Ray peat on candida flowers of sulphur fungus
Flowers of Sulphur (US flowers of sulfur) is a very fine form of bright yellow sulphur powder obtained by sublimation. Known as flores sulphuris by apothecaries and in older scientific works.
Contents
Flowers of sulphur fussy lady
Production
Flowers of Sulphur were traditionally produced by sublimation of naturally occurring brimstone deposits. Hence the alternative name "flowers of brimstone". The residue left by the process was known as sulphur vivum. Impurities and moisture could cause acid residue in the product so it was often washed, the result being known as washed flowers of sulphur or flores sulphur loti.
Flowers of Sulphur is commercially available and can be purchased through chemical supply companies as well as e-commerce websites such as Amazon.com.
Uses
Historically, Flowers of Sulphur were extensively used medically to cure different ailments, particularly diseases of the skin. In the early 20th century, "Flowers of Sulphur" was also widely used for agricultural purposes. It was specifically used in the cultivation of hop plants to combat and prevent fungal diseases caused by mold that have the potential to kill crops. Flowers of Sulphur was also used for treating rosebushes in a similar manner. These cases indicate that Flowers of Sulphur was one of the earliest forms of fungicides and insecticides used agriculturally. More recent sources also indicate that this chemical substance acts a fungicide, insecticide, and fumigant, as well as an agent in the treatment of numerous skin diseases.