The Daffodil or Lenten Lilly (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. of the Liliaceae family) is a flowering plant native to "southern Europe, Asia and North Africa” (Enna and Norton). Traditionally, daffodil was used to induce vomiting, to treat joint pain, as well as for hysteria and epilepsy (Enna and Norton). As medical and plant sciences have advanced, galantamine, an alkaloid produced by daffodil, has been studied for its interactions with the nervous system in reviving the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (new drugs). Although the medical benefits of daffodil are just beginning to be felt, its neurological effects and other possible uses make it toxic to humans. Toxic substances produced by daffodil can cause nausea, diarrhea, “daffodil itch,” decreased heart rate, and neurological dysfunction. (Enna and Norton)HistoryNarcissus pseudonarcissus was used from the first century as a topical treatment for “wounds and sprains”. (Enna and Norton) According to records, the common name daffodil did not appear until around the 16th century, perhaps derived from asphodel or affodyl. (Dalton) The accepted scientific name came in 1933 from HW Pugesley's "MONOGRAPHY OF NARCISSUS, SUBGENUS AJAX" which can be found on the Dafflibrary website. The flow of daffodils was so popular in the 1920s to 1950s in England that British Railways created a railway system, for the exclusive use of tourists and flower pickers, called the "Daffodils Special". (Dalton) I have not been able to find a definitive statement on where they are grown. Today, from a single source or academically reliable sources, they appear to be cultivated all over the world. One site I looked at specifically mentioned Arkansas and California as being a big business... middle of paper... lots of factories. (Enna and Norton)SummaryThere is still much research to be done on daffodil for nervous system disorders, fighting cancer or other as-yet unknown uses. It may not be the magic drug or cure we hope for. But it's a step forward that gives family members more precious time with their loved ones and some comfort for those who have been afflicted with these illnesses. Works Cited Dalton, Jan. “The English Slow Lily.” and thedaffodilsociety.com. .Enna, Salvatore Joseph and Stata Norton. Herbal Supplements and the Brain: Understanding Their Health Benefits and Dangers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: FT Press, 2012. “New Drugs.” The American Journal of Nursing 101 (2001): pp.24AAAA+24CCCC. .