Basic Information
Biological name (genus and species):
Actaea alba, A. arguta
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Various parts of the entire plant, frequently differing by
country and/or culture
Chemicals this herb contains:
Glycosides (See Glossary)
Protoanemonin
Volatile oils (See Glossary)
KNOWN EFFECTS
Irritates mucous membranes.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Acts as mild sedative to relieve anxiety. Helps bring on menstruation.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any
chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers,
esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis,
diverticulosis, diverticulitis.
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be
safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin,
laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids,
supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
This product will NOT help you and may cause toxic symptoms.
Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.
Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section
below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms: |
What to do: |
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody) |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Hallucinations |
Seek emergency treatment. |
Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Skin rashes or eye irritation, |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
if used on skin or in eye |
|
Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
|