Adonis vernalis is a perennial herb found throughout Europe and North Asia. Generally collected in the spring and then dried, this substance is used medicinally as a cardiac stimulant, containing adonidin and several glucosides, having the same physiological action as Digitalis (Foxglove). It is also used Homeopathically and as a micronutritional. Boericke, a Homeopathic physician, notes it to be valuable for the following conditions: mitral and aortic regurgitation, chronic aortitis, fatty heart pericarditis, praecordial pain, palpitation and dyspnea; marked venous engorgement, pulse rapid and irregular, myocarditis, irregular cardia action, constriction and vertigo.

Adonis vernalis is also known as spring pheasant's eye, pheasant's eye, false hellebore, and yellow pheasant's eye.