Cow Parsnip (Hogweed, Keck)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Heracleum lanatum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Fruits
Leaves
Roots
Seeds
Chemicals this herb contains:
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus from lungs and bronchial tubes. Depresses central nervous system. Decreases spasm of smooth muscle or skeletal muscle.

Miscellaneous information:
Young plants may look like hemlock, which is poisonous.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Fruits and leaves are used as a sedative.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

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:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

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.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

None reported