onion. The bulb of squill contains active cardiac glycosides which was used and is still in use as an expectorant, diuretic and also as a cardiac stimulant.

(Botanical name= Urginea Scilla)

The term Scilla is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘to excite or to disturb’. It is the classical name given to the plant.

 Around twenty varieties or species of squills are found. The following are to name few:

· Maritime squill

· Scilla Maritima

· Urginea

· Indica

· Res squill

· Urgenea Maritima

Some common names for squill

· Stiped squill

· Siberian squill

· Autumn squill

· Chinese squill

· Red squill

· White squill

· Hyacinth squill

· Squill

Location and habitat for the growth of squill:

It is best suggested to plant squill under the deciduous tree or shrubs for it prefers sunlight during the early morning and in the evenings hours, the other times it loves shady place. It grows well in sandy and shady places. It has the capacity to thrive in cold snowy climates too. It grows not only  in the coastal areas but also in the high Himalayan regions. It is commonly found in Spain, Portugal, Asia Minor, Southern France, Syria, Italy, Iran etc.

Description:

Squill is a perennial plant that grows up to the height of four to six inches long. Fibrous roots are found at the base of the bulb. The bulb of squill is mostly immerged in the soil or sand. The bulb of squill is more or less like the onion; it has small juicy scales and are wrapped one over the another. The inner scales taste bitter and acrit due to the presence of bitter glucosides.It produces dark green shining leaves. A flower with six petals is emerged and grown from the middle of the leaf. White squill is whitish and yellowish in color where as red squill has reddish brown outer scale and yellowish inner scales. It is discovered that the red squill is more poisonous than the white squill. Indeed, red squill is poisonous to all the beings. Thus, it is preferred as a rodent poison. White squill is also known as the European squill and it is mostly used for the herbal products. They are suggested and needed for the medicinal purpose.

It is a variable plant due to the fact that the bulbs differ in color and size. Difference is seen even in the chemical composition of different species of squill. It is harvested only after the leaves get withered. There are twenty five varieties of squill as discovered by the horticulturists.

The inner layer of the bulb is used for the medicinal purposes. The inner scales and finely sliced. It is dried and grounded into fine powder. It must be kept in a well stopper bottle for it easily catches moisture.

Herbal/medicinal purpose:

The medicinal purpose of squill was felt right from the beginning of human history. They were in use during the classical times; the purpose of  squill, its effects and usage are found in the Egyption writings of 2500 B.C. as well as in the ancient Greek writings. Pythagoras used the Oxymel of squill to prevent cough in the sixth century before Christ.

The following are some of the medicinal purposes of squill:

· Oxymel of squill is used to prevent cough. Vinegar, oxymel and syrup are the common components that form cough syrup.

· It serves as a cardiac tonic; it helps in slowing and strengthening of the pulse rate.

· Red squill serves as a poisonous agent for rodent killing.

· It serves as a hair tonic in preventing dandruff and seborrhea.

· Squill supplement is effective in regulating women’s menstrual cycle.

· It treats mild heart failure, mild heart beats and other forms of chronic diseases.

· It also used to treat cuts, burns, bruises and other open sores.

· It helps in removing warts.

· It serves in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and cardio vascular problems.

· It helps in the thinning of mucus due to the presence of glucosamides.

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