Warning of Herb and Drug Interactions

Warnings of herbs and drug interactions.
Definition for Allopathic Doctors or AKA-- Symptom Doctors:

A method of treating disease with remedies that produce effects different from those caused by the disease
itself. (Gives you drugs for your symptoms that cause you other illnesses that produce a never ending
cycle of illnesses, But NO real cure.)
Please look at this file slowly, it is not arranged in any order right now. First go down the files and find
something that appeals to you, read that and use this hyperlink to a medical and herbal dictionary web site
to clear up the many Latin and technical terms. By doing that you will find what you really should know.
http://www.hyperdictionary.com/thesaurus
http://www.thinkayurveda.com/herb_d.asp?char=m〈=eng
http://alternativehealing.org/Herblatindefg.htm
http://www.innerpath.com.au/matmedno/herbdict.html
http://www-ang.kfunigraz.ac.at/~katzer/engl/generic_noframe.html?Back_cit.html
http://www.kingherb.com/herb/crudeherb/botanicname-S.htm
Note! The way you take an herb or mix an herb or prepare an herb can influence the result that you feel.
Tinctures are more consecrated, stronger, or more potent. Please be aware of this. Go slowly and carefully.
Alternative medicine is defined as complementary therapies. This is defined as therapeutic practices which
are not currently considered an integral part of conventional allopathic medical practice. They may lack
biomedical explanations but as they become better researched some, such as physical therapy, diet, and
acupuncture, become widely accepted whereas others, such as humors or radium therapy, quietly fade
away, yet are important historical footnotes. Therapies are termed as Complementary when used in
addition to conventional treatments and as Alternative when used instead of conventional treatment.
Alternative therapies include, but are not limited to the following disciplines: folk medicine, herbal
medicine, diet fads, homeopathy, faith healing, new age healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy,
massage, and music therapy.
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ALTERATIVES ANALGESIC
Alteratives are herbs that help to purify or cleanse Analgesic herbs help to reduce pain and some
the blood. These herbs are slow acting, but will help inflammation. They can consist of herbs that are
to stimulate and tone the eliminative organs, such as taken internally or herbs that are applied externally.
the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system. Alteratives Analgesic herbs are "natures" own aspirin.
are used while recovering from a long-term or
chronic illness.
{Examples: Burdock root, Yellowdock root, Red {Examples Internal: White willow bark, Devils
Clover blossoms, Sarsaparilla root} Claw, Chamomile, Rosemary}
ANTHELMINTIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Anthelmintic herbs are herbs that will either kill or Anti-inflammatory herbs are herbs that help reduce
expel intestional parasites. Anthelmintics herbs are inflammation. These herbs are usually applied
divided into four catorgies. externally to the affect area. But some herbs, such
as Chamomile, White willow bark, and Devils Claw
1. Vermifuges which expel worms 2. Vermicides
are taken internally.
which destroy worms.3. Taenifuges which expel
tapeworms 4. Taenicides which kill tapeworms. {Examples external application: Witch Hazel ,
Calendula, Mullein leaf }
The difference between killing and expelling depends
on the strength, dosage and length of time that the {Examples internal: White willow bark, Devils
herb stays in the intestinal tract. claw, Chamomile}
{Examples: Garlic, Wormwood, Southernwood,
Pumpkin seeds, Tansy, Rue}
ANTI-CATARRHAL ANTI-SPASMODIC
Anti-catarrhal are herbs that help the body to Antispasmodics are herbs that help relieve or
eliminate or remove mucus. prevent cramping or spasms. These herbs are
usually included in blends to help the body relax and
this , in turn, makes more energy for healing.
Antispasmodics will help to relax the entire body,
and they will also help with crampy diarrhea and
{Examples: Cayenne, Ginger, Sage, Boneset,
gas.
Eyebright, Garlic, Yarrow}
{Examples: Valerian root, Skullcap, Black
Cohosh, Kava Kava, Wild Yam}
ASTRINGENTS CARDIAC TONICS
Astringents are herbs that help to constrict. This Cardiac tonics are herbs that help the heart and
action is useful where there is hemorrhages or circulation. These helps will also regulate blood
secretions are a problem. Herbal astringents usually pressure.
contain tannins. {Examples: Hawthorne Berries, Motherswort}
{Examples: Raspberry leaf, Plantain, Bayberry,
Yellowdock root, Witch Hazel}
CARMINATIVE DEMULCENT
Carminative herbs or spices will help relieve gas. A demulcent herb is very high in mucilage and helps
They stimulate the digestive system and help to to soothe inflamed tissues. This herb works well
relax the stomach. when combined with diuretics for treating urinary
tract problems, and also when combined with
expectorants when treating upper respiratory
problems.
{Examples: Ginger, Peppermint, Aniseed, {Examples: Marshmallow root, Slippery Elm
Fennel seed} bark, Comfrey root}
DIAPHORETIC DIURETIC
Diaphoretic herbs are used to increase elimination of Diuretic herbs increase the flow of urine. These
toxins through sweating. These herbs will certainly herbs will help with water retention and swelling in
increase perspiration. the legs of horses that "stock up". Whenever a
diuretic is given, a mild demulcent should be added
{Examples: Yarrow flowers, Elder flowers,
to soothe the kidneys.
Boneset, Peppermint}
{Examples: Buchu leaf, Dandelion leaf or root,
Parsley, Uva Ursi}
EMMENAGOGUE EXPECTORANTS
Emmenagogues are herbs that help to promote and Expectorants are herbs that help to remove excess
normalize the female system. These herbs will mucus from the upper respiratory systems.
usually stimulate menstrual flow and stimulate the {Examples: Horehound, Garlic, Licorice,
uterus. These herbs must not be given to horses in Mullein, Aniseed}
foal.
{Examples: Black Cohosh, Vitex Berry,
Fenugreek seed, Dong Qui root}
HEPATIC NERVINES
Hepatic herbs will stimulate the liver and help Nervines are herbs that will aid the nervous system
detoxify the system. These herbs are specific for the by toning and strengthening. Some herbs will
liver and kidneys. stimulate the system , while others are considered
sedatives. All herbs that affect the nervous system
{Examples: Milk thistle seed, Cleavers,
are included here. For herbs that will "calm" , please
Wormwood, Dandelion root, Yellowdock root}
see Sedative .
{Examples: Chamomile, Lavender,
Passionflower, Rosemary, Hops, Wood Betony,
Blue Vervain}
OXYTOCIC RUBEFACIENT
Oxytocic herbs are herbs that help stimulate Rubefacients are herbs that, when applied to the
contractions in the uterus and are helpful during skin, increase the flow of blood to that area. These
delivery and expelling the afterbirth. One must use herbs may work like mild blisters.
caution if feeding Blue Cohosh or Black Cohosh!
{Examples: Cayenne Pepper, Ginger,
{Examples: Blue Cohosh, Raspberry leaf, Horseradish, Thyme Oil, Pine Oil}
Squaw Vine,
Black Cohosh, Wormwood}
SEDATIVES VULNERARY
Sedative herbs are herbs that will help to calm the Vulnerary herbs will help promote healing of
nervous horse and also relieve tension throughout wounds and cuts. These herbs are to be applied
the entire body. Sedatives can include directly to a cleaned area only.
antispasmodics and nervines. {Examples: Calendula, Chickweed, Plantain,
{Examples: Catnip, Passionflower, Comfrey, Aloe, Elder flower}
LemonBalm, Chamomile, Vervain, Valerian,
Skullcap, Hops}
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The following guidelines are based on the American Herbal Products Association
Botanical Safety Index. The purpose of the Index is to create meaningful safety
classifications and labeling recommendations for botanicals.
The following safety data assumes the botanical will be used in a rational and
informed manner. Illness or negative reactions can occur from excessive
consumption, individual sensitivities and allergic reactions. Seek qualified expert
advice before using a botanical with which you are unfamiliar.
Agar Agar
This herb should be ingested only with adequate liquid. Not for use by persons
with bowel obstruction.
Alfalfa
Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.
Aloes (Cape)
Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea,
loose stools or abdominal pain. Consult your physician if you have frequent
diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical
condition, consult your physician before using this product.
Angelica
Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Arnica (excludes homeopathics)
For external use only. Can cause allergic dermatitis with extended use or in
sensitive persons.
Ashwagandha
Not to be used during pregnancy.
Barberry
Bergamot, Wild
Black Cohosh
Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.
Black Walnut
Not recommended for long term use.
Bladderwrack
Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing, or by persons with

hyperthyroidism.
Blessed Thistle

Bloodroot
Blue Cohosh
Boldo
Not to be used by persons with gallstones, serious liver conditions or obstruction

of the bile duct.
Borage
Not recommended for long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy or while
nursing.
Broom Tops
Not for use by persons taking MAO inhibitors or with high blood pressure.
Buchu
Buckthorn
Calamus, European
Not recommended for internal use.
Cascara Sagrada
Catnip
Cayenne (capsules & extract only)
Avoid contact with eyes or open wounds.
Chamomile, Roman
Chaste Tree Berries
Coltsfoot
Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Not to be used during
pregnancy or while nursing.
Comfrey
For external use only. This herb should not be used on abraded skin and should
not be used on unbroken skin for prolonged periods. Not to be used during
pregnancy.
Coptis
Cornflowers
Cramp Bark
Deer’s Tongue
Use as an aromatic in potpourris or other crafts. Not for internal use.
Devil's Claw
Not recommended for use by persons with ulcers.
Dong Quai
Dyers Broom Flowers
Elecampane
Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Warning: Seek advice from a health care practitioner prior to use if you are
pregnant or nursing, or if you have high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease,
diabetes, difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement or if taking an MAO
inhibitor or any other prescription drug. Reduce or discontinue use if
nervousness, tremor, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or nausea occur. Not
intended for persons under 18 years of age. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
Eucalyptus
Not to be used by persons with inflammatory diseases of the gastro-intestinal

and bile ducts and severe diseases of the liver.
False Unicorn
Flax Seed
Garlic (capsules & extract only)
Gentian
Not to be used by persons with ulcers or when stomach irritation or inflam-

mation is present.
Ginger (capsules only)
Not to be used during pregnancy. Persons with gallstones should consult a health
care practitioner before use.
Goldenrod
Persons with chronic kidney disorder should consult a health care practitioner
before use.
Goldenseal Root
pregnancy.
Guar
Henna
For external use only.
Hop Flowers
Not recommended for use by persons suffering from depression.
Horehound
Hydrangea
Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use.
Juniper Berries
Not to be used for more than six weeks in succession. Persons with inflammatory
kidney disease should not use this herb. Not to be used during pregnancy.
Lemongrass
Licorice
Not for prolonged use except under the supervision of a qualified health
practitioner. Prolonged use may cause hypertension, edema, headache, vertigo
and potassium depletion. Not for use by persons with hypertension, hypo-
kalemia, edema, cirrhosis of the liver and cholestatic liver disorders, and
diabetes. Not to be used during pregnancy.
Lobelia
May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested. Not to be used during pregnancy.
Lomatium (bulk herb)
Lomatium (extract)
Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents. This product
may cause a skin rash. Discontinue use if rash occurs.
Lovage
Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents or persons
with impaired or inflamed kidneys.
Lycii Berries
Mace
Caution: Large amounts of nutmeg or mace may cause dizziness, stomach pains,
rapid pulse, nausea, anxiety, liver pain, double vision and coma.
Maidenhair Fern
Not to be used during pregnancy. Large doses may act as an emetic.
Mistletoe
Not for use by persons with protein hypersensitivity and chronic-progressive

infections such as tuberculosis and AIDS.
Motherwort
Mugwort
Mulberry Bark
For decorative use only.
Mulberry Twig
Myrrh
Nutmeg
Caution: Large amounts of nutmeg or mace may cause dizziness, stomach pains,
rapid pulse, nausea, anxiety, liver pain, double vision and coma.
Oregon Grape
Osha
Parsley Root
Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with inflammatory kidney

disease.
Pennyroyal, European
Periwinkle
Not for use by persons with low blood pressure or hypotension.
Pleurisy
Prickly Ash Bark
Psyllium Seed
Quassia
Queen of the Meadow
pregnancy or while nursing.
Red Clover
Rehmannia, Raw
Not for use by persons with diarrhea and lack of appetite.
Rehmannia, Steamed
Not for use by persons with diarrhea and indigestion.
Rhubarb
Rue
Safflower
Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with hemorrhagic diseases or

peptic ulcers. Ingestion of this herb may prolong blood coagulation time.
Sage (extract only)
pregnancy.
Sandalwood, Yellow
Not for use by persons with diseases of the parenchyma of the kidney.
Sarsaparilla, Indian
Sassafras Root
Senna
Sheep Sorrel
Not recommended for use by persons with a history of kidney stones.
Shepherd’s Purse
Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with a history of kidney stones.
Tansy
Tonka
Use as an aromatic fixative in potpourris or other crafts. Not for internal use.
Turmeric (extract only)
Uva Ursi
Vetiver
White Oak
Avoid application to extensively damaged skin.
Wild Cherry
Woodruff
Wormwood
pregnancy.
Yarrow
Yellowdock
Not recommended for use by persons with a history of kidney stones.
Essential Oils and Absolutes
Essential Oils are very potent. They should always be used sparingly and in
conjunction with a reliable reference. Most oils should not be applied directly to
the skin. Ingesting some oils can cause health problems or be fatal.
Allspice Berry
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center
immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.
Almond, Bitter
immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use. Avoid during pregnancy.
Amyris
Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center
immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.
Angelica Root
Anise Seed
Balancing Blend
Basil, Sweet
Bay
Benzoin Absolute Resin
Bergamot, Orange
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control

center. External use will cause a skin reaction in the presence of sunlight.
Bergamot, Orange BF
Birch, Sweet
immediately. For external use only if properly diluted. Avoid during pregnancy.
Cajeput
Calamus Root
Camphor, White
Cardamom Seed
Carrot Seed
Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark
immediately. Dilute before culinary use. Not for external use.
Cedar Leaf
Cedar, Atlas
Cedarwood, Red
Celery Seed
Chamomile, German
Chamomile, Roman
Chamomile, Wild
Cinnamon Bark
immediately. Dilute before culinary use. Not for external use.
Cinnamon Leaf
Citronella
Clarifying Blend
Clove Bud
Coriander Seed
Cumin Seed
Cypress
Elemi
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, Lemon
Fennel, Bitter
Fennel, Sweet
Fir Needle, Siberian
Frankincense
Galbanum
Garlic
Geranium
Ginger
Grapefruit
Helichrysum
Hyssop
Jasmine Absolute
Juniper Berry
Laurel Leaf
Lavandin
Lavender Flower
Lavender, Spike
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime
Marjoram, Sweet
Marjoram, Wild
Myrrh Gum
Myrtle
Neroli
Nutmeg
Orange, Mandarin
Orange, Sweet
Palmarosa
Patchouli
Pepper, Black
Peppermint
Peru Balsam
Petitgrain
Pine
Relaxing Blend
Rose Absolute
Rose, Otto
Rosemary
Rosewood
Sage, Clary
Sage, Dalmatian
Sandalwood, Aged
Savory, Summer
Spearmint
Spruce
Tagetes
Tangerine
Tea Tree
Thyme, Red
Thyme, White
Tolu Balsam
Vanilla, Oleoresin
Vetiver
Wintergreen
Ylang Ylang
Medicine - Herb/Food Interactions
Herbs and Foods May Lead to Complications If You Take Them with Drugs
Many people have the mistaken notion that, being natural, all herbs and foods are safe. This is not so. Very
often, herbs and foods may interact with medications you normally take that result in serious side
reactions. It is always a good practice to tell your doctor or health practitioners what you are taking so that
they can advise you of possible complications, if there is any. You should also keep an eye for unusual
symptoms. Very often, this may foretell the symptoms of a drug interaction.
Experts suggest that natural does not mean it is completely safe. Everything you put in your mouth has
the potential to interact with something else. The medication that is taken by mouth travels through the
digestive system in much the same way as food and herbs taken orally do. So, when a drug is mixed with
food or another herb, each can alter the way the body metabolizes the other. Some drugs interfere with
the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Similarly, some herbs and foods can lessen or increase the impact of
a drug.
Alcohol is a drug that interacts with almost every medication, especially antidepressants and other drugs
that affect the brain and nervous system.
Some dietary components increase the risk of side effects. Theophylline, a medication administered to
treat asthma, contains xanthines, which are also found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and other sources of
caffeine. Consuming large amounts of these substances while taking theophylline increases the risk of
drug toxicity.
Certain vitamins and minerals impact on medications too. Large amounts of broccoli, spinach, and other
green leafy vegetables high in vitamin K, which promotes the formation of blood clots, can counteract
the effects of heparin, warfarin, and other drugs given to prevent clotting.
Dietary fiber also affects drug absorption. Pectin and other soluble fibers slow down the absorption of
acetaminophen, a popular painkiller. Bran and other insoluble fibers have a similar effect on digoxin, a
major heart medication.
As more and more people discover new herbs, there is more and more potential for the abuse of these
herbs and the patients may end up in serious problems.
I was attending an herb meeting a few weeks ago and a person came to the speaker and told her that she
had very good luck with St. John's Wort to control her depression. St. John's Wort has been shown to have
great potential to control minor depression. The National Institutes of Health is conducting a clinical study
to determine the effect of St. John's Wort scientifically. This person, however, continued saying that she is
now trying St. John's Wort for her OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Now, this is getting into
unproven uncharted territory. If you are taking prescription medication for this disorder, you can get into
trouble due to drug interaction. As shown under the discussion on St. John's Wort, the herb can be quite
dangerous, as it acts similar to MAO inhibitors. They have severe side reactions, and if not careful, can
even lead to death.
High-risk patients, such as the elderly, patients taking three or more medications for chronic conditions,
patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, depression, high cholesterol or congestive heart failure,
should be especially on the lookout for such side reactions.
The following are the examples of known interaction between popular herbs, foods, and prescription and
over-the-counter drugs.
Hawthorn, touted as effective in reducing angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
levels, should never be taken with Lanoxin (digoxin), the medication prescribed for most for heart
ailments. The mix can lower your heart rate too much, causing blood to pool, bringing on possible heart
failure.
Ginseng, according to research, can increase blood pressure, making it dangerous for those trying to keep
their blood pressure under control. Ginseng, garlic or supplements containing ginger, when taken with the
blood-thinning drug, Coumadin, can cause bleeding episodes. Coumadin is a very powerful drug that
leaves little room for error, and patients taking it should never take any medication or otherwise before
consulting a qualified health professional. In rare cases, ginseng may overstimulate resulting in insomnia.
Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of overstimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Long tern
use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not
recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Garlic capsules combined with diabetes medication can cause a dangerous decrease in blood sugars. Some
people who are sensitive to garlic may experience heartburn and flatulence. Garlic has anti-clotting
properties. You should check with your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant drugs.
Goldenseal is used for coughs, stomach upsets, menstrual problems and even arthritis. However, the
plant's active ingredient will raise blood pressure, complicating treatment for those taking antihypertensive
medications, especially beta-blockers. For patients taking medication to control diabetes or kidney disease,
this herb can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance. High amount of consumption can lead to
gastrointestinal distress and possible nervous system effects. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating
women.
Feverfew, believed to be the natural remedy for migraine headaches, should never be taken with Imitrex
or other migraine medications. It can result in the patient's heart rate and blood pressure to rise
dangerous levels.
Guarana, an alternative remedy being used as a stimulant and diet aid, contains 3 percent to 5 percent
more caffeine than a cup of coffee. So, if you are taking any medication that advises you against taking
any drink with caffeine, you should avoid taking this stimulant. It may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety,
palpitations, urinary frequency, and hyperactivity. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation period. Long term
use of Guarana may lead to decreased fertility, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer.
Kava, a herb that has antianxiety, pain relieving, muscle relaxing and anticonvulsant effects, should not be
taken together with substances that also act on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates,
anti depressants, and antipsychotic drugs.
St. John's Wort is a popular herb used for the treatment of mild depression.
The active ingredient of St. John's Wort is hypericin. Hypericin is believed to exert a similar influence on
the brain as the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as the one in major antidepressants. Mixing
MAO inhibitors with foods high in tyramine, an amino acid, produces one of the most dramatic and
dangerous food-drug interactions. Symptoms, which can occur within minutes of ingesting such foods while
taking an MAO inhibitor, include rapid rise in blood pressure, a severe headache, and perhaps collapse and
even death. Foods high in tyramine include aged cheese, chicken liver, Chianti (and certain other red
wines), yeast extracts, bologna (and other processed meats), dried or pickled fish, legumes, soy sauce,
ale, and beer.
Some patients report that Saint Johns Wort caused excessive stimulation and sometimes dizziness,
agitation and confusion when taken with other antidepressants or over-the-counter medications like
Maximum Strength Dexatrim and Acutrim. It also caused their blood pressure to shoot up.
White Willow, an herb traditionally used for fever, headache, pain, and rheumatic complaints may lead to
gastrointestinal irritation, if used for a long time. It exhibits similar reactions as aspirin (aspirin is derived
from white willow). Long term use may lead to stomach ulcers.
Drug Interaction and Food
Drug interaction risk isn't limited to herbal supplements. Certain foods can interact with medications.
People taking digoxin should avoid Black licorice (which contains the ingredient glycyrhizin). Together,
they can produce irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest; licorice and diuretics will produce dangerously
low potassium levels, putting a patient at risk for numbing weakness, muscle pain and even paralysis.
Licorice can also interact with blood pressure medication or any calcium channel blockers.
Aged cheese (brie, parmesan, cheddar and Roquefort), fava beans, sauerkraut, Italian green beans,
some beers, red wine, pepperoni and overly ripe avocados should be avoided by people taking MAO
antidepressants. The interaction can cause a potentially fatal rise in blood pressure.
And because Saint Johns Wort contains the same properties as these MAO antidepressants, it stands to
reason that people ingesting the herb should avoid these same foods.
Grapefruit juice interacts with calcium channel blockers (including Calan, Procardia, Nifedipine, and
Verapamil), cholesterol control medications, some psychiatric medications, estrogen, oral contraceptives
and many allergy medications (Seldane, Hismanal). The juice modifies the body's way of metabolizing the
medication, affecting the liver's ability to work the drug through a person's system. More Information.
Orange juice shouldn't be consumed with antacids containing aluminum. 'The juice increases the
absorption of the aluminum. Orange Juice and milk should be avoided when taking antibiotics. The juice's
acidity decreases the effectiveness of antibiotics, as does milk.
Milk also doesn't mix with laxatives containing bisacodyl (Correctol and Dulcolax). You might find the
laxative works a little "too well" in the morning.
Large amounts of oatmeal and other high-fiber cereals should not be eaten when taking digoxin. The fiber
can interfere with the absorption of the drug, making the act of swallowing the pill a waste of time.
However, don't stop eating your cereal right away, because that could cause digoxin levels in your system
to soar to toxic levels. A professional should make the dietary changes after carefully examining the
digoxin levels.
Leafy green vegetables, high in vitamin K, should not be taken in great quantities while taking
Coumadin. These vegetables could totally negate the affects of the drug and cause blood clotting.
Caffeinated beverages and asthma drugs taken together can cause excessive excitability. Those taking
Tagament (Simetidine), quinolone antibiotics (Cipro, Penetrex, Noroxin) and even oral contraceptives
should be aware these drugs may cause their cup of coffee to give them more of a Java jolt than they
expected.
Grilled meat can lead to problems for those on asthma medications containing theophyllines. The
chemical compounds formed when meat is grilled somehow prevent this type of medication from working
effectively, increasing the possibility of an unmanageable asthma attack.
Regularly consuming a diet high in fat while taking anti-inflammatory and arthritis medications can cause
kidney damage and can leave the patient feeling, drowsy and sedated.
Alcoholic beverages tend to increase the depressive effects of medications such as benzodiazepines,
antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, narcotics, or any drug with sedative
actions.
It's a good idea to not consume any alcoholic beverages, or at least scale way back, when taking
prescription medications. Antioxidant and beta-carotene intensify alcohol's effect on the liver.
Other commonly used over-the-counter medications can cause interaction problems also.
Aspirin can modify the effectiveness of arthritis medications, strong prescription steroids and diuretics.
Combining aspirin with diabetic medications can drop blood sugars to dangerous levels. Aspirin can also
cause toxicity when taken with glaucoma and anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drugs and cause bleeding
episodes when combined with a blood thinner, like Coumadin.
Acetaminophen can also cause interaction complications when overused. Heavy drinkers who take
acetaminophen for hangover relief risk liver damage. Taking high doses of acetaminophen with Coumadin
can cause bleeding episodes.
Antacids taken with antibiotics, heart and blood pressure or thyroid medications can decrease drug
absorption by up to 90 percent.
Over-the-counter antihistamines - sold under the names Actifed, Theraflu, Dimetapp, Benadryl and
Comtrex should be avoided if you are taking antianxiety or antidepressant medications.
Oral contraceptives are less effective when taken with barbiturates, antibiotics, anti-fungal or
tuberculosis drugs.
Turnips contain two goitrogenic substances, progoitrin and gluconasturtin, which can interfere with the
thyroid gland's ability to make its hormones. Although moderate consumption of goitrogens is not a hazard
for healthy people, they can promote development of a goiter (an enlarged thyroid) in persons with thyroid
disease.
Tomato contains small quantities of a toxic substance known as solanine that may trigger headaches in
susceptible people. They are also a relatively common cause of allergies. An unidentified substance in
tomatoes and tomato-based products can cause acid reflux, leading to indigestion and heartburn.
Individuals who often have digestive upsets should try eliminating tomatoes for 2 to 3 weeks to see if
there is any improvement.
Strawberries, Raspberries, Spinach, and Rhubarb: These contain oxalic acid, which can aggravate
kidney and bladder stones in susceptible people, and reduce body's ability to absorb iron and calcium.
Raspberries contain a natural salicylate that can cause an allergic reaction in aspirin sensitive people.
The seeds from fruits such as Apple, apricot, and Quinces contain amygdalin, a compound that turns
into Hydrogen Cyanide in the stomach. Eating large amount of seeds can result in cyanide poisoning.
Potatoes: Avoid potatoes with a green tint to the skin, and remove any sprouts; they will taste bitter and
may contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause diarrhea, cramps, and fatigue.
Plums, Peaches, Apricots, and Cherries: These fruits may produce allergic reaction in individuals with
confirmed allergies to apricots, almonds, peaches, and cherries. People who are allergic to aspirin may also
encounter problems after they have eaten plums or peaches as they contain salicylates. The pits of plums,
peaches and apricots contain a compound called amygdalin. When consumed in large amounts, amygdalin
breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, a poison.
Horseradish: Very high doses of horseradish can cause vomiting or excessive sweating. Avoid if you have
hypothyroidism.
Turmeric: Should be avoided by persons with symptoms from gallstones.
The drug food interaction is summarized in the table below.
Drugs Effects and Precautions
Antibiotics
Cephalosporins, penicillin Take on an empty stomach to speed absorption of the drugs.
Don't take with fruit juice or wine, which decrease the drug's
Erythromycin
effectiveness.
Sulfa drugs Increase the risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Dairy products reduce the drug's effectiveness. Lowers Vitamin C

Tetracycline
absorption
Anticonvulsants
Increase the risk of anemia and nerve problems due to deficiency of folalte
Dilantin, phenobarbital
and other B vitamins.
Antidepressants
Fluoxetine Reduce appetite and can lead to excessive weight loss
A low-salt diet increases the risk of lithium toxicity; excessive salt reduces
Lithium
the drug's efficacy
Foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, processed meats, legumes, wine,

MAO Inhibitors
beer, among others) can bring on a hypertensive crisis.
Many foods, especially legumes, meat, fish, and foods high in Vitamin C,
Tricyclics
reduce absorption of the drugs.
Antihypertensives, Heart Medications
ACE inhibitors Take on an empty stomach to improve the absorption of the drugs.
Alpha blockers Take with liquid or food to avoid excessive drop in blood pressure.
Antiarrhythmic drugs Avoid caffeine, which increases the risk of irregular heartbeat.
Take on an empty stomach; food, especially meat, increases the drug's
Beta blockers
effects and can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
Avoid taking with milk and high fiber foods, which reduce absorption,
Digitalis
increases potassium loss.
Diuretics Increase the risk of potassium deficiency.
Unless a doctor advises otherwise, don't take diuretics with potassium

Potassium sparing diuretics
supplements or salt substitutes, which can cause potassium overload.
Thiazide diuretics Increase the reaction to MSG.
Asthma Drugs
Pseudoephedrine Avoid caffeine, which increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
Charbroiled foods and high protein diet reduce absorption. Caffeine

Theophylline
increases the risk of drug toxicity.
Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
Cholestyramine Increases the excretion of folate and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Avoid fatty foods, which decrease the drug's efficacy in lowering

Gemfibrozil
cholesterol.
Heartburn and Ulcer Medications
Interfere with the absorption of many minerals; for maximum benefit,

Antacids
take medication 1 hour after eating.
Cimetidine, Fanotidine, Avoid high protein foods, caffeine, and other items that increase stomach
Sucralfate acidity.
Hormone Preparations
Salty foods increase fluid retention. Drugs reduce the absorption of folate,
Oral contraceptives vitamin B-6, and other nutrients; increase intake of foods high in these
nutrients to avoid deficiencies.
Salty foods increase fluid retention. Increase intake of foods high in

Steroids
calcium, vitamin K, potassium, and protein to avoid deficiencies.
Thyroid drugs Iodine-rich foods lower the drug's efficacy.
Laxatives
Mineral Oils Overuse can cause a deficiency of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Painkillers
Aspirin and stronger non- Always take with food to lower the risk of gastrointestinal irritation; avoid
steroidal anti-inflammatory taking with alcohol, which increases the risk of bleeding. Frequent use of
drugs these drugs lowers the absorption of folate and vitamin C.
Codeine Increase fiber and water intake to avoid constipation.
Sleeping Pills, Tranquilizers

Never take with alcohol. Caffeine increases anxiety and reduce drug's
Benzodiazepines
effectiveness.
Glossary Of Medical Properties Of Herbs
Confused about the various terminologies used in Herbal medicine such as carminative, antilithic,
antispasmodic, etc.? We provide here with a complete description what these terms mean and some
examples. The terms are collected alphabetically. You may scroll through the list or jump into the specific
section you are looking for.
A Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs B C D E F G H L M N O P R S T V
Abortifacient: Induces the premature abortion of the fetus. Example: pennyroyal, aloe, sandalwood.
Adaptogens: Herbs that help us adapt to stress by supporting the adrenal glands, the endocrine system,
and the whole person. Examples are ginseng root, nettle leaf, sarsaparilla, licorice root, and ashwagandha.
Alterative: (Sanskrit: Parivartakas or Rakta Shodhana Karma ) These herbs alter or change a long-
standing condition by aiding the elimination of metabolic toxins. Gradually facilitates a beneficial change in
the body. Also known as "blood cleansers' in the past, these herbs improve lymphatic circulation, boost
immunity, and help clear chronic conditions of the skin. These herbs also heal sores, boils, tumors,
cancers; reduces fevers; detoxifies the liver, kills parasites and worms; helps in the treatment of
infectious, contagious diseases and epidemics, flu, acne herpes, and venereal disease. Examples are:
ginseng, aloe, sandalwood, red clover, burdock, bayberry, black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, and safflower.
Amoebicidal: For amoebic dysentery.
Analgesic or anodynes: (Sanskrit- Vedana shamana) These herbs reduce or eliminate pain (e.g.,
digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous system, nerve, muscle, tooth pain, nervous digestion,
headaches). Some herbs are strong pain relievers, often working best against pains of specific causes.
Examples: Camphor, chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, echinacea, lavender flower, feverfew herb, cabbage
leaves, wintergreen leaf , passionflower herb and flower.
Anaphrodisiac: Herbs that decrease or allay sexual feelings or desires.
Anesthetics: For surgical anesthesia. Examples are: ashok, calamus, gudmar, and jatamanshi.
Anthelmintic (Sanskrit: Krumighana karma or krimighna) Herbs that destroys and dispels worms,
parasites, fungus, yeast See also: vermicide, vermifuge. Examples are: Pau d'arco, goldenseal, wormseed,
wormwood, ajwan, cayenne, peppers, and pumpkin seeds.
Anodyne: (Sanskrit- Sula-orasa-mana) Herbs that relieve pain and reduces the sensitivity of the nerves.
(See analgesic) Examples: Ashok, barberry, cedar, and ginger.
Antacid: Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach. Helps the stomach lining recuperate to
accommodate the healthy gastric acid needed for good digestion. Examples are: marshmallow root and
leaf, meadowsweet herb, hops flower, and sweet flag.
Anthelmintic: an agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestines. Same as vermifuge.
Antibilious: Herb that combats nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, constipation, and gas that is
caused by an excessive secretion of bile. (These symptoms are called biliousness.)
Antibiotic: Inhibits the growth of germs, bacteria, and harmful microbes. Examples: Turmeric and
echinacea.
Antidiabetic: Examples of herbs: Amalaki, blackberry, fenugreek, gudmar, senna, and shilajit.
Antidiarrhea: An alterative. Examples are: Blackberry, comfrey, gentian, red raspberry, and yellow dock,
black pepper, and ginger.
Antiemetic: (Sanskrit: Chherdinashana) Prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting. Examples are:
Cloves, coriander, ginger, and raspberry.
Antiepileptic: Herb that combats the convulsions or seizures of epilepsy.
Antilithic: Aids in preventing the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.
Antiperiodic:( S- Visham Jvara har ) Prevents the periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease; as in
malaria. Examples: Barberry, chirayata, guduchi, kutaj, and vacha.
Antiphlogistic: Herb that counteracts inflammation.
Antipyretic: (Sanskrit- Jwarahara) reduces fever by reducing production of heat at its centers; destroying
fever toxins; sweating to increase the loss of heat; drawing out the heat (e.g., cold baths). Same as
febrifuge or refrigerant. Examples: Amalaki, black pepper, brihati, nirgundi, safflower, sandalwood.
Antirheumatic: Herb that relieves or cures rheumatism.
Antiscorbutic: Effective in the prevention or treatment of scurvy.
Antiseptic: (Sanskrit- Shodhaniya) prevents decay or putrefaction. A substance that inhibits the growth
and development of microorganisms without necessarily destroying them. Also see bitter. Examples are:
Aloe, Chitrak, gokshura, gudmar, sandalwood, and turmeric.
Antispasmodic: (Sanskrit- Vikashi) Relieves or prevents involuntary muscle spasm or cramps (also see
nervines) by strengthening nerves and the nervous system. Examples: Camomile, ashwagandha, basil,
calamus, guggul, licorice, myrrh, sage, gotu kola, jatamanshi, peppermint, sandalwood, and spearmint.
Antisyphilitic: Herbs that improve or cure syphilis. Also called antiluetic. Examples: Black pepper, cedar,
guduchi, guggul.
Antitussive: Prevents or improves a cough.
Antivenomous: Acts against poisonous matter from animals.
Antizymotic: Herbs that destroy disease-producing organisms.
Aperient.- (Sanskrit- Bhedaniya) A mild or gentle laxative. Also called aperitive. Example: Rhubarb.
Aphrodisiac: (Sanskrit- Vajikarana) Restores or increases sexual power and desire. Two types: Tonics:
Develop tissue substance. Stimulants: increase the functioning of the reproductive organs. Examples:
Angelica, ahwagandha, asparagus, fenugreek, fo-ti, ginseng, gokshura, hibiscus, kapikachu seeds, pippali,
rose, saffron, and shatavari. The nutritive tonics such as aghwagandha, bala, fo-ti, ghee, licorice,
marshmallow, sesame seeds, and Shatavari increase semen and breast milk.
Appetizer: For stimulating the appetite. Examples: Cardamom, coriander.
Aromatic: (Sanskrit- Sugandhi-tadravya) Herb with a pleasant, fragrant scent and a pungent taste.
Examples: Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, peppermint, and turmeric.
Astringent: (Sanskrit- Sankeshanlya or Stambhana karma ) Causes a local contraction of the skin, blood
vessels, and other tissues, thereby arresting the discharge of blood, mucus, etc. Usually used locally as a
topical application. Examples: Amalaki, arjuna, ashok, cinnamon, jasmine, sandalwood, and yarrow.
B Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A C D E F G H L M N O P R S T V
Balsam: The resin of a tree that is healing and soothing. For example: myrrh.
Balsamic: a healing or soothing agent.
Bitter: a solution of bitter, often aromatic, plant products used as a mild tonic. These herbs reduce toxins,
toxins in blood and weight, destroy infection, high fever, heat, fever in blood, internal fever, heated liver,
much thirst, sweating, inflammation, and infection. Examples: aloe, barberry, chirayata, gentian, and
golden seal.
C Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B D E F G H L M N O P R S T V
Calmative: Herbs that are soothing, sedating-see also nervines.
Cardiac Stimulant: Herbs that promote circulation when there is a weak heart.
Carminative: (Sanskrit- Vata-anuloman or Dipaniya) Herb that helps to prevent gas from forming in the
intestines, and also assists in expelling it. Also increases absorption of nutrients, dispels water, mucus,
promotes normal peristalsis; relieves spasms and pain; improves weak digestion from anxiety,
nervousness, or depression. Examples: Chamomile, chrysanthemum, coriander, fennel, lime, peppermint,
and spearmint, ajwan, basil, calamus, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
Cathartic: (Sanskrit- Bhedana) Causes evacuation of the bowels. A cathartic may be either mild (laxative)
or vigorous (purgative). Examples are: figs, prunes, olive oil (laxatives), senna, castor oil, and aloe vera.
Cephalic: Refers to diseases affecting the head and upper part of the body.
Cholagogue: Herb that stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the intestines. Examples: Arka,
guduchi, licorice, safflower, senna, and sesame.
Condiment: Enhances the flavor of food.
Cordial: a stimulating medicine or drink.
D Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C E F G H L M N O P R S T V
Decongestant: For relieving congestion-see expectorant.
Demulcent: (Sanskrit- Mridukara or Kasa-Svasahara) Soothes, protects, and relieves the irritation of
inflamed mucous membranes and other surfaces. (i.e., protects stomach and urinary bladder lining).
Examples: Barley, licorice; linseed, olive, and almond oils.
Dentifrice: For cleaning teeth and gums.
Deobstruent.- Removes obstructions by opening the natural passages or pores of the body.
Depurative: Tends to purify and cleanse the blood.
Detergent: Cleanses boils, ulcers, wounds, etc.
Diaphoretic: (Sanskrit- Svedana Karma or Svedaniya) Promotes perspiration, especially profuse

perspiration. Promotes circulation; dispels fever and chills; eliminates surface toxins; relieves muscle
tension, aching joints, and inflammatory skin conditions; relieves diarrhea, dysentery, kidneys, liver,
urinary, and gall bladder disorders; dispels stones of kidney and both bladders. Also useful for
genitourinary disease (herpes), edema; painful, difficult or burning urination or infections. See sudorific.
Examples: basil, ajwan, cardamom, parsley, cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper berries, asparagus,
barley, burdock, chamomile, chrysanthemum, coriander, dandelion, fennel, marshmallow, spearmint.
Digestives: (Sanskrit- Dipana-Pachana Karma) Assists the stomach and intestines in normal digestion.
Examples: Coriander, cumin, rock salt, and turmeric.
Discutient: Herb that dissolves or causes something, such as a tumor, to disappear. Also called
discussive.
Disinfectant: (Sanskrit- Aguntaka-roganashaka) Destroys disease germs and noxious properties of
fermentation; These herbs destroy pathogenic microbes (that cause communicable diseases). Examples:
Apamarga, arka, gudachi, katuka, sandalwood.
Diuretic: (Sanskrit- Mutrala Karma or Mutra-virehana ) Promotes the production and secretion of urine.
Examples: Parsley., apamarga, ashwagandha, barberry, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, gotu kola,
gokshura, gudachi, licorice, and sandalwood.
Drastic: A violent purgative.
E Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D F G H L M N O P R S T V
Ecbolic: see abortifacient.
Emetic: (Sanskrit- Vamakartya ) Causes vomiting. There are three types of emetics- central, local and
general. Central emetics (e.g., chamomile) act through the vomiting center of the brain. Local emetics
irritate the nerves of the gastric mucus membrane (e.g., mustard). General emetics act through the blood
on the vomiting center . Examples of herbs with emetic action include pippali, rock salt, vacha, ipecac,
lobelia, apamarga, arka, chakramarda, chitrak and licorice.
Emmenagogue: (Sanskrit- Rajastha-paniya or Rakta- bhisarana ) Herb that brings on menstruation.

Herbalists also believe that these herbs clear blood congestion, blood clot; build the blood; moisten female
reproductive organs; counteract aging and poor nutrition. Examples are: camomile, aloe, angelica,
hibiscus, jasmine, peony, rose, and saffron.
Emollient: (Sanskrit- Snehopaga) A substance that is usually used externally to soften and soothe the
skin. Examples: oils, honey, bread or bran poultice, carrots, turnips.
Epispastic: (Sanskrit- Dosha-ghnatepa) Substances locally applied to the skin. (e.g., mustard).
Errhine: (Sanskrit- Shiro-virechana) Herbs applied to the mucus membranes of the nose to increase nasal
secretion. Examples: black pepper, ginger, amalaki, apamarga, arka.
Esculent: Edible or fit for eating.
Exanthematous: Refers to any eruptive disease or fever. An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as
measles, scarlet fever, etc.
Exhilarant: Herbs that enliven and cheer the mind.
Expectorant: (Sanskrit- Kasa-Svasahara) Promotes the thinning and ejection of mucus or exudate from
the lungs, bronchi, and trachea; sometimes the meaning is extended to all remedies that quiet a cough.
Examples: ginger, licorice, calamus, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, sage, eucalyptus, thyme, wild cherry.
F Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E G H L M N O P R S T V
Farinaceous: Having a mealy texture or surface.
Febrifuge: (Sanskrit- Jvarahar) Reduces body temperature and fever. Same as antipyretic and
refrigerant.
G Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F H L M N O P R S T V
Galactogogue: (Sanskrit- Stanya-janana) Increases breast milk secretion. Examples: Cumin, fennel,
musta, pippali.
Germicide: Destroys germs and worms. (see disinfectant.)
Germifuge: Expels germs. (see germicide.)

H Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G L M N O P R S T V
Hemostatic: (Sanskrit- Shonitasthapana) Astringent, alterative, stops bleeding, purifies blood. Examples:
durba, goldenseal, red raspberry, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger.
Hepatic: Promotes the well-being of the liver and increases the secretion of bile. Example: golden seal.
Herpatic: A remedy for skin eruptions, ringworm, etc.
Hypnotic: Tends to produce sleep.
L Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H M N O P R S T V
Laxative: (Sanskrit- S- Svalpabhedana or Virechanlya) Herb that acts to promote evacuation of the
bowels; a gentle cathartic. Examples: castor oil, flax seed, psyllium, rhubarb, senna.
Lithotriptic: Causing the dissolution or destruction of stones in the bladder or kidneys. Examples, arjuna,
arka, amalaki.
M Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L N O P R S T V
Maturating: An agent that promotes the maturing or bringing to a head of boils, carbuncles etc.
Mucilaginous: Herbs that have a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes.
Myotic: (Sanskrit- Netra-kashitraroga) Cause the contraction of the pupil and diminution of ocular tension.
N Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M O P R S T V
Narcotic: An addicting substance that reduces pain and produces sleep.
Nauseant. An herb that causes nausea and vomiting. Somewhat similar to an emetic.
Nervine: A substance that calms and soothes the nerves and reduces tension and anxiety. Examples:
ashwagandha, bala, gudmar.
O Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M N P R S T V
Opthalmicum: A remedy for diseases of the eye.
P Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M N O R S T V
Parasiticide: (Sanskrit- Krimighna) Destroys parasites. (see germicide, antiparasitic.)
Parturient: A substance that induces and promotes labor.
Parturifacient: Herbs that induces child-birth or labor. Examples: Barley, pippali.
Pectoral: Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs, such as an expectorant.
Poultice: Plant material that is prepared in a special way and applied to the surface of the body as a
remedy for certain disorders.
Pungent: Irritating or sharply painful. Producing a sharp sensation of taste or smell.
Purgative: (Sanskrit- Virechanlya ) A substance that promotes the vigorous evacuation of the bowels.
Usually used to relieve severe constipation. Examples: Aloe, Epsom salt, licorice, rhubarb, safflower,
senna.
R Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M N O P S T V
Refrigerant: (Sanskrit- Dahanashaka) Relieves fever and thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body
temperature. Examples: Aloe, coriander, ginger, hibiscus, orange, lemon, licorice, sandalwood.
Relaxant: Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension.
Resolvent: Promotes the resolving and removing of abnormal growths, such as a tumor.
Rubefacient: (Sanskrit- Barlyalepana) An agent that reddens the skin by increasing the circulation when
rubbed on the surface. Examples: black pepper, cayenne, ginger, licorice, mustard.
S Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M N O P R T V
Sedative: Herb that allays excitement, induces relaxation, and is conducive to sleep.
Sialagogue: (Sanskrit- Lalavardhaka) Promotes the flow of saliva. Examples: Arka, black pepper, chitrak,
ginger, licorice.
Soporific: Herbs that help to produce sleep.
Stimulant: (Sanskrit- Agni-sthapaniya or Dipana) Herb that increases the activity or efficiency of a system
or organ; acts more rapidly than a tonic. Examples: cayenne, camphor,ephedra, barberry extract, yellow
thistle juice, sandalwood, gotu kola, guggul, myrrh.
Stomachic: (Sanskrit- Kshudha-vardhaniya) Herbs that give strength and tone to the stomach, stimulate
digestion, and improve the appetite. Examples: Amalaki, bilwa, black pepper, cardamom, cedar, chitrak,
cumin, ginger, licorice, turmeric.
Styptic: (Sanskrit- Raktha-sthambana) Astringent: arrests hemorrhage and bleeding. Causes vascular
contraction of the blood vessels or coagulation of the albuminous tissues of the blood. Checks hemorrhage.
Examples: adrenaline, alum.
Sudorific: Herbs that cause heavy perspiration.
T Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M N O P R S V
Tincture: A solution of the active principal of an herb in alcohol.
Tonic: Herbs that restore and strengthen the entire system. Produces and restores normal tone. A general
tonic would be one that braces up the whole system. Example: Aloe, bala, barberry, chirayata, guduchi,
katuka, gentian, goldenseal.
Tonic (nutritive): (Aanskrit- Bruhangana karma) Permanently increases the tone of a part of the body, or
the entire system by nourishing and increasing weight. Example: Amataki, ashwagandha, cane sugar,
coconut, coriander, dates.
Tonics, Reiuvenative: (Sanskrit- Rasayana karma): Regenerates cells and tissues; promotes longevity.
Examples: Ashwagandha, guggul, haritaki, calamus, aloe, amalaki, gotu kola, saffron, guggul.
V Herbal Med Home Look For Herbs A B C D E F G H L M N O P R S T
Vermicide: Herb that kills intestinal worms. (see anthelmintic.)
Vermifuge: (Example: Kiremarnewali) An agent that expels intestinal worms or parasites. Same as
anthelmintic.
Vesicant.- An agent that causes blistering, such as poison ivy.

Vulnerary- An herb used in treating fresh cuts and wounds, usually used as a poultice. A healing
substance. Example: Aloe, comfrey, honey, licorice, marshmallow, turmeric, and slippery elm.
Aconite
Aconitum napellus
Family:
Other Auld Wife's Huid, Blue Rocket, Friar's Cap, Helmet-flower, Monk's Hood, Monkshood,
Names: Mousebane, Wolfbane, Wolf's Bane, Wolfsbane
Parts Used: Leaves, Root
Systems: Heart, Nervous
Actions: ANODYNE, Cardiac, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Sedative
Uses: External: Lotion

Salve: Painkiller: Neuralgia, Lumbago, Rheumatism, Deep Pain
Internal: Facial neuralgia, Gout Pain, Neuralgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Tincture: 1 drop dose: Heart Failure, High Fevers, Pleurisy, Pneumonia,
Tonsillitis
Painkiller: Arthritis, Neuralgia, Sciatica
Homeopathic Asthma, Bronchial Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Conditions Due to Dry, Cold
("Completely & Windy Weather, Fear (especially of death), Fevers (Acute, Sudden &
safe"): Violent), Flu, Insulin Shock, Paralysis due to stroke, Restlessness
(Mental & Physical), Shock
Contains: Aconitine: used to be used in treating neuralgia and rheumatism.
Asthma, Athritis, Bronchial Attacks, Cardiac Arrest, Fears, Fevers (Acute, Sudden & Violent),
Flu, Gout, Head Colds, Hearing (Oversensitive, induced by fright), Heartbeat (Irregular),
Inflamed Gums, Insulin Shock, Measles, Nervous Fevers, Neuralgia (Including Facial), Pain,
Paralysis due to stroke, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sedative, Shock, Skin
Problems (Chronic), Smell (Oversensitive, induced by fright), Tonsillitis
CAUTION: Extremely toxic!!!
Notes: Even minute doses can be deadly. Homeopathic doses usually used. Not to be confused
with Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) or Monkshood (Aconitum anglicum).
ANTIDOTES: (These are said to work, though I haven't tried them.) If you think you or
someone else has been poisoned, contact a Poison Control Center IMMEDIATELY!!
Foxglove (also poisonous)

Herb True-love (Paris quadrifolia): (rumored)
Mulberry tree (Morus nigra): Juice from leaves (rumored)
Vinegar ingested in large quantities
Some herbal supplements are dangerous. Five herbs that the FDA advises you not to take in any amount
or form are belladonna, broom, comfrey, lobelia and pennyroyal.
Belladonna
Belladonna is an herb the FDA advises you not to take in any amount or form.
Latin name
Atropa belladonna
Other names
Deadly nightshade, devil's cherries, devil's herb, divale, dwale, dwayberry, great morel, naughty man's
cherries, poison black cherry.
Typical uses
Used to treat intestinal and digestive problems, asthma, bronchitis and muscular pain.
Dangers
Contains three toxic alkaloids, including atropine. An overdose can cause death.
Broom
Broom is an herb the FDA advises you not to take in any amount or form. Not to be confused with
butcher's broom, which is safe.
Latin name
Cytisus scoparius
Other names
Green broom, Irish broom, Irish tops, scoparium, Scotch broom.
Typical uses
Used to treat low blood pressure and various heart ailments.
Dangers
Contains toxic alkaloids and may slow heart rhythm. An overdose can cause death. May cause miscarriage.
Lobelia
Lobelia is an herb the FDA advises you not to take in any amount or form.
Latin name
Lobelia inflata
Other names
Asthma weed, bladderpod, gagroot, Indian tobacco, pukeweed, vomitroot.
Typical uses
Used to treat asthma and induce vomiting.
Dangers
A dose as small as 0.6 gram of lobelia leaves can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties,
sleepiness and muscle twitching. A dose of 4 grams or more is fatal.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is an herb the FDA advises you not to take in any amount or form.
Latin name
Mentha pulegium
Other names
Lurk-in-the-ditch, mosquito plant, piliolerial, pudding grass, run-by-the-ground, squaw balm, squawmint
tickweed.
Typical uses
Used to treat indigestion, liver and gallbladder problems. Recently, it has gained some notoriety as an herb
that can induce abortion.
Dangers
Damages the liver. May cause miscarriage. The dried herb probably won't cause acute poisoning. But, as
little as 5 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of pennyroyal oil can cause vomiting, high blood pressure and
paralysis. Death from larger doses is possible.
Here are 14 herbs and the prescription and OTC drugs you shouldn't take with them:
Capsicum
Avoid taking with:
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - used for diabetic kidney disease, heart failure,
high blood pressure
• Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Adophyllin) - an asthma medication
• Sedatives
• Antidepressants
Capsicum may increase the absorption and the effect of these drugs. It may also increase the likelihood of
developing a cough if used with ACE inhibitors.
Coenzyme Q-10
Avoid taking with:
• Warfarin (Coumadin) - a blood-thinning medication
• Chemotherapy
The use of warfarin and coenzyme Q-10 together increases your risk of excessive bleeding. Coenzyme Q-
10 may reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy. Some drugs, such as those used to lower
cholesterol (lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin), blood sugar (glyburide, tolazamide) and blood pressure
(beta blockers such as Inderal, Lopressor), can alter coenzyme Q-10's effectiveness. Also, people with
diabetes should be aware that coenzyme Q-10 may decrease their need for insulin.
Dong quai
Avoid taking with:
• Warfarin (Coumadin) - a blood-thinning medication
• St. John's wort
• Antibiotics (sulfonamides, quinolones)
The combination of dong quai and warfarin may increase your risk of bleeding. Using St. John's wort or
certain antibiotics with dong quai may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Echinacea
Avoid taking with:
• Anabolic steroids
• Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) - used to treat an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) - used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral) - an antifungal medication
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) - an immunosuppressant
• HIV protease inhibitors - human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications
• Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam, Valium) - anti-anxiety medications
• Calcium channel blockers - used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease
Echinacea shouldn't be combined with other drugs that can cause liver damage. And because this herb
may stimulate the immune system, it may interfere with the effects of immunosuppressants.
Echinacea may also elevate the levels of HIV protease inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and anti-anxiety
drugs in the blood, increasing your risk of side effects.
Ephedra
Avoid taking with:
• Caffeine
• Decongestants
• Stimulants
• Heart drugs
• Antidepressants
• Beta-adrenergic agonists - asthma inhalers
Ephedra by itself has been shown to increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, seizures or death.
Combined with the above drugs, it becomes even more risky. Ephedra is a potent herb that's present in
many products, especially those designed to give you pep or help you lose weight. It goes by many names,
such as ma-huang, herbal ecstasy, mahuang, mahuanggen and ma huang root. Any "natural" product that
claims to cause weight loss or increase energy may have ephedra in it. Carefully review the product's
contents with your doctor or pharmacist before assuming it doesn't.
Feverfew
Avoid taking with:
• Aspirin
• Ticlopidine (Ticlid) - blood-thinning medication
• Clopidogrel (Plavix) - blood-thinning medication
• Dipyridamole (Persantine) - blood-thinning medication
• Warfarin (Coumadin) - blood-thinning medication
These medications can reduce blood clot formation. Feverfew may increase this effect, causing
spontaneous and excessive bleeding.
Garlic
Avoid taking with:
• Aspirin
• Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase) - an HIV protease inhibitor
Combined with garlic, anticoagulant medications may cause spontaneous and excessive bleeding. Garlic
may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants and HIV protease inhibitors.
Garlic may cause lower levels of blood sugar, which may decrease your need for insulin if you have
diabetes. If you take insulin and garlic together, monitor your blood sugar carefully and report any changes
to your doctor.
Ginger
Avoid taking with:
• Aspirin
• H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors - acid-blocking medication
Ginger may increase the effect of anticoagulants, which may cause excessive bleeding. It may also
increase the production of stomach acid, which could counteract the effects of antacid medications.
Ginger may lower your blood pressure or blood sugar levels, which may reduce your need for blood-
pressure-lowering medications or insulin if you have diabetes. Monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar
levels if you take these medications and report any changes to your doctor.
Ginkgo
Avoid taking with:
• Aspirin
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotic medications
• Insulin
Ginkgo may increase the anticoagulant effect of these drugs and has the potential to cause spontaneous
and excessive bleeding when used in conjunction with these medications. It can also increase the amount
of antidepressant medication in your blood. When combined with antipsychotic medications, ginkgo may
cause seizures. Ginkgo also affects insulin levels, so if you're taking the two together, monitor your glucose
levels carefully.
Ginseng
Avoid taking with:
• Phenelzine (Nardil) - an antidepressant
• Digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) - heart medication
• Insulin and oral antidiabetic medications
Used with warfarin, ginseng can increase your risk of bleeding problems. Ginseng with phenelzine may
cause headache, trembling and manic behavior. Ginseng may interfere with digoxin's pharmacologic action
or the ability to monitor digoxin's activity.
Ginseng can reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or
noninsulin-dependent diabetes). Without careful glucose monitoring, the use of ginseng with insulin or oral
antidiabetic medications may cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Ipriflavone
Avoid taking with:
• Antipsychotics
• Tacrine (Cognex) - an Alzheimer's disease medication
• Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Adophyllin) and zafirlukast (Accolate) - asthma medications
• Caffeine
• Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) - a cancer treatment and prevention medication
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) - a muscle relaxant
• Celecoxib (Celebrex) - pain-relieving arthritis medication
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications - pain-relieving medication
Ipriflavone affects the way these drugs are metabolized, usually increasing the levels of the medications in
the blood and the effects of the drugs.
Kava
Avoid taking with:
• Sedatives
• Sleeping pills
• Antipsychotics
• Alcohol
• Drugs used to treat anxiety or Parkinson's disease
Combined with these drugs, kava can produce deep sedation and, in some cases, even coma. In late 2001,
following reports from Europe of liver problems in several people who used kava, the Food and Drug
Administration started investigating the safety of this herb. Until more is known, don't start taking kava or
products that contain kava. If you already do so, contact your doctor for advice and ask if you need liver
function tests to check for unexpected liver problems. Don't take kava if you have a history of liver
problems, if you're depressed, or if you take antidepressants or prescription sedatives.
Melatonin
Avoid taking with:
• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) - used to lower blood pressure and treat heart disease
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox) - an antidepressant
Melatonin may reduce nifedipine's ability to lower blood pressure, which could lead to an increased heart
rate and blood pressure level if these drugs are taken together. Fluvoxamine slows the metabolism of
melatonin, which may result in excessive sleepiness.
St. John's Wort

Avoid taking with any prescription medications. In particular, avoid taking St. John's wort and:
• Antidepressants
• HIV protease inhibitors - used to treat HIV/AIDS
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors - used to treat HIV/AIDS
• Digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) - heart medication
• Chemotherapy
• Oral contraceptives
• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) and diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor) - blood pressure and heart disease
medications
• Alcohol
• Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) - a cancer treatment and prevention medication
St. John's wort has been shown to affect your body's metabolism of all of these drugs. Many other drugs
are likely to be affected, too. Until more is known about St. John's wort's ability to alter the metabolism of
pharmaceutical medications, it's probably best not to combine such medications with St. John's wort.
Also, the combination of St. John's wort with some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors, may cause an excess of serotonin (serotonin syndrome). Typical symptoms include headache,
stomach upset and restlessness.
St. John's wort may reduce the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives. Use another form of birth control
while taking St. John's wort.
Herbs and surgery

Herbal supplements can be just as dangerous as prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs when it
comes to their interaction with anesthesia. Be sure to tell your doctor about any drugs - including herbal
supplements - that you're taking and how much you're taking as soon as possible if you're anticipating any
surgery.
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the following herbs can affect heart rate and blood
pressure:
• Ginseng. May cause rapid heartbeat and increase blood pressure.
• Golden seal. May cause or worsen high blood pressure.
• Ephedra (ma-huang). May elevate blood pressure and heart rate. It's commonly used as an
appetite suppressant. Ephedra is a potent herb that is present in many products, especially those
designed to give pep or lose weight. It goes by many names, such as ma huang, herbal ecstasy,
mahuang, mahuanggen and ma huang root. Suspect any "natural" product that claims to cause
weight loss or increase energy to have ephedra in it, and review the product's contents with your
doctor or pharmacist before assuming it doesn't.
• Licorice. May increase blood pressure. This herb isn't to be confused with candy licorice, which
contains little or no actual licorice. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) commonly is used to treat stomach
pain.
The following herbs may increase your risk of bleeding:
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginkgo
• Feverfew
• Danshen
• Dong quai
Stop taking herbal supplements at least 2 to 3 weeks before surgery to allow them to clear from your
body. If this isn't possible, bring the herbal product in its original container to the hospital, so the
anesthesiologist knows exactly what you're taking.
The New Herbal Outcasts

Although herbs have been used for centuries, there are some very common herbs whose possible toxic
reactions have begun to be noticed only recently. Unfortunately, every time an herb is even remotely
connected with toxicity, it makes headlines. At the same time, side effects and deaths from pharmaceutical
drugs generally receive less media attention. Actually, toxicity from medicinal herbs pales in comparison
with injuries resulting from prescription drugs and even vitamin supplements. For example, according to
the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington, D.C., six children died in the United States in
1993 and three in 1994 as a result of taking products that contained iron. No deaths have been reported
from the low doses in children's chewable vitamins.
I suspect that some undiscovered factors cause certain people to be more susceptible to certain herbs than
others. Researcher and herb toxicity specialist Ryan J. Huxtable, Ph.D., who works at the Department of
Pharmacology at the University of Arizona, notes that taking anticonvulsant drugs with the herbs comfrey,
coltsfoot or senecio increases the toxicity of certain compounds found in the herbs.
Simon Mills of the Centre for Complementary Health Studies at the University of Exeter in England also
found evidence of complications when certain pharmaceutical drugs and an herb were taken at the same
time. Mills reported on one woman who developed liver toxicity while taking the drug Indapamide in
combination with various herbs, including germander. Another woman suffered the same effect with a
Lorazaepam/herb combination that may also have included germander. A third case involved a group of
Native Americans who were poisoned after eating a species of Heliotropium; it was discovered that the two
who died were also taking phenobarbital to treat epilepsy.
An existing medical condition may also make you more susceptible to the side effects of certain herbs. An
example is a thirteen-year-old boy who developed liver dysfunction after eating comfrey regularly for
about three years—he may have been more susceptible because he had an inflammatory bowel disease.
There are also cases of people developing liver problems while taking chaparral and senna to correct skin
problems, but this connection is less clear—skin problems are often related to existing liver imbalances.
In one laboratory study, when experimental animals were fed a diet that was about one-third comfrey,
they developed cancer of the liver. And a few cases of liver damage (although not cancer) were reported in
people who had ingested large amounts of comfrey. The offending agent in comfrey has been identified as
pyrrolizidine alkaloids. More than 200 types of these compounds are found in various other plants as well,
including the medicinal herbs coltsfoot, borage, lungwort, senecio and dusty miller. (Borage seed oil
contains such small traces of these compounds that it is considered safe.) When animals were fed large
amounts of the pure pyrrolizidine alkaloids derived from coltsfoot, they experienced liver toxicity. In 1987,
after a woman who drank tea that included coltsfoot gave birth to an infant with severe liver injury,
Germany banned any herb containing these alkaloids.
Most medical researchers assume that comfrey is perfectly safe if used externally—for instance, in
poultices and salves—but are wary of using it internally, even though practically no alkaloids are found in
the dried leaves. Comfrey's fresh root is especially potent—about ten times stronger than the fresh leaves.
Germany and France permit the use of comfrey for external use on unbroken skin. Canada allows the sale
of only the species that do not contain the strongest alkaloids, such as Symphtum officinale. According to
experiments done in Sweden, boiling herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids in water for 20 minutes
makes them nontoxic; nevertheless, Sweden classifies both comfrey and coltsfoot as drugs. Until herbs
containing these compounds receive a clean bill of health, it is best not to take them for internal use but to
rely on other herbs instead.
Another herb in question is chaparral. People take it because it contains NDGA (nordihydroquaiatetic acid),
a strong antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. Herb industry surveys show that more than 200 tons were sold
in the United States between 1970 and 1990. And during this time, there was not a single complaint of
side effects arising from the use of this herb. When two to three cups of chaparral tea or the isolated NDGA
were given daily to more than 50 cancer patients, the only side effects were occasional nausea or diarrhea.
Very large doses resulted in lowered blood pressure. These and other studies led the National Cancer
Institute to state in 1989 that "acute toxicity of NDGA is not great."
With all of these essentially positive reports, FDA chemists, who still have not found any liver toxicity in
chaparral, were puzzled when a woman developed hepatitis after taking it for three months to treat breast
lumps. It turned out that she was downing a whopping 15 tablets a day—far in excess of the recommended
dose. This story did not attract much attention until 1992, when three people who were taking two or three
tablets daily developed liver problems that did not go away until they discontinued the herb. As a result of
these cases, the FDA issued a public warning that a "casual relationship" exists between chaparral and liver
problems.
The herb germander also seems to be problematic. In France, seven people came down with acute cases of
hepatitis while taking capsules or a tea of wild germander to lose weight. All seven recovered after
discontinuing the herb, but three of them developed signs of liver problems as soon as they resumed
taking it—researchers suspect that the problem was the result of an allergic reaction. Because of this
situation, French manufacturers voluntarily stopped marketing germander; in 1982 the government
banned its use.
The root bark of sassafras contains the compound safrole, which is banned by the FDA for use in food,
along with sassafras. This ban was instituted in 1960, after laboratory animals developed cancer when
injected with large amounts of safrole. The flavoring used in root beer must be "safrole-free." Smaller
amounts of safrole are also found in black pepper, star anise, basil, cinnamon leaf, nutmeg, sage and witch
hazel, but so far these herbs have not come under fire.
The results of some studies suggest that comfrey, coltsfoot and sassafras may have anti-cancer
properties—in one study, a comfrey leaf tea was shown to decrease tumor growth. Bruce Ames, Ph.D.,
Chairman of the Biochemistry Department, University of California, Berkeley, has said that the risk of one
cup of root tea is comparable to that of a peanut butter sandwich, a diet soda containing saccharin and one
raw button mushroom. Mice given an extract made from the whole comfrey plant had their immune
systems stimulated. When people were given small doses of safrole, it did not create any cancer-producing
substances. This led researchers to suggest that the toxic reaction in humans is different from that in rats.
It seems that we have much more to learn about determining herbal toxicity.
Using Herbs and Essential Oils Safely

All essential oils need to be used with care because they are so concentrated—generally, one drop equals
one to two cups of tea. In many cases, ingesting one ounce of an essential oil can be fatal.
Aromatherapists say that unless you are a skilled practitioner, you should use essential oils only on the
outside of the body. For internal use, it is far safer to use a tea, tincture or pill. Be sure to keep essential
oils away from children.
The essential oils of wormwood and tansy should not be used at all—these plants contain thujone, which
can cause seizures. If you want to use the herbs, you must also be careful. The essential oils of
wintergreen and thyme can irritate the skin, even when diluted.
Pennyroyal developed a bad reputation in 1978 when one unfortunate 18-year-old woman died after
downing an entire ounce (two tablespoons!) of the essential oil while trying to discontinue a pregnancy.
After that, the FDA declared that the essential oil and the herb itself must be labeled "for external use
only." According to Norman Farnsworth, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the University of Illinois,
Chicago, an ounce of pennyroyal essential oil equals roughly 75 gallons of the tea!
You should also avoid using any strong herbs or herbal derivatives during pregnancy. This includes
goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape root; laxatives such as senna and cascara sagrada; and coffee,
kola nut and guarana, all of which contain caffeine. Also watch out for herbs that produce hormonal
actions, don quai, fenugreek and red clover among them, and uterine stimulants such as aloe, fenugreek
and rue.
If you are pregnant, you should also avoid large quantities of herbs with aspirin-like actions, such as willow
and meadowsweet, because aspirin itself has been linked to birth defects. Chances are that this is not true
of aspirin-like herbs, but you might as well play it safe. Black cohosh and blue cohosh are sometimes used
during the last few weeks of pregnancy to prepare the uterus for child-birth, but if you are interested in
using these herbs, I recommend that you find someone who is experienced in herbs to work with you.
Mistaken Identity
When herbs were commonly used as general medicines in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,
the U.S. Dispensatory gave pharmacists detailed directions on how to determine if they had the right plant.
Later, as herbalism in North America began to be replaced by medical science, knowledge of herbs became
more rare, and herbs offered for sale were often misidentified and mislabeled. Over the years, this has
presented numerous problems for the herb industry. Fortunately, herb companies are now beginning to
pay more attention to the sources and proper identification of their herbs.
Misidentification is at the heart of the bum rap that some herbs get. As if comfrey does not have enough
problems, some toxic side effects ascribed to this plant were actually due to poisonous foxglove leaves that
had been mistaken for comfrey. After drinking what they thought was comfrey tea, one elderly couple in
Britain developed great thirst and urinary problems. The next day they hallucinated that monkeys, bugs,
black clouds and burglars were prancing through their house. After being admitted to a hospital, the man
collapsed with a coronary, but then slowly recovered. In 1983, a Mississippi woman who drank comfrey tea
to mend a broken hip experienced blurred vision and nausea that were later attributed to foxglove.
Skullcap has also been the subject of mistaken identity. According to an investigation of herbal products in
the United Kingdom in 1984, very little real skullcap is sold commercially, since this small plant is not easy
to grow or harvest on a large scale. Instead, germander is sold as skullcap. This means that germander
was probably responsible for two "skullcap" poisonings reported by the Riks Hospital in Norway in 1991. In
Wales, four women who took the stress pills Neurelax and Kalms experienced temporary liver damage.
Because the ingredients listed on the label included skullcap and valerian, these herbs were alternately
blamed for the adverse side effects; researchers now believe that the culprit in this case was germander.
In the 1970s, two women developed hepatitis B after ingesting tablets allegedly containing skullcap,
mistletoe, motherwort and kelp. The doctors who treated the women, apparently not aware that
germander often masquerades as skullcap, assumed that mistletoe must have caused the condition.
Researchers studying echinacea at the University of Munich in the 1980s were surprised to find that they
were actually working with prairie dock (Parthenium integrifolium). The root of the impostor is similar to
that of echinacea, but is about five times larger. Testing of commercial products followed, and it turned out
that quite a bit of the echinacea on the market was not the real thing. Likewise, Eastern European growers
have sometimes supplied British importers with imitation herbs such as German chamomile or, more often,
common tansy instead of feverfew.
When the American Herb Association had an independent laboratory conduct chromatographic tests and
microscopic analyses of five different products labeled Siberian ginseng, only two proved to be the real
thing. The others were probably Chinese silk vine (Periploca sepium), which shares with Siberian ginseng
the Chinese name wu-jia-pi (which translates as "five-leaf, spiny bark").
Siberian ginseng got into even more hot water in 1990, when a baby with hormonal problems was born to
a woman who had been drinking a tea labeled " Siberian ginseng." There soon appeared a flurry of
negative stories not only about Siberian ginseng, but also about ginseng—many people do not know the
difference. It took a while for the dust to settle, but Denis Awang, Ph.D., then-chairman of Canada's Health
Protection Branch of the Department of Health and Welfare, determined that the herbal tea had actually
been made with Chinese silk vine. Later, it appeared that the baby's problem had nothing to do with the
tea anyway, but rumors continued. Months after, I read yet another warning about Chinese ginseng
causing birth defects and hormonal problems in an herbal newsletter.
Although no toxicity has been found in ginkgo leaves, some people have wondered about this herb's safety
because of skin reactions sometimes caused by ginkgo's fruit. The fruit contains compounds similar to the
rash-producing agents in poison ivy and oak. Likewise, rumors persist that medicinal passionflower, like its
relative, the ornamental blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea), contains toxic cyanogenic glycosides. If
you plant passionflower in your medicinal herb garden, make sure that it is the medicinal P. incarnata.
Index of Poisionous Plants
Aconite Cherry Laurel Hemlock Nux Vomica

Apple (Balsam) Clematis Hemlock, Water Paris, Herb
Apple (Bitter) Coca, Bolivian Hemp, Indian Poppy, White
Baneberry Cocculus, Indicus Ignatius Beans Saffron, Meadow
Bloodroot Dropwort, Hemlock Water Ivy, Poison Spurges
Bryony, Black Foxglove Laburnum Stavesacre
Bryony, European White Gelsemium Laurel, Mountain Strophanthus
Bryony, White Hellebore, Black Lovage, Water Thornapple
Cabbage Tree Hellebore, False Mescal Buttons Wake Robin, American
Calabar Bean Hellebore, Green Nightshade, Black Yew
Calotropis Hellebore, White Nightshade, Deadly
Common Name Index

Index of Recipes
Botanical.com Home Page
A MODERN HERBAL Home Page
Why Do Pharmaceutical Drugs Injure and Kill?

Why Do Pharmaceutical Drugs Injure and Kill?
By CAMPAIGN AGAINST FRAUDULENT MEDICAL RESEARCH
According to the United States' Food and Drug Administration, 1.5 million Americans were hospitalised in
1978 alone, as a consequence of pharmaceutical drugs administered to "cure" them. It was also found that
some 30% of all hospitalised people suffered further damage from the therapy prescribed them.1
In the 1990s, studies show that 180,000 medically-induced deaths occur each year in the USA.2 Most of
these are prescription drug related. These astronomical figures are in spite of the fact that a large number
of drug damages go unreported.
Since 1961, the total number of "safety-tested" medical preparations marketed worldwide has risen to over
205,000. Approximately 15,000 new preparations are marketed each year, while some 12,000 are
withdrawn.3 The United States has the greatest annual sickness-care expenditure of any nation: $912
billion in 1993 alone.4 If money and medical treatment equals health then one would expect the United
States to be the healthiest of nations. However, it only ranks 16th in the world in female life expectancy,
17th in the world in male life expectancy and only 21st in the world in infant mortality.5
Of course, a percentage of drug damages are due to the incorrect administration of drugs by physicians
and patients. But how are harmful pharmaceutical drugs allowed onto the market in the first place, and
why do we have so much faith in them? Pharmaceutical transnationals defy the intent of laws regulating
safety of drugs by bribery, false advertising, unsafe manufacturing processes, smuggling and international
law evasion strategies. But most of all they make dangerous drugs appear safe through the use of
fraudulent and flexible ‘safety-tests', the subject of this article...
Fraud in Clinical Tests
Drug companies can easily arrange appropriate clinical trials by paying for an application of the drug. The
incentive for researchers to fabricate data is enormous. As much as $1000 per subject is paid by American
companies which enables some researchers to earn up to $1 million a year from drug research.6 And they
know all too well that if they don't produce the desired data, the loss of future work is inevitable.
Unfortunately, because of secrecy, most fraud in clinical trials is unlikely to be detected.
However, cases of data-fabrication in clinical trials have been uncovered where, for example, "patients who
died while on the trial were not reported to the sponsor.... Dead people were listed as subjects of testing...
People reported as subjects of testing were not in the hospital at the time of tests..." and where "Patient
consent forms bore dates indicating they were signed by the subjects after the subjects had died."7 Even if
data from clinical trials is not falsified, it is often of little worth, because they are not performed
appropriately. Trials involve relatively small numbers of people and the subjects taking part usually do not
represent those who will use the drug after its approval; so many harmful effects of a new drug appear
only when it has been marketed.
Fraud in Animal Tests - Vivisection
This problem of inappropriate and flexible testing of drugs and chemicals is even more pronounced with the
use of so-called animal ‘models'; a practice termed vivisection. For instance, the fact that the animal is
relatively healthy before the experiment means that disease and/or trauma has to be induced by violent
and artificial means. This bears no relation whatsoever, to the spontaneous ways in which humans develop
illness, often through a faulty lifestyle and diet.
For example, consider the case of osteoarthritis, a human degenerative disease resulting in grotesque and
painful deformities of the joints. How do researchers attempt to mimic human lameness in dogs, cats,
sheep and pigs? Joints are beaten with hammer blows, injected with irritating liquids, subjected to ionising
radiation and/or dislocated. It is obvious that the resulting fractures, haemorrhages, thromboses,
contusions and inflammation bear no relation to human osteoarthritis, "which is a local manifestation of a
generalized illness of the collagen."8 Drugs tested on such artificially diseased non-human animals cannot
possibly yield results relevant to a spontaneous, naturally occurring human disease.
Moreover, there is no true correlation between different species. For example, arsenic kills humans but is
harmless to guinea-pigs, chickens and monkeys; Digitalis which is used to lower blood pressure in humans
dangerously raises the blood pressure of dogs; Penicillin kills guinea-pigs; Chloramphenicol damages the
blood-producing bone marrow in humans, but in no other animal. Many common laboratory animals such
as dogs, cats, rats, hamsters and mice, do not require dietary intake of vitamin C. This is because their
bodies produce it of their own accord. However, if you deprive humans, guinea-pigs and some primates of
dietary vitamin C they will die of scurvy.
There are enough of these species differences to fill a book.9 In the words of former animal researcher
Professor Piedro Croce, "No substance is toxic in itself, but only according to the species."10
Not only are there differences between species, but even individuals of the same species react differently
to a substance. For example, research carried out at the University of Bremen, published in a paper titled
"Problems of activity threshold in pharmacology and toxicology" found that:
1. In ionising radiation - young animals react differently from older ones.
2. In reactions to Tranquillisers - again, young and old animals react differently.
3. In the common method of testing pharmaceuticals and chemicals, the Lethal Dose 50% test, it was
found that in the experiments carried out in the evening almost all the rats died: in those carried out in the
morning all of them survived. In the tests carried out in winter, survival rates were doubled in contrast to
those carried out in summer. In tests carried out on mice overcrowded together in cages, nearly all of
them died, while those carried out on mice in normal conditions, all the mice survived.
The authors of this research, themselves vivisectors, concluded: "If such trifling environmental conditions
bring about such widely differing and unforeseeable results, this means that animal experimentation
cannot be relied upon in assessing a chemical substance and it is all the more absurd to extrapolate to
problems of human health results which are intrinsically wrong."11
Any true medical progress has in the past, as in present times, only been achieved through scientific study
based upon the real world and natural disease, and not the artificial world of the experimental laboratory.
Why Vivisect? How Many Drugs Do We Need?
Why do drug companies rely on such unreliable and dubious methods for testing drugs? The answer is
simple. If drugs were tested properly using true scientific methods, such as in vitro cultures of human cells
and properly carried out human clinical trials, the vast majority of them would not be approved for
marketing because their harmfulness and ineffectiveness would be all too apparent.
For instance, in 1981 the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration
with the World Health Organization (WHO), published a list of a mere 26 drugs, from the 205,000
marketed drugs, that were considered "indispensable", with 9 being more indispensable than the others.12
Other medical commissions in Chile 1972, and Sri Lanka 1978, came to similar findings, that there are not
more than a few dozen drugs worth keeping. However, both existing governments were ousted shortly
thereafter by U.S. backed forces. They were replaced with administrations open to American trade and the
products of the chemical-pharmaceutical industry.13 This should cause anyone who thinks that we need
more drugs to reconsider their opinion. It is plain to see that inconsequential and ambiguous methods of
drug-testing are essential to protect the astronomical profits of the pharmaceutical industry.
Drug Companies Make These Admissions!
If you have difficulty accepting this explanation then consider the following statement from Eli Lilly's
August 1993 Prozac 20 Consumer Product Information pamphlet:
"There can be no such thing as absolute safety with prescription medicines. Individual patients sometimes
react differently to the same dose of the same medicine and it is possible that some unwanted side effects
will not be known until a medicine has been widely prescribed for a number of years."
If they admit that even individuals of the same species react differently to an identical product, then why
test on other species? Dr Herbert Gundersheimer, one of many doctors against vivisection, explains:
"Results from animal tests are not transferable between species and therefore cannot guarantee product
safety for humans... In reality these tests do not provide protection for consumers from unsafe products,
but rather are used to protect corporations from legal liability."14 When people are damaged by unsafe
products (such as pharmaceutical drugs, industrial and household chemicals, cosmetics...etc.) and attempt
to take legal action, manufacturers can claim to have adhered to "safety" tests and are thus absolved of
having consciously marketed a harmful product.
Thalidomide: A Case Example
This is what happened in the case of Thalidomide, a drug which after years of extensive animal tests was
marketed as a perfectly safe tranquilliser for pregnant mothers. The end result: more than 10,000 grossly
deformed new born babies. During the lengthy trial of the manufacturers in 1970, numerous court
witnesses, all animal experimenters, stated under oath that the results of animal experiments are never
valid for human beings.15
One of these experts was the Nobel Prize winner Ernst Boris Chain who co-discovered the anti-bacterial
effects of penicillin. According to the court records on 2 February 1970 he stated: "No animal experiment
with a medicament, even if it is tested on several animal species, including primates, under all conceivable
conditions, can give any guarantee that the medicament tested in this way will behave the same in
humans: because in many respects the human is not the same as the animal."16 Because they had
performed the required animal safety-tests, and because these did not show evidence of any danger, the
manufacturers of Thalidomide were found not guilty by the court of consciously marketing a harmful drug.
This is the real value of animal experiments. Firstly, they can be manipulated, whether consciously or
unconsciously, to produce results favourable to a financial backer. Secondly, they serve as a legal alibi for
corporations when their products kill and injure people. It is worthy of note that Professor S.T. Aygun, a
virologist at the University of Ankara, who uses only the so-called ‘alternative' methods, discovered the
danger of Thalidomide to humans and Turkey was spared the tragedy.17
Birth Defects Skyrocket
The incredible reaction to the Thalidomide tragedy by the pharmaceutical lobby was that it was a ‘rare
exception' and that it ‘emphasises a need for more rigorous animal testing, not less.' This explanation was
accepted by most people. So animal testing increased, along with the output of ‘safety-tested' drugs. The
consequences of this? In the 1950s in the Federal Republic of Germany, 3 out of every 100,000 babies
were born malformed. By the 1980s, 500 out of every 100,000 were born malformed.18 This is more than
a 100-fold increase.
In the United States birth defects have increased more than 350% in the last 25 years. In the late 1950s,
70,000 American babies were born with birth defects every year. In the 1980s this toll reached 250,000 a
year.19
The reason for this increase in human birth defects is known. A survey by doctors in West Germany
revealed that 61% of malformations in new-born children and 85% of all stillbirths are attributable to the
damage caused by drugs taken by the mother during pregnancy.20 Remember, all these drugs were found
to be "safe" through extensive animal testing!
Why do people believe so firmly in vivisection? The answer to this lies in their education.
The Drug Story
With most of the world's major drug companies under its control, the Rockefeller organisation has, since
the early part of this century, been the largest single private source of funding for medical science and
education in the United States and Britain. The aim of this lavish funding for our education is to produce a
curriculum designed to indoctrinate students with beliefs favourable to the profits of the pharmaceutical-
chemical industry. Only colleges and medical facilities that predicate the massive consumption of chemical
drugs, "safety-tested" on animals, as the secret to health, are recipients of drug company largesse.
Likewise, drug companies through ownership and advertising revenue exercise a dictatorial influence over
the mass-media as they do also upon party politicians through ‘donations'. Meanwhile, doctors who heal by
inexpensive natural means, thereby threatening pharmaceutical profits, are decried as quacks, driven out
of the country or into jail.21
Perhaps the most revealing point, however, is that the founder of the Rockefeller dynasty, John D.
Rockefeller, lived in excellent health to the age of 95 as did his son John D. Jr., who died aged 86. What
was their secret to a long healthy life? Both attributed this to a frugal diet of natural food, the advice of a
homeopathic doctor only, and the complete avoidance of synthetic drugs!22
In summary, the most powerful corporations in the world do not want us to know the truth about
pharmaceutical drugs and drug-testing even if our lives depend on it. And of course, they do. As the drug
companies acknowledge, it means that every time we take a drug or are exposed to chemicals in our food
and environment, we are the real guinea pigs.
Children vary dramatically in size and shape. One 5 year old can be very different from another. In my
clinic, I found the most effective and safest way to dose children was by weight. After all we want to
adjust their dosages by how much their metabolism can handle. The surest way to do so is by weight.
Simply make a fraction and put the child's weight over 150 pounds. Look at the following examples and I
am sure they will clarify what I am saying.
If a child's weight was 50 pounds they would take 1/3 of the adult dosage. You can use this same
formula to dose animals. A small dog or cat of 10 pounds would be 1/15 the adult dose and a horse of
1500 pounds would be 10 times the adult dose. Additional notes for Children I have seen thousands of
kids over the years in my clinic. I have bruises on my shins from being kicked by some of the more
stubborn ones. I am also a dad myself. I have found that by mixing most herbal tonics 1/2 and 1/2 with
pure maple syrup, you can get it down any kid. Call it candy if you need too. By diluting it 50% just take
this into consideration and give the child twice as much as the children's dosage you already figured out. I
have also noticed how smart children are. You must convince the child that the herbal tonic taste good
and if you have a scary look on your face they will know your are lying. Making herbal popsicles or having
a tea party is far better than strapping them down with a funnel. Love, hugs and kisses can go a long way
too.
Module 15: LAST AND LEAST ... DANGEROUS HERBS
The deadly dozen dubiously-salubrious denizens of the DA (Drug Administration)
Jim Duke
When the FDA outlawed supplements of tryptophan (essential to life), which probably occurs in all living
and recently dead animals and plants, I interpreted that as suggesting that tryptophan must be a pretty
promising nutritional supplement. Though environmental, health, and safety debates always have two
sides, I am convinced that tryptophan was not the culprit, rather a technologically introduced contaminant,
which killed more than 30 people. Tryptophan, though still on the FDA hit list and still illegal as a
supplement, occurs in every plant and animal you consume. (Seed of evening primrose, busted at least 4
times by the FDA, is the best source of tryptophan in my database.) There's one strange conflicting
connection; some US scientists, who will make more money if tryptophan and melatonin are moved from
OTC to prescription-only availability, may have influenced the FDA campaigns against melatonin and/or
evening primrose. One super scientist with financial ties to these chemicals or pharmaceuticals that share
the same activities, has shown that dietary tryptophan contributes to cerebral serotonin, in that sense
satisfying some of the same circuitry satisfied by Prozac. So Prozac is still legal, selling more than a billion
dollars a year, while supplementary tryptophan is illegal, and evening primrose, the best natural source of
tryptophan has been busted. I have told herbal friends not to despair, that FDA disapproval of an herb or
supplement often stimulates sales, so popular and credible is the belief that the FDA is in the pockets of
the pharmaceutical propagandists. I suspect that many real scientists in the FDA, if they weighed the
evidence, would rather their daughters took angelica than calcium blockers, celeryseed than allopurinol,
evening primrose than Prozac, feverfew than sumatriptan, ma huang than amphetamine, rosemary than
cognex, St. John's-wort than Prozac, soybean or other tastier estrogenic legumes than tamoxiphen.
Yes, the FDA has banned tryptophan, biotechnologically contaminated versions of which killed more than
30 people and caused perhaps hundreds of cases of EMS. But OTC and prescription pharmaceuticals,
approved by the FDA, take thousands of lives each year. Now for an honest confession from an herbalist!
Herbally-derived drugs of abuse probably kill more than a million Americans each year. And starting in
1995/6, Dr. Kessler, FDA Commissioner, finally took on the real herbal enemy, an Amerindian herb known
as tobacco, Nicotiana. Though Amerindians historically used the herb ceremonially without becoming
addicted, more than a quarter of Americas have smoked, and most of them became physiologically
addicted, including yours truly. For more than two decades I smoked three packs a day, king-sized,
unfiltered. Now I've switched from cancer sticks to carrot sticks, hoping that the mix of carotenoids, unlike
isolated beta-carotene, will prevent the lung cancer I invited with all that smoke pouring through my lungs.
This is the worst of the killer herbs, killing perhaps half a million Americans and more and more
unAmericans every year. The next worse killer herbs are those used to make the often-abused alcohol.
(Any sugar producing herb can be used to manufacture alcohol; among the most frequent, sugarcane,
corn, potato, grapes, barley, hops, etc.) Though the poison ethanol kills many Americans, we don't ban the
corn, our number two crop, nor the grapes, or potatoes. I frankly don't know which is the next worse killer,
cocaine (From Erythroxylum spp.), heroin (from opium from Papaver somniferum, one of our Biblical
herbs), or marihuana (Cannabis sativa) or its derivatives, hashish, or medicinal THC or marinol. I was once
accurately quoted as saying I'd rather my kids smoked an occasional joint than chronically smoked
tobacco. But I think that habitual smoking of equal amounts of marijuana as a substitute for smoking
tobacco would be as bad as or worse than smoking tobacco. Coca, marijuana and opium poppy are banned
for planting in the US. But all of these killers have legitimate uses. The FDA approves some medicinal uses
of alcohol, codeine, cocaine, marinol, and morphine, e.g., and poppy's paverine is injected into more than
one penis in the US, additional to its use in other areas. A few deaths attributed to jimsonweed and its
generic relatives (Datura spp.) and ma huang (Ephedra), but solely or almost exclusively when used
recreationally.
If more people are going to "quacks" (alternative practitioners), even when they have to pay out of pocket,
than are going to allopathic physicians, more often covered by HMOs or insurance, as seems to be the case
starting this decade, why is it that there are several orders of magnitude more fatalities associated with
allopaths than with quacks?
Table of Fatalities
(Rounded no. of fatalities/no. people involved with procedure or medicine or herb)
Other estimates (food poisoning, murder, based on total population of 250 million.
Herbs 1/1,000,000 (JAD)
Supplements 1/1,000,000 (JAD based on tryptophan)
Mushroom Poisonings 1/100,000 (JAD)
Food Poisoning 1/25,000 (CSPI)

NSAIDS 1/10,000 (CMR)
Murders 1/10,000 (WTOP)
Surgery in Hospital 1/10,000 (JAMA)
Car Crashes 1/5,000 (JAD)
Improper Taking of Medication 1/2,000 (JAD)
Angiograms 1/1,000 (JAD)
Medicine (even in hospital) 1/1,000 (JAMA)
Alcohol 1/500 (JAD)
Cigarettes 1/500 (JAD)
Medical Mishaps 1/250 (AARP)
Iatrogenic hospital infections 1/80 (JAD)
Bypass Operations 1/20 (JAD)
Calculation of fatality ratios by me(=-JAD):
27 died to tryptophan (assume 27,000,000 nutrient poppers=1 in a million).
Ca 2 herbal fatalities a year; assume conservatively only 2 million Americans(<1%; real figure could be
closer to 25,000,000 {10% of Americans}) are taking herbs = 1 in a million
Mushroom Poisonings: Assumes twice as many among mushroom users as among herbal grazers, and
assuming there are 5 times more of the latter. (JAD)
WTOP announced that there were more than 23,000 murders in 1992, which I rounded up to 25,000 over
the population of 250,000,000
Center for Science in the Public Interest announced that 10,000 people died of food poisoning last year,
10,000/250,000,000 =1 in 25,000
Assumes car fatalities will run 50,000 (The rate has gone down of late) 50,000/250,000,000 = 5/25,000 =
1/5,000
Cigarettes 100,000 out of 50,000,000 smokers = 1 in 500
Alcohol* 100,000 out of 50,000,000 drinkers (25,000,000 problem drinkers) = 1 in 500
Angiograms 1,000-5,000/yr of 1,000,000 = 1 in 200 to 1 in 1,000
NSAIDS 10,000-20,000/yr assume 40% take =1 in 10,000 to 1 in 5,000

Bypass Operations 14,000-28,000 1 in 10 to 1 in 20
AARP newsletter 1992 1 in 250 to medical mistakes
JAMA 1987 1 in 1,000 entering hospital will die of medication.
100,000 patients lost to hospital acquired infections. CMR May 13, 1985 Or 100,000 out of 8,000,000 = 1
in 80
Medical mistakes ca 200,000 per year assuming. 200,000,000 hospitalizations/year = 1 in 1,000

(Harvard's L. L. Leape) (Good Housekeeping, Oct. 1992, p. 124)
Improper Taking of Medication 125,000 per yr/ assume 250,000,000 = 1 in 2,000 (Approximately 125,000
Americans die each year from failure to take their medicine properly... Ca 30-50% of the 1.8 billion
prescriptions dispensed annually are taken incorrectly by the patient.)
My first medicinal plant book that is still in print, the "CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs", was submitted to
the publisher under the title of "Herbs of Dubious Salubrity". Why that title? Because the FDA had called
me on most of those herbs, looking for bad things about them, a few days or weeks before the Herb
Industry, looking for good things about them. In this syllabus, I may have erred on the good side of things,
but I think I am being even handed. I do not, as a relatively respectable writer, want to be seen as
advocating any dangerous herbs. And there are some dangerous herbs. Some of the most dangerous
poisons in the world are natural compounds found in Mother Nature's benevolent plant kingdom.
Here I visualize two categories of poisonous plants, the most poisonous having been used and exploited,
one way or another by the pharmaceutical industry and to a lesser degree by the herbalists, and the less
poisonous having been used frequently by herbalists and less so by the pharmaceutical industry. There are
hundreds that fall into each, admittedly poorly defined, category but for simplicity's sake, I have limited
our class discussion to a barker's dozen.
CAVEAT: No herb nor synthetic drug, is dangerous, if properly used. All herbs contain antiallergens and
allergens, anticarcinogens and carcinogens, antimutagens and mutagens, antioxidants and prooxidant,
antitoxins (antidotes) and toxins and thousands of other pro and con phytochemicals. There are probably
safe, medicinal, toxic and lethal doses for all chemicals, natural and synthetic. Your genes may well have
memory of natural toxins which challenged your ancestors. Your genes, though quick to learn, have no
knowledge or memory of tomorrows synthetic drugs and poisons.
DANGEROUS HERBS
Atropa belladonna L. "Belladonna" (POTATO FAMILY)
Conium maculatum L. "Poison Hemlock" (CELERY FAMILY)
Convallaria majalis L. "Lily of the Valley" (LILY FAMILY)
Datura stramonium L. "Jimson Weed" (POTATO FAMILY)
Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq. "Wahoo" (BITTERSWEET FAMILY)
Hyoscyamus niger L. "Henbane" (POTATO FAMILY)
Mandragora officinarum L. "Mandrake" (POTATO FAMILY)

Phoradendron flavescens (Pursh.) Nutt "Mistletoe" (MISTLETOE FAMILY)
*Physostigma venenosum Balf. "Ordeal Bean" (LEGUME FAMILY)
*Phytolacca americana L "Pokeweed" (POKEWEED FAMILY)
Podophyllum peltatum L. "Mayapple" (BARBERRY FAMILY)
*Ricinus comunis L. "Castorbean" (SPURGE FAMILY)
Sanguinaria canadensis L. "Bloodroot" (POPPY FAMILY)
Solanum dulcamara L. "Bittersweet Nightshade" (POTATO FAMILY)
*Taxus spp. "Yew" (YEW FAMILY)
Vinca spp. "Periwinkle" (DOGBANE FAMILY)
Viscum album L. "European Mistletoe" (MISTLETOE FAMILY)
THE MEDIA'S "DANGEROUS" HERBS
Acorus calamus L. Calamus (AROID FAMILY)
Aesculus hippocastanum L. Horse Chestnut (HORSE CHESTNUT FAMILY)
Arnica montana L. "Wolfbane" (ASTER FAMILY)
Artemisia absinthium L. "Absinth" (ASTER FAMILY)
Corynanthe yohimbe Schum. "Yohimbe" (COFFEE FAMILY)
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. "Scotch Broom" (LEGUME FAMILY)
Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd. "Tonka Bean" (LEGUME FAMILY)
Eupatorium rugosum Houtt. "Snakeroot" (ASTER FAMILY)
*Glycyrrhiza spp. "Licorice (LEGUME FAMILY)
*Hedeoma pulegioides (L.) Pers. (MINT FAMILY)
Heliotropium europaeum L. "Heliotrope" (BORAGE FAMILY)
Hypericum perforatum L. "St. John's-wort" (ST. JOHN'S-WORT FAMILY)
Ipomoea jalapa Nutt. "Jalap Root" (MORNING GLORY FAMILY)
Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth "Purple Morning Glory" (MORNING GLORY FAMILY)
*Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Moq. Ex DC.) J. M. Coult. (CALTROPS FAMILY)
Lobelia inflata L. "Lobelia" (LOBELIA FAMILY)
Matricaria chamomilla L. "Chamomile" (ASTER FAMILY)
*Mentha pulegium L. "European Pennyroyal" (MINT FAMILY)

*Piper methystichum Forst. "Kava-Kava" (BLACK PEPPER FAMILY) The campaign against this innocuous
herb which I find to be a pleasant sedative, began in early 1997 with a media frenzy following intoxications
at a New Year's Eve party
Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees "Sassafras" (LAUREL FAMILY)
*Senecio aureus L. "Squaw Weed" (ASTER FAMILY)
Symphytum spp. "Comfrey" (BORAGE FAMILY)
*Tanacetum vulgare L. "Tansy" (ASTER FAMILY)
*Teucrium chamaedrys "Germander" (MINT FAMILY)
*Tussilago farfara L. "Colt's Foot" (ASTER FAMILY)
* My additions from the popular press ( not included in FDA Directive 7117.05) FDA Directive 7117.05,
Transmittal 77-21 (03/22/77) categorized 27 herbs as "unsafe" and I have assigned those, albeit
arbitrarily, to the Really Dangerous and the Media Dangerous based on my personal evaluations of more
than 20 years, during which times I have ingested more than half of them... "The Bureau of Foods will
consider regulatory action against those herbs which fall within the unsafe category (see attachment) and
which become adulterated foods by use in herbal teas or otherwise.. . .Formal statements on Calamus,
Safrole and Coumarin (from tonka bean) are found in 21 CFR 121.106 and on Stramonium (Jimsonweed)
in 21 CFR 250.12)
Module 17: GREEN PHARMACY
SUMMARY OF GREEN PHARMACY
AGING (SENESCENCE)
GINKGO (3)*, ECHINACEA (2), GOTU KOLA (2)
GINSENG (2), EVENING PRIMROSE (2), MILK THISTLE (2)
ALLERGY
GARLIC (2), STINGING NETTLE (2), HORSERADISH (1)
GINKGO (2), CHAMOMILE (1), FEVERFEW (1)
ALTITUDE SICKNESS (SOROCHE)
CLOVE (2), HORSEBALM (2), GINKGO (1)
GARLIC (2), REISHI (2), THYME (0)
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (A/O SENILE DEMENTIA)
HORSEBALM (3), BRAZIL NUT (2), GINKGO (2)
ROSEMARY (3), DANDELION (2), SAGE (2)
AMENORRHEA
CHASTEBERRY (3), CELERY (1), MARSHMALLOW (1)
COHOSH (BLACK & BLUE) (2), DILL (1), ASSORTED HERBS (1)
ANGINA
ANGELICA (2), GARLIC & ONION (2), KUDZU (2)
BILBERRY (2), GINGER (2), WILLOW (2)
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
GINGER (3), CORN (2), VEGETARIANISM (1)
PINEAPPLE (3), PIGWEED (2)
ARTHRITIS
GINGER (3), RED PEPPER (3), CELERY SEED (2)
PINEAPPLE (3), STINGING NETTLE (3), TURMERIC (3)
ASTHMA
COFFEE, TEA, ETC. (3), STINGING NETTLE (3), LICORICE (2), EPHEDRA (3), ANISE (2), GINKGO (1)
ATHLETE'S FOOT
GARLIC (3), LICORICE (3), GOLDENSEAL (2)
GINGER (3), TEATREE (3), LEMONGRASS (2)
BACKACHE
RED PEPPER (3), PEPPERMINT (3), WILLOW (3)
THYME (2), ASSORTED ESSENTIAL OILS (1)
BAD BREATH
CARDAMOM (3), PARSLEY (3), CORIANDER (2)
EUCALYPTUS (3), PEPPERMINT (2), SAGE (2)
BALDNESS (ALOPECIA)
SAW PALMETTO (3), ROSEMARY (2), SAFFLOWER (1)
LICORICE (2), HORSETAIL (1), SESAME (1)
BLADDER INFECTIONS (CYSTITIS)
BLUEBERRY (3), PARSLEY (2), BEARBERRY (1)
YOGURT (3), BIRCH (1), COUCHGRASS (1)
BODY ODOR
CORIANDER (3) , TURNIP JUICE (1), VINEGAR (1)
BAKING SODA/CORNSTARCH (1),
VEGETABLES CONTAINING ZINC (1)
BREAST ENLARGEMENT (MICROMASTIA)
FENUGREEK (3), SAW PALMETTO (2), CUMIN (1)
FENNEL (2), WILD YAM (2)

BREAST-FEEDING PROBLEMS (DYSLACTEA)
FENUGREEK (3), ANISE (2), FENNEL (2)
GARLIC (3), CHASTEBERRY (2), ECHINACEA (2)
BRONCHITIS
EUCALYPTUS (2), MULLEIN (2), HOREHOUND (1)
GARLIC (2), STINGING NETTLE (2), MARSHMALLOW (1)
BRUISES
ARNICA (2), PARSLEY (1), ST. JOHN'S-WORT (1)
COMFREY (1), POTATO (1), WITCH HAZEL (1)
BUNIONS
CALENDULA (2), RED PEPPER (2), WILLOW (2)
PINEAPPLE (2), TURMERIC (2), GINGER (1)
BURNS
ALOE (3), GARLIC (1), ST. JOHN'S-WORT (1)
ECHINACEA (1), GOTU KOLA (1), PLANTAIN (1)
BURSITIS AND TENDINITIS
WILLOW (3), ECHINACEA (1), PINEAPPLE (1)
GINGER (2), LICORICE (1), TURMERIC (1)
CANCER PREVENTION
CANCER PREVENTION HERBAL SALAD (3),
ANTIOXIDANTEA (2)
CANKER SORES
MYRRH (2), CANKERROOT (1), LICORICE (1)
TEA (2), GOLDENSEAL (1), WILD GERANIUM (1)
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA
ANGELICA (3), HAWTHORN (3), CANOLA (2)
CINCHONA (3), KHELLA (2), VALERIAN (1)
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
WILLOW (3), PINEAPPLE (2), TURMERIC (2)
CAMOMILE (2), RED PEPPER (2) , CUMIN (1)
CATARACTS
BILBERRY (3), ROSEMARY (3), CARROT (2)

CATNIP (3), BRAZIL NUT (2), CAPERS (1)
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
ANTIVIRAL HERBS (2), PURSLANE (1), MATE (1)
GINSENG (1), WHEATGRASS (1), SPINACH (1)
COLDS AND FLU
ECHINACEA (3), GINGER (3), FORSYTHIA (2)
GARLIC (3), ELDERBERRY (2), MULLEIN (1)
CONSTIPATION
FLAX (2), ALOE (ANTHRAQUINONES) (1),
PSYLLIUM (2), FENUGREEK (1), RHUBARB (1)
CORNS
CELANDINE (1), WILLOW (1)
FIG (1), WINTERGREEN (1)
COUGHING
ELDERBERRY (2), SLIPPERY ELM (2), MULLEIN (1)
GINGER (2), LICORICE (2), STINGING NETTLE (1)
CUTS, SCRAPES, ABSCESSES
TEATREE (3), COMFREY (2), HORSEBALM (2)
CALENDULA (2), GOLDENSEAL (2), GOTU KOLA (2)
DANDRUFF
SOYBEAN (3), CELANDINE (1), GINGER/SESAME (1)
COMFREY (1), SCARBOROUGH SHAMPOO (1), LICORICE (1)
DEPRESSION
LICORICE (3), GINGER (2), PURSLANE (2)
ST. JOHN'S-WORT (3), ROSEMARY (2), GINSENG (1)
DIABETES
FENUGREEK (3), BEANS (2), PEANUT (2)
ONION (3), GARLIC (2), BITTER GOURD (2)
DIARRHEA
APPLE (1), BLACKBERRY (1), CARROT (1)
CAROB (1), BILBERRY (1), TEA (1)
DIVERTICULITIS
FLAX (3), WHEAT (3), WILD YAM (1)
PSYLLIUM (3), SLIPPERY ELM (2), CAMOMILE (1)
DIZZINESS (VERTIGO)
GINGER (3), CELERY (1), ASSORTED HERBS (1)
GINKGO (2), PUMPKIN (1)
DRY MOUTH
JABORANDI (3), ECHINACEA (1), MULTIFLORA ROSE (1)
YOHIMBE (1) , EVENING PRIMROSE (1), RED PEPPER (1)
EARACHE (OTALGIA)
EPHEDRA (1), GOLDENSEAL (2), FORSYTHIA/GENTIAN/
GARLIC (2), ECHINACEA (1), HONEYSUCKLE (1)
EMPHYSEMA
MULLEIN (3), CAMU-CAMU (2), LICORICE (2)
RED PEPPER (3), PEPPERMINT (2), EUCALYPTUS (2)
ENDOMETRIOSIS
SOYBEAN (3), PEANUT (2), EVENING PRIMROSE (1)
FLAX (2), ALFALFA (1)
ERECTION PROBLEMS (IMPOTENCE)
FAVA BEAN (3), VELVET BEAN (3), ANISE (2)
GINKGO (3), YOHIMBE (3), CARDAMOM (2)
FAINTING (SYNCOPE)
BROOMWEED (2), COUNTRY MALLOW (2), EUCALYPTUS (2), CARDAMOM (2), COFFEE, TEA, ETC. (2),
ROSEMARY (2)
FEVER
WILLOW (3), ELDER (1), PEPPERMINT (1)
MEADOWSWEET (2), GINGER (1), RED PEPPER (1)
FLATULENCE (GAS)
ASSORTED CARMINATIVE HERBS (3)
FUNGAL INFECTIONS (MYCOSES)
GARLIC (3), TEATREE (3), PAU-D'ARCO (2)
LICORICE (3), BLACK WALNUT (3), LEMONGRASS (2)
GALLSTONES AND KIDNEY STONES

BEGGAR-LICE (2), TURMERIC (2), CELANDINE (2)
PEPPERMINT (2), COUCHGRASS (2), GOLDENROD (1)
GENITAL HERPES AND COLD SORES
LEMON BALM (3), MINTS (2), ST. JOHN'S-WORT (2) , TEA
ECHINACEA (2), RED PEPPER (2), GARLIC (1)
GINGIVITIS
BLOODROOT (2), ECHINACEA (2), PURSLANE (2)
CAMOMILE (2), LICORICE (2), SAGE (2)
GLAUCOMA
JABORANDI (3), OREGANO (2), BILBERRY (1)
KAFFIR POTATO (2), PANSY (2), FRUITS/VEG/VIT.C (2)
GOUT (PODAGRIA)
CELERY (3), AVOCADO (1), DEVIL'S CLAW (1)
CHISO (2), TURMERIC (2), CAT'S CLAW (1)
GRAVES' DISEASE
BUGLEWEED (3), SELF-HEAL (3), VERBENA (2)
LEMON BALM (3), KELP (2), BROCCOLI (1)
HANGOVER
CINCHONA (1), KUDZU (1), FOLK HERBS (1)
GINKGO (1), WINTERGREEN (1), FRUCTOSE (1)
HEADACHE
BAY (3), WILLOW (3), GINGER (2)
FEVERFEW (3), EVENING PRIMROSE (2), RED PEPPER (2)
HEARTBURN
CAMOMILE (2), PEPPERMINT (2), FENNEL (1)
LICORICE (2), CARDAMOM/CINNAMON (1), DILL (1)
HEART DISEASE
PIGWEED (3), ANGELICA (2), HAWTHORN (2)
WILLOW (3), GRAPE (2), CHICORY (1)
HEMORRHOIDS
COMFREY (2), WITCH HAZEL (2), HORSE CHESTNUT (1)
PSYLLIUM (2), PLANTAIN (2), BUTCHER'S BROOM (1)

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
CELERY (3), HAWTHORN (2), TOMATO (2)
GARLIC (3), KUDZU (2), SAFFRON (1)
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
AVOCADO (2), GARLIC (2), NUTS (1)
BEANS (2), CELERY (2), GINGER (2)
HIVES
JEWELWEED (3), PARSLEY (2), GINGER (1)
STINGING NETTLE (3), AMARANTH (1)
HIV INFECTION
LICORICE (3), ST. JOHN'S-WORT (3), ECHINACEA (2)
OREGANO (3), ASTRAGALUS (2), BURDOCK (2)
HYPOTHYROIDISM
KELP (1), GENTIAN (1), WALNUT (1)
MUSTARD (1), RADISH (1), ST. JOHN'S-WORT (1)
INDIGESTION (DYSPEPSIA)
CAMOMILE (3), GINGER (2), RED PEPPER (1)
PEPPERMINT (3), ANGELICA (2), CORIANDER (1)
INFERTILITY
CAULIFLOWER (2), GINSENG (2), SPINACH (2)
GINGER (2), GUAVA (2), SUNFLOWER (2)
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBS)
ONION (1), TEA (1), PSYLLIUM (1), VALERIAN (1)
INHIBITED SEXUAL DESIRE IN WOMEN (FRIGIDITY)
CHINESE ANGELICA (2), QUEBRACHO (2), DAMIANA (2)
GINSENG (2), YOHIMBE (2), FENUGREEK (1)
INSECT BITES AND STINGS (BUGBITES)
MOUNTAIN MINT (3), CITRONELLA (2), GARLIC (2)
BASIL (2), CALENDULA (2), PLANTAIN (2)
INSOMNIA
LEMON BALM (3), LAVENDER (2), CAMOMILE (1)

VALERIAN (3), PASSIONFLOWER (2), HOPS (1)
INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION
GARLIC (3), GINGER (2), PURSLANE (2)
GINKGO (3), HAWTHORN (2)
INTESTINAL PARASITES
CINCHONA (3), IPECAC (3), PAPAYA (2)
GOLDENSEAL (3), ELECAMPANE (2), CUBEB (1)
LARYNGITIS
CARDAMOM (3), HOREHOUND (2), MULLEIN (2)
GINGER (2), MALLOWS (2), ELECAMPANE (1)
LICE
NEEM (1), SWEETFLAG (1)
LIVER PROBLEMS (HEPATOSIS)
CARROT (3), MILKTHISTLE (3), SCHISANDRA (3)
DANDELION (3), INDIAN ALMOND (3), LICORICE (2)
LYME DISEASE
ECHINACEA (3), MOUNTAIN MINT (3)
GARLIC (3), LICORICE (2)
MACULAR DEGENERATION
BILBERRY (3), GINKGO (2), CLOVE (1)
GREENS (2), PEANUT (2), WOLFBERRY (1)
MENOPAUSE
BLACK COHOSH (2), ALFALFA (1), CHINESE ANGELICA (1)
LICORICE (2), CHASTEBERRY (1), RED CLOVER (1)
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS (DYSMENORRHEA)
BLACK HAW (3), RASPBERRY (3), CHASTEBERRY (2)
CHINESE ANGELICA (3), BILBERRY (2), RED CLOVER (2)
MORNING SICKNESS
GINGER (3), BLACK HOREHOUND (1), PEACH (1)
PEPPERMINT (2), CABBAGE (1), RASPBERRY (1)
MOTION SICKNESS
GINGER (3), RASPBERRY (1)

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
STINGING NETTLE (3), BLUEBERRY (2), PINEAPPLE (2)
BLACK CURRANT (2), EVENING PRIMROSE (2), PURSLANE (2)
NAUSEA
GINGER (3), PEPPERMINT (1), CINNAMON (1)
OSTEOPOROSIS
CABBAGE (3), PIGWEED (3), SOYBEAN (2)
DANDELION (3), AVOCADO (2), PARSLEY (1)
OVERWEIGHT (OBESITY)
PLANTAIN (3), CHICKWEED (2), PINEAPPLE (2)
RED PEPPER (3), EVENING PRIMROSE (2), WALNUT (2)
PAIN
CLOVE (3), WILLOW (3), GINGER (2), RED PEPPER (3), EVENING PRIMROSE (2), MOUNTAIN MINT (2)
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
FAVA BEAN (3), EVENING PRIMROSE (2), PASSIONFLOWER (1), VELVET BEAN (3), GINKGO (1),
ST. JOHN'S-WORT (1)
PNEUMONIA
ASTRAGALUS (2), DANDELION (2), GARLIC (2)
BAIKAL SKULLCAP (2), ECHINACEA (2), HONEYSUCKLE (2)
POISON IVY, POISON OAK, AND POISON SUMAC
JEWELWEED (3), PLANTAIN (2), ALOE (2), SOAPWORT (2)
PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY
PARTRIDGE BERRY (3), BLACK HAW (2), JUTE (2)
RASPBERRY (3), BLUE COHOSH (2), SPINACH (2)
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)
CHASTEBERRY (3), EVENING PRIMROSE (3), RASPBERRY (1), CHINESE ANGELICA (3), STINGING NETTLE
(2), BURDOCK (1)
PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT (BPH) (PROSTATITIS)
LICORICE (3), SAW PALMETTO (3), STINGING NETTLE (2)
PUMPKIN (3), PYGEUM (2), EVENING PRIMROSE (2)
PSORIASIS
BISHOP'S WEED (3), AVOCADO (2), LICORICE (2)
RED PEPPER (3), BRAZIL NUT (2), PURSLANE (2)

RAYNAUD'S DISEASE
EVENING PRIMROSE (3), GINKGO (3), MUSTARD (2)
GARLIC (3), BORAGE (2), RED PEPPER (2)
SCABIES
EVENING PRIMROSE (3), ONION (3), MOUNTAIN MINT (2)
NEEM (3), AMERICAN PENNYROYAL (2), TEATREE OIL (2)
SCIATICA
HAYSEED (3), WILLOW (3), COUNTRY MALLOW (2)
STINGING NETTLE (3), WINTERGREEN (3), MUSTARD (2)
SHINGLES
LEMON BALM (3), CHINESE ANGELICA (2), LICORICE (2)
RED PEPPER (3), BAIKAL SKULLCAP (2), PASSIONFLOWER (2)
SINUSITIS
GARLIC (3), EUCALYPTUS/PEPPERMINT (2), ECHINACEA (2), GOLDENSEAL (3), OREGANO (2),
HORSERADISH (1)
SKIN PROBLEMS (DERMATOSES)
ALOE (3), AVOCADO (2), CAMOMILE (2), EVENING PRIMROSE (3), CALENDULA (2), WITCH HAZEL (2)
SMOKING
LICORICE (3), RED CLOVER (3)
SORES
CALENDULA (3), DRAGON'S BLOOD (3), GINKGO (2)
COMFREY (3), TEATREE (2), GOTU KOLA (1)
SORE THROAT
EUCALYPTUS (3), LICORICE (3), MARSH MALLOW (2)
HONEYSUCKLE (3), SLIPPERY ELM (3), BURNET- SAXIFRAGE (2)
STIES
ECHINACEA (3), POTATO (3), CAMOMILE (1),
GOLDENSEAL (3), THYME (3), GARLIC (1)
STROKE
GARLIC (3), PIGWEED (3), CARROT (2), GINKGO (3), WILLOW (3), EVENING PRIMROSE (1)
SUNBURN
TEA (3), BLACK NIGHTSHADE (2), EGGPLANT (2)

ALOE (2), CALENDULA (2), PLANTAIN (2)
SWELLING
GINGER (3), TURMERIC (2), ARNICA (1), PINEAPPLE (2), ALOE (1), CAT'S CLAW (1)
TINNITUS
GINKGO (3), BLACK COHOSH (1), LESSER PERIWINKLE (1)
SESAME (2), GOLDENSEAL (1), SPINACH (1)
TONSILLITIS
ECHINACEA (3), HONEYSUCKLE (2), CITRUS (VIT. C) (2)
GARLIC (2), SAGE (2), ELDERBERRY (1)
TOOTHACHE
CLOVE (3), RED PEPPER (2), WILLOW (2), GINGER (2), TOOTHACHE TREE (2), SESAME (1)
TOOTH DECAY (CARIES)
TEA (3), BLOODROOT (2), WILD BERGAMOT (2)
BAY (2), LICORICE (2), CHAPARRAL (1)
TUBERCULOSIS
ECHINACEA (3), GARLIC (3), LICORICE (3)
FORSYTHIA (3), HONEYSUCKLE (3), EUCALYPTUS (2)
ULCERS
GINGER (3), YELLOWROOT (3), CABBAGE (2)
LICORICE (3), BANANA (2), GARLIC (2)
VAGINITIS
GARLIC (3), CARDAMOM (2), APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (1)
TEATREE (3), GOLDENSEAL (2), LAVENDER (1)
VARICOSE VEINS
HORSE CHESTNUT (3), WITCH HAZEL (3), GINKGO (2)
VIOLET (3), BUTCHER'S BROOM (2), GOTO KOLA (1)
VIRAL INFECTIONS
ECHINACEA (3), GOLDENSEAL (2), LICORICE (2)
GARLIC (2), DRAGON'S BLOOD (2), LEMON BALM (2)
WARTS
BIRCH (3), CASTOR (2), PINEAPPLE (2)
BLOODROOT (2), CELANDINE (2), BANANA (1)

WORMS
GINGER (3), WORMSEED (3), PAPAYA (2)
PUMPKIN (3), GARLIC (2), CLOVE (1)
WRINKLES
HORSE CHESTNUT (3), COCOA (2), SAGE (2)
CARROT (2), CUCUMBER (2), ROSEMARY (2)
YEAST INFECTIONS
ECHINACEA (3), CRANBERRY (2), PAU-D'ARCO (2)
GARLIC (3), GOLDENSEAL (2), PURSLANE (2) *3 = 3 stars (best - for that indication); 2 = 2 stars (good -
for that indication); 1 = one star (mediocre - for that indication)
SCORE FROM GREEN PHARMACY
Scores derived by taking the top five or six herbs for all ailments, inverting the index, assigning scores to
each according to the number of stars (leaves) it got in the Green Pharmacy; Total scores were then
summed for each individual herb.
Garlic 65
Ginger 61
Licorice 54
Echinacea 37
Red Pepper 36
Willow 36
Ginkgo 33
Evening Primrose 27
Stinging Nettle 24
Goldenseal 22
Peppermint 19
Pineapple 19
Teatree 16
Chamomile 15
Eucalyptus 15
Lemonbalm 14
Rosemary 14
Calendula 13
Purslane 13
Aloe 12
Bilberry 12
Cardamom 12
Honeysuckle 12
Plantain 12
St. John's-Wort 12
Chasteberry 11
Dongquai 11
Pigweed 11
Turmeric 11
Carrot 10
Celery 10
Dandelion 10
Mountain Mint 10
Sage 10
Tea 10
Angelica 9
Avocado 9
Comfrey 9
Hawthorn 9
Mullein 9
Oregano 9
Parsley 9
Raspberry 9
Clove 8
Fenugreek 8
Ginseng 8
Onion 8
Psyllium 8
Soybean 8
Witchhazel 8
Anise 7
Cinchona 7
Flax 7
Gotu Kola 7
Horse Chestnut 7
Pumpkin 7
Slippery Elm 7
Bloodroot 6
Brazilnut 6
Cabbage 6
Celandine 6
Coriander 6
Elderberry 6
Faba Bean 6
Forsythia 6
Jewelweed 6
Mallow 6
Peanut 6
Red Clover 6
Saw Palmetto 6
Spinach 6
Velvet Bean 6
Walnut 6
Yohimbe 6
Aloe 12
Angelica 9
Anise 7
Avocado 9
Bilberry 12
Bloodroot 6
Brazilnut 6
Cabbage 6
Calendula 13
Camomile 15
Cardamom 12
Carrot 10
Celandine 6
Celery 10
Chasteberry 11
Cinchona 7
Clove 8
Comfrey 9
Coriander 6
Dandelion 10
Dongquai 11
Echinacea 37
Elderberry 6
Eucalyptus 15
Evening Primrose 27
Faba Bean 6
Fenugreek 8
Flax 7
Forsythia 6
Garlic 65
Ginger 61
Ginkgo 33
Ginseng 8
Goldenseal 22
Gotu Kola 7
Hawthorn 9
Honeysuckle 12
Horse Chestnut 7
Jewelweed 6
Lemonbalm 14
Licorice 54
Mallow 6
Mountain Mint 10
Mullein 9
Onion 8
Oregano 9
Parsley 9
Peanut 6
Peppermint 19
Pigweed 11
Pineapple 19
Plantain 12
Psyllium 8
Pumpkin 7
Purslane 13
Raspberry 9
Red Pepper 36
Red Clover 6
Rosemary 14
Sage 10
Saw Palmetto 6
Slippery Elm 7
Soybean 8
Spinach 6
St. John's-Wort 12
Stinging Nettle 24
Tea 10
Teatree 16
Turmeric 11
Velvet Bean 6
Walnut 6
Willow 36
Witchhazel 8
Yohimbe 6
From The Green Pharmacy, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA 18098-0099. 1997. 507 pp.
Next Module
Previous Module
The Signs of Inner Peace
The Signs of Inner Peace
Frequent Attacks of smiling
A loss of interest in conflicts
A loss of interest in judging self
A loss of interest in judging other people

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others
Contented feelings of connecting with others and nature
Loss of ability to worry (This is a very serious symptom)
Increased tendency to allow rather than force things
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation
A tendency to think and act spontaneously
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others
The uncontrollable urge to extend love all around

Name: Arka Biological Name: Calotropis gigantea, Asclepias gigantea
Asclepiadaceae family
Other Names: Gigantic Swallowort, Aka, Arka, Akado, Akanda, Akda, Akra, Alarka, Arbre-a-Soie, Arkamu,
Badabadam, Byclospa, Ekke, Ekkemal, Erikka, Erikku, Erukku, Jilledu, Khok,
Khark, Madar, Mandara, Mandaramu, Mudar, Surya pattra, Yercum
Description:
This Ayurvedic herb, abounding in milky juice, is found in parts of India, Sri
Lanka, Singapore, Malay Islands, and South China. It is found mainly in
wastelands.
Constituents
Various principles of the Calotropis bark and sap are:
Madar alban
Madar fluavil
black acid resin
Caoutchouc (free)
yellow bitter resins (active principles)
Akundarin
Calotropin
The root-bark from the older plants has a higher percentage of acrid and bitter resinous matters than that
from the younger plants. Therefore, the older the plant the more active is its bark in its effects.
This drug is acting like digitalis on the heart. The physiologically active substance is found in the milky juice
of the plant.
Parts Used: Root, root-bark, leaves, inspissated juice and flowers. Medicinal Applications
This herb acts like digitalis on the heart.
The root-bark: mucilaginous, bitter, alterative (when used at the rate of 3 to 10 grains thrice daily),
tonic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, purgative, expectorant, and in large doses emetic (when used at the rate
of 30 to 60 grains/day).
This herb increases secretions (especially the evacuation of bile) and has a sedative action on the muscular
fibers of the intestines, (especially the colon and the rectum), allaying all pain, and irritation. It is thus very
useful for relieving all dysenteric symptoms. Useful for leprosy, syphilis, dysentery and elephantiasis. Also
useful in the cure of epilepsy, hysteria, fits, convulsions and paralysis.
It is a great remedy for syphilitic affections. It is called 'vegetable mercury' because of this reputation.
The herb is useful for fevers because of its antiperiodic and diaphoretic actions. Other uses include: bile
secretion, heart diseases (used like digitalis), parasitic infection, difficult/painful urination, abdominal
disorders, hemorrhoids, and edema.
Flowers: digestive, stomachic, and tonic. When given internally in small doses, it stimulates the capillaries
and acts powerfully upon the skin. Hence, it is useful for elephantiasis, and leprosy. The flowers also has
beneficial effect on asthma.
Juice: caustic, a purge for phlegm, depilatory, and the most acrid of all milky juices. It has emetic,
diaphoretic, alterative and purgative properties.
Milky juice is a violent purgative and gastrointestinal irritant. In India, it has been used illegally for
inducing abortion or causing the death of new-born infants, by forcing it down the throat or applied locally,
usually a stick smeared with the juice is pushed up into the uterus and left there until uterine contractions
are induced. In some parts of India if is also used as a cattle poison.
Leaves and branches : anesthesia, paralysis, resolvent, toxic asthma.
All parts of the plant are considered to have valuable alterative properties when taken in small doses.
Action and Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha
lndications: arsas, gulmam, kapodaram, kandu, kushtum, vishim, vranam.
Red flowers: arsas, grahi, gulmam, kaphaharm, krimi, in kushtam, madhura in raktapittam, rasam,
sodam, tikta rasam.
Flowers: aphrodisiac, in aruchi, dipanim, kasam, lagu, pachanam, swasam
Milk: lagu, snigdam, tikshnam, ushnam, virechanam, indication in

kushtam.
Action and Uses in Unani
aches, antheimintic, balgham, caustic, dropsy, piles, skin
Other Uses
Arka is a main ingredient of Arka Tailam, an ayurvedic herbal oil. This oil is useful in eczema and eruptive
skin diseases. It relieves the pain and burning in scorpion and insect bites. It is used by women for
removing hair from parts of body. It is a useful local application for the relief of painful joints and swellings,
and for ringworm of the scalp.
Dosage:
Inspissated juice 1-2 grs.
Root-bark 1-5 grs
Juice of the leaves 1 to 5 drops.
Preparations. Paste or emulsion, Pills and powder of root, and leaves. Ash and fluid extract of leaves and
oil.
Safety:
CAUTION: This herb is poisonous.
Do not use while pregnant. Use this herb only under the supervision of a qualified professional.
No other information is available on its side reactions.

Mandrake Root Powder:
Mandragora officinarum is one of the most revered and feared plants of ancient Europe, appearing in many
myths and folklores. A prominent ingredient in witches 'flying ointments' and poisons in the dark ages it
has also been used as an aphrodisiac by the Egyptians, being equated with the sun god Ra.
Mandrake was also used as an ingredient in Greek wines and possibly also the 'strong' wines mentioned in
the Bible. Dioscorides and Pliny describe Mandrake wine as being so strong it was used as a surgical
anesthetic. In ancient Mesopotamia mandrake was considered one of the powerful plants of the gods. A
spirit was believed to live inside the root who would kill the hapless when they pulled a root out of the
earth. For this reason dogs were sometimes trained to pull the rhizotomes up.
All Mandragora species contain powerful tropane alkaloids which can lead to respiratory paralysis and even
death, which is why the root was always used gradually and sparingly, and is now regarded as a poison by
the FDA. Major alkaloids are scopolamine, atropine, apotropine, hyoscyamine, hyoscine, cuscohygrine,
solandrine and mandragorine.
This plant is considered unsafe for use by modern authorities. These organically grown and processed roots
are sold as sacramental incense only, or for artistic, intellectual, religious, display, hobby or other non-
internal uses only.
These roots can be dangerous and are NOT FOR INGESTION.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Make Your Pet's Home Poison Safe: List of Toxic Plants
Back to Animal Poison Control Center
Alphabetical Listing by Common Name
[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [V] [W] [Y]
[A] [K]
Aloe Kalanchoe
Amaryllis
Andromeda Japonica [L]
Asian Lily (Liliaceae)
Asparagus Fern Lace Fern
Australian Nut Lacy Tree
Autumn Crocus Lily of the Valley
Avocado
[M]
Azalea
Macadamia Nut
[B]
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Bird of Paradise Marble Queen
American Bittersweet Marijuana
European Bittersweet Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)
Branching Ivy Mexican Breadfruit
Buckeye Mistletoe "American"
Buddist Pine Morning Glory
Mother-in-Law
[C]
[N]
Caladium
Calla Lily Narcissus
Castor Bean Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthytis
Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron) Nightshade
Charming Diffenbachia
Chinaberry Tree [O]
Chinese Evergreen
Christmas Rose Oleander
Clematis Onion
Cordatum Orange Day Lily
Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)
[P]
Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)
Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman) Panda
Cycads Peace Lily (aka Maana Loa Peace Lily)
Cyclamen Philodendron Pertusum
Plumosa Fern
[D]
Poinsettia
Daffodil Precatory Bean
Day Lily
[Q]
Devil's Ivy
Dumb Cane Queensland Nut
Deadly Nightshade (See Nightshade)
[R]
[E]
Red Emerald
Easter Lily Red Lily
Elephant Ears Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)
Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern) Red Princess
Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather) Rhododendron
English Ivy Ribbon Plant
Rubrum Lily
[F]
[S]
Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
Flamingo Plant Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Florida Beauty Sago Palm
Foxglove Satin Pothos
Fruit Salad Plant Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
[G]
Stargazer Lily
Glacier Ivy Striped Dracaena
Gladiolas Sweetheart Ivy
Glory Lily Swiss Cheese Plant
Gold Dieffenbachia
[T]
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Pothos Taro Vine
Green Gold Nephthysis Tiger Lily
Tomato Plant
[H]
Tree Philodendron
Hahn's self branching English Ivy Tropic Snow Dumbcane
Heartleaf Philodendron Tulip
Heavenly Bamboo
[V]
Holly
Horsehead Philodendron Variable Dieffenbachia
Hurricane Plant Variegated Philodendron
Hyacinth
Hydrangea [W]
Warneckei Dracaena
Wood Lily
[I]
[Y]
Iris
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
[J]
Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
Japanese Show Lily Yucca
Japanese Yew (aka Yew)
Jerusalem Cherry
Common Fern Could Clean Up Pollution

Plant Soaks Up Arsenic and Thrives
By Jeff Donn
The Associated Press
Feb. 1 — A common fern has been found to soak up extraordinary

amounts of arsenic without any ill effects, potentially offering a
natural way of cleaning up polluted soil and water.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The Poison of Choice Company Bought Commercial Rights
The plant, known as the brake fern, grows naturally in the Southeast
and California.
"It looks lush green," said Lena Ma, a soil chemist who led the
research at the University of Florida at Gainesville. "When I take
people to my greenhouse to look at a fern with 8,000 parts per
million of arsenic, they can't imagine it's toxic waste."
The brake fern, whose scientific name is Pteris vittata, is the first
plant known to accumulate arsenic in extremely high concentrations
and still flourish, scientists said. The discovery was reported in
today's issue of the journal Nature.
The Poison of Choice
A crystalline chemical, arsenic is one of the best known poisons. It

has often been the poison of choice in the arts, as in the classic film
Arsenic and Old Lace.
Arsenic taints many sources of drinking water in the United States

and abroad. People who drink arsenic-contaminated water over long
periods are believed to run a higher risk of bladder, lung and skin
cancer, as well as other heart and lung ailments.
Some arsenic is naturally present in soil. It also comes from some

farm chemicals, wood preservatives and other industrial products.
Ma said that, unlike many ferns, this one likes the sun. It could
potentially be cultivated in water and act as a natural arsenic filter.
And the fern's arsenic-loving genes could potentially be spliced into
other plants.
"The fact that it can take something that is toxic at extremely low
concentration and accumulate it at high concentrations is very
useful," said Stephen Ebbs, a plant researcher at Southern Illinois
University.
Some plants are already used to remove other pollutants from the
environment, a process known as phytoremediation. But the plants
do not concentrate the toxins as strongly as the brake fern.
Other powerful accumulators are being tested, but these plants are
generally small and thus collect chemicals in very small amounts.
Company Bought Commercial Rights
By contrast, the brake fern collects the arsenic in fronds that grow up
to 5 feet long. Unlike roots — where some plants accumulate
pollutants — the fronds are easy to harvest when it is time to clear
away the arsenic. Scientists said more work is needed on how to
dispose of the plants.
The report of the fern's special properties comes at a time of

intensified worry about arsenic in drinking water. Last year, a World
Health Organization study said that up to 77 million of Bangladesh's
people are at risk of poisoning from naturally occurring arsenic in
drinking water.
Two weeks ago, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a

much tighter standard for arsenic in American drinking water, forcing
about 3,000 communities to take stronger action.
The Florida researchers were looking for a plant that could take in
soil arsenic in high concentrations and then be hauled away. They
tested 14 species from an abandoned lumber yard contaminated by
arsenic in Archer, Fla.
Their tests showed that the brake ferns growing there concentrated
up to 200 times the arsenic level in the soil. In other tests, the
researchers spiked soil with varying levels of arsenic and found that
brake ferns absorbed the poison at 10 to 64 times the original
concentrations.
"She got incredibly lucky. She happened to pick the 14 and found
one good one," said David Salt, a Northern Arizona University
biochemist who specializes in such pollution-absorbing plants.
It is unclear if the fern is taking in arsenic as a nutrient or for some

other reason.
Edenspace, a company in Dulles, Va., has bought rights and already

begun to market the fern commercially.
Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This

material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Belly Ache Or Poison?
What to do if the berries you munched weren't safe after all.
By Buck Tilton, BACKPACKER Contributing Editor, June 2001

Nothing jazzes up a bland breakfast like fresh fruit, and Phil, being a knowledgeable outdoorsperson,
thought the shiny red berries he plucked and added to his oatmeal were safe. A short time later, while
doubled over with intense stomach pain, he realizes he's the victim of a case of mistaken berry identity.
Has Phil poisoned himself? If Phil were your hiking partner, what should you do?
Step 1: Immediately induce vomiting, unless the person is unconscious or incoherent, in which case
vomiting could cause him to choke. According to the most recent Wilderness Medical Society Practice
Guidelines for Wilderness Emergency Care (The Globe Pequot Press, 800-243-0495;
www.backpacker.com/bookstore; $13.95), he must upchuck within 30 minutes of ingesting the plant,
before it settles into his digestive system. The new guidelines also recommend the old finger-down-the-
throat method because it works so quickly. The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology recently declared
that syrup of ipecac, a longtime first-aid standard for inducing vomiting, can interfere with the
effectiveness of charcoal, which brings us to:
Step 2: Whip up a charcoal shake. Standard medicine in hospitals, activated charcoal soaks up poisons so
they aren't absorbed by the body. Improvise your own by using the blackened, partially burnt portions of
campfire logs. Make a slurry by combining the black char with water, then make him drink it.
Step 3: After vomiting, he must drink lots of water for a few hours. The solution to pollution, in large part,
is dilution.
Step 4: Get him to a hospital, and take along a sample of the plant, if possible.
Better Safe Than Sorry

Poisonous plants most often eaten by mistake include: mushrooms, water hemlock, castor bean,
monkshood, poison hemlock, pokeweed, rhododendron, jimsonweed, skunk cabbage, and pyracantha.
Correctly identifying a plant is the best way to avoid getting poisoned. For tips on smart foraging, see
Moveable Feast, October 2000.
Alternatives to Chemical Treatments

Non chemical care *COMMON ORGANIC AMMENDMENTS FOR GARDENS*
* Compost- an all-purpose fertilizer (see compost bin link)
* Peat Moss- fertizer & insulator for use near acid-loving plants
*Rock Phosphate- good source of phosphate and calcium
*Soybean meal- good source of nitrogen & other vitamins and minerals Can Lawns be
Justified?-John Skow TIME June 3, 1991 Lawn is the curse of suburban man, his bizarre fetish,
the great green god he spray to. Lawn must be barbered to the satisfaction of one's neighbors,
or it earns their dirty looks and, in some tightly strung communities, a summons from city hall.
The ideal lawn is featureless, a living imitation of Astroturf. Striving to achieve it soaks up
water, money and weekend goof-off time in fantastic quantities.
Nevermind that trying to grow grass in hot, cold or arid regions is almost as silly as trying to
grow kelp. Americans have belawned 25 million to 30 million acres, an area larger than
Virginia. Lawn is our connection to the English manor houses to which most of us cannot trace
our ancestors; it is the decent, respectably dull necktie we knot around our houses.
Now, is this relly a surprise? lawn owners are hearing from environmental activists what
common sense has been telling them for some time. The herbicides and insecticides they
spread on their lawns are poisons. They can be deadly, the charge goes, not only to the noxious
bugs and broad-leaf weeds they are supposed to kill but also to useful bugs, to the earthworms
that aerate the soil and to pets and people. Do-it yourselfers don't read warning labels or take
precautions to protect themselves, and they use up to six times as much pesticide per acre as
farmers do. Runoff of fertilizers from farmlands has tainted water supplies, and though industry
experts say it doesn't happen, critics fear similar troubles from suburban runoff.
Children are especially vulnerable to the junk that your neighbor's lawn service fogs around or
to the "completly safe for humans" stuff you bought at the hardware store. Lawn poisons can
cause headaches, dizziness, eye problems, mental disorientation and lasting damage to the
nervous system. Cancer is also a possibility, since some pesticides contain known carcinogens.
Of course, your lawn looks great.
So the testimony, much of it bitter, went before the senate environment and public-works
subcommittee on toxic substances. Dallas petroleum consultant Tom Latimer, 36, testified that
he used the widely sold insecticide diazinon 6 years ago to control grubs eating grass roots at
the same time he was taking the drug Tagamet to control warts. Neither chemical came with a
warning of dangerous interaction, but the impact of diazinon, an organophosphate that inhibits
nerve action, was apparently magnified by the Tagamet. Today his eyesight remains severely
damaged; he has constant headaches; his memory, concentration and mental acuity are dulled.
Proving legal responsibility and collecting damages in such cases are difficult, and Latimer has
had no luck. Nor, so far, has Christina Locek, 42, of River Grove, Ill., a onetime professional ice
skater and pianist who says her health was destroyed in 1985 when a lawn-care service
sprayed her neighbor's yard. Her cat and dog died the same day, she says, and she caontinues
to suffer partial paralysis, substantial vision loss, headaches and blood disorders. Another
woman told the senate subcommittee that she sometimes slept in her car to avoid lawn
spraying in her neighborhood.
Such people can seem distraught to the point of crankiness, but extreme sensitivity to
chemicals is not a rare condition. How much regulation the multibillion-dollar lawn-care
industry should have was the main issue before the subcommittee. Neighborhood warnings
before pesticide dousings and signs on treated lawns afterward were proposed. Chemlawn, the
big lawn-care outfit with headquarters in Columbus does not oppose such measures, though a
spokesperson said last week that a study of 100 employees who applied lawn chemicals
showed "no long-term effects."
Until now, government supervision of lawn pesticides has been notably drowsy. The EPA is
required to review the dangers of pesticides that were in use before 1972, when more stringent
regulations went into effect, but so far has completley cleared only 2 of the 34 most used
chemical agents. While the EPA deliberates, all of them continue tobe used on lawns. According
to the National Coaliion Against the misuse of pesticides, an advocacy group critical of the lawn
care industry, 9 of the pesticides may be carcinogenic, 10 may cause birth defects, 3 can affect
reproduction, 9 can damage the liver or kidneys, 20 attack the nervous system, and 29 cause
rashes or skin disease. Pesticides, says NCAMP national coordinator Jay Feldman, are defined
"as acceptabel poisons. But nothing out there is safe."
In a political climate that favors market forces, not regulation, the EPA has been unwilling to
crack down. Noting that geese had been dying from ingesting diazinon, the pesticide that gave
Latimer so much trouble, the agency did ban the chemical for use on sod farms and golf
courses. What it failed to do, perhaps fearing the wrath of the pesticide industry, was ban
diazinon's much extensive use on home lawns. Those fellows at the hardware store will still sell
you as much as you want.
Tom Adamczyk, EPA deputy branch chief of herbicides says it did not seem likely that geese
would be landing on suburban lawns (though ornithologists have know for several years that
lawn-care pesticides have been killing song birds.) Adamczyk went on note that the EPA has
banned the pesticides chlordane, 2,4,5-T and Silverex from the market. He says quicker re-
evaluation would be desirable "in the idel world" but the agency has not had the money or
personnel to speed up the process. "You can't just yank a product off the market without
incontroveertible proof that it's harmful."
Pesticides it seems, are innocent until proven guilty. Tom Watschke, a turf-grass scientist at
Penn State University, derides pesticide critics "saying that until the EPA can prove that any
chemical for sale in a garden center is safe it shouldn't be available. That's ridiculous. The real
risk is the person who has no knowledge of agronomic principles and thinks if a certain dose of
pesticides is good, then double is better." Worry about fertilizers and pesticides running off into
lakes, rivers and grounwater and causing fish kills and algal blooms Watschke insists, "is
propaganda that unfortunately is scaring the public unnecessarily."
Maybe, but why take the risk? Brain tumors must be excised if possible, but dandelions don't
really do any harm. In fact, they are pretty, enthusiastic, nutritios in salads and excellent for
wine making. Of course, if they ever became popular, the lawn-care megacorporations would
sell us patent medicine to encourage them by killing the grass. In the meantime, California may
be the waterless wave of the future. In Los Angeles, Robin Thomas is trying to revive his dried
yellow grass with organic prooducts, not chemicals, because "I have children, and they play on
the lawn." In Oakland, Rachel Blau's lawn is green because it rained recently. But if there's no
rain, "we let it go," she says, bravely adding the unsayable "I don't care how it looks."
You Should Have Activated Charcoal in Your Home As a Remedy for Poisoning
Keeping activated charcoal in the medicine cabinet may lead to faster and more efficient treatment of
children who have swallowed poison at home.
Their study found that activated charcoal, which soaks up poisons in the stomach, is more effective
and easier to use than ipecac, a syrup that induces vomiting. Although activated charcoal is the preferred
method for treating patients who swallow poison in hospitals, it is used less frequently at home due to
concerns that it is too difficult to administer.
But according to a report on 115 children treated with activated charcoal at home after ingesting poison,
none of the parents had any major problems administering the charcoal. What's more, children who took
charcoal at home got quicker treatment than those cared for in a hospital emergency room --
within 38 minutes versus 73 minutes, on average.
Studies indicate that the charcoal is most effective if given within 1 hour after ingesting poison.
Administration of activated charcoal at home has the potential to reduce the time between toxin ingestion
and activated charcoal administration and therefore to increase the efficacy of activated charcoal.
Home use also led to lower costs by reducing the number of patients who would have otherwise been
treated in the emergency department.
Pediatrics online December 2001;108:e100
DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:
If you have any young children at home it would seem wise to purchase some activated
charcoal just in case the unthinkable happens and your child accidentally swallows something
they shouldn't.
Obviously being proactive is even better. Keep potentially dangerous substances securely
locked away, or better still, intentionally remove any possible poisons from the home.
Activated charcoal does not really work as a drug, but merely as a "magnet" for anything that is
in the gut prior to being absorbed in the bloodstream.
Return to Table of Contents #282
The Old Worlder Herbiary
Version 1.0 by Morten Krog
Angvars Help:
Description: Long stems, many leaves, no flowers
Availability: Average, Winter, Hills.
Price: 5/- and 1GC 6/-
Method of Application: Brew
Preparation: 3 Days
Dosage: 1 Week
Skills: Chemistry
Tests: Int
Effects: This plant helps the PC inhaling the steam from its brew with any respiratory problems. It clears
the lungs of any gases or similar.
Black Hove:
Description: Brought to the Old World by elves from Ulthuan, in elven called Saelisath, meaning "dark
one". It is a completely black flower, with dark green leaves and stalk.
Availability: Rare, Summer, Grassland (Only near Marienburg).
Price: 3GC and 6GC.
Preparation: 2 Months Brew
Dosage: 3 Weeks
Preparation: 2 Months
Skills: Chemistry & Prepare Poisons
Tests: Int
Effects: The Black Hove is a magickally created plant, all magic using creatures are immediately aware of
any 'Hoves in their vicinity. Animals shun it for some unexplained reason. This plant was created by one of
the high priests of the Pleasure Cult before it was outlawed in Ulthuan. He fled to the Old World, but was
hunted down and summarily killed. Before his death he managed to plant his pet project in the marsh
around Marienburg. It has since thrived and expanded.
If drunk by magick creatures it will release a sudden burst of pent up magick energy equal to the casters
BMP (this is how much of it he "soaks" up). With this plant the MP's can go above the casters maximum.
However there are darker sides to this plant, and that is that it can be addictive, as well as its side effects.
One to three hours after drinking this brew the person will at first become confused, then he will
experience a high, which lasts for about 3 hours, then the depressions begin. ALL percentage
characteristics are reduced by 15%. In its beginning the plants effect didn't have the time lag between the
release of energy and the high, but as times past, the plant changed slightly.
Type: Stimulant
Price/dose: see above
Dependency: 30
Addictiveness: 30
Overdose: 10
Duration: 1d3
No. of doses to side effects: 10 + 1d10
Side effects: Loose 5% off one percentage Characteristic
Dosage: Drink Brew
Capt'ns Heart:
Description: Small red flowers resembling a heart.
Availability: Average, Autumn, Grassland.
Price: 9/- and 1GC 5/-
Preparation: 1 Week
Dosage: 5 Days
Skills: Prepare Poison
Tests: None
Effects: People used to think these were good for your heart, but they have an altogether different effect if
prepared properly. This plant is known by the druids for its effect as a soothing herb, they often give it to
wounded animals so thet they will keep still enough to be healed. On humans it has much the same
effects, any person drinking this brew will become drowsy. Their characteristics are reduced as follows: M-
1,WS&BS -10,I-20,DEX-20,LD-20,INT-10,CL-10,WP-10. The person becomes groggy and unbalanced(not
mentally :), also any outside observer will assume that the person is drunk.
Deliona:
Description: Bright yellow flowers, with dark green stem and leaves
Availability: Rare, Spring, Lowland
Price: 2 GC and 4GC.
Method of Application: Ingest
Preparation: 9 Days
Dosage: 5 Days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: Deliona is a pain killer. It lasts for approximately 4 hours, depending on individual differences. The
person eating this herb will lose all feeling of pain for the mentioned time, but also any other feelings too.
Nothing is felt, it is as if deliona "disconnects" any emotional feelings that the person has.
Dils:
Description: Thin green stems, branching out from the root, flowerless.
Availability: Common, Summer, Grasslands
Price: 10/- and 3GC
Method Of Application: Ingest
Preparation: 1 week
Dosage: 2 days
Skills: None
Tests:None
Effects: Induces a light sleep for 1d4 hours (No save). If there is much noise nearby the person will wake
up.
Erwurgwort:
Description: Brilliant blue flowers, many small flowers on a long stalk.
Availability: Very Rare, Autumn, Coniferous forest
Price: 10 GC and 25 GC
Method Of Application: Brew
Preparation: 5 weeks
Dosage: 3 weeks
Skills: Prepare Poison
Tests: INT
Effects: To avoid the worst of the damage, the recipient must make _two_ successful T tests (immunity to
poison +10). If both tests were successful the victim suffers respiratory problems and uncontrolled shaking
for the next five hours (-10 to all percentage characteristics). If one or both of the tests failed the victims
brething becomes laboured, after about one hour the victims lungs are attacked by the poison and are
paralysed, leading to asphyxiation.
Feuerkraut:
Description: Red flower, short stalks, with many leaves.
Availability: Common, Early Spring, Mixed Forest
Price: 15/- and 2GC
Method Of Application: Smear
Preparation: 1 week
Dosage: 1 day
Skills: None
Tests: INT
Effects: When applied as a poultice to burns the herb helps to cool the burns and the person recovers 1W
from the healing effect (NOT cumulative).
Fennel:
Description: Green herb, with a big white root.
Availability: Average, Autumn, Marsh
Price: 9/- and 2GC
Preparation: 1 week
Dosage: 1 week
Skills: Prepare Poisons
Tests: INT
Effects: This herb is a stimulant and very effective against poisons. The person drinking the brew made
from this herb is allowed another T test against any poisons that have entered his/hers body within the last
30 min.
Finkel:
Description: White flowers, long stems, not many leaves, long roots.
Availability: Scarce, Summer, Hills
Price: 8 GC and 20 GC
Method Of Application: Inhale
Dosage: (see below)
Tests: None
Effects: This herb has a mild refreshing effect, but unfortunately it can also be addictive (See Middenheim-
City of the White Wolf p. 91). CAN VERY EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR GELBENWURZEL !!
Type: Tranquiliser
Price/dose: see above
Dependency: 25
Addictiveness: 30
Overdose: 15
Duration: 1d3
No. of doses to side effects: 10 + 1d10
Side effects: Hair loss, Depression
Dosage: Inhale vapours
Foxtail:
Description: Dark red flowers, short stems, small roots.
Availability: Scarce, Late Summer, Grassland
Price: 2GC and 4GC
Method Of Application: Ingest
Dosage: 1 week
Skills: Chemistry
Tests: None
Effects: Foxtail is a strong poison, and will cause paralysis unless a successful T test is made. The victim
will be paralysed for 1d6+4 hours. The victim does recieve an INT test to find out if the food is drugged
(Foxtail has a very special taste, and all herbalists will immediately recognize it - no test neccesary).
Gelbenwurzel:
Description: Yellow flowers, long stems, not many leaves, long roots.
Availability: Rare, Summer, Mountain Forest
Price: 3GC and 8GC
Method Of Application: Ingest (the root)
Dosage: 3 days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: The peson who eats the root gains 10% to all percentage characteristics for 1d4 hours, When the
effecy wears off the character looses 50% of all W, T and DEX for 2d6+5 hours.
Hallorns rest (Mushroom):
Description: Dirty white in colour, large hat, long root.
Availability: Scarce, Summer, Hills
Price: 12/- and 4GC
Dosage: 2 days
Skills: Chemistry
Tests: None
Effects: A strong hallucinogen. Causes at first heavy sleep, then dreams. It is these dreams that cause the
greatest effect, they are _very_ unpleasant.
Horsefoot (Small Bush):
Description: Thin brown branches, with dark green leaves and tiny blue blossoms.
Availability: Common, Spring, Mountains
Price: 2/- and 15/-
Preparation: 1 Week
Dosage: 2 Days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: Leaves: If the leaves are eaten, they swell, easing the feeling of hunger, and letting the PC worry
about other, more important things Note: the leaves are not sufficient as food, they do not provide any
sustenance, they merely ease the feeling of hunger. Root: If eaten it causes mild stomach cramps and
nausea. Not particularly tasty either.
Mage-sleep:
Description: Orange flowers, small stem, few leaves.
Availability: Rare, Winter, Mountain
Price: 7GC and 14 GC
Dosage: 1 week
Skills: Chemistry
Tests: None
Effects: This does not put mages to sleep, rather it lets them stay awake. When eaten(by spellcasters) it
allows them to stay awake and still gain MP. HOWEVER only 3/4 of the total MP's are regained when
spending the night awake.
Slovefoot (grass):
Description: Long grass stalks, with wooly white blossoms.
Availability: Average, Autumn, Marsh.
Price: 6/- and 1GC
Preparation: 5 Days
Dosage: 3 Days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: This plant contains a strong drug that induces (or forces) the person to sleep. The time, in hours,
spent sleeping is approximately 6 x (no. of potions taken). The person wakes up clear and refreshed but
unable to remember anything that happened the last 3 hours before taking the drug.
Spritzel:
Description:Small white flowers, thick stem and long thin leaves.
Availability: Common, Spring, Mixed Forest.
Price: 4/- and 9/-
Preparation: 3 Days
Dosage: 7 Days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: Spritzel keeps you awake during the night, and has much the same effect as drinking a five litres
of coffee.
Storins Relief:
Description: Thick dark green leaves, no flowers.
Availability: Rare, Winter, Grassland.
Price: 1GC and 3GC
Method of Application: Smear
Preparation: 1 Day
Dosage: 4 Days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: When the evergreen leaves are smeared over any frostbites they provide an oily cover that warms
the skin, and ease the pain. Minor frostbites treated with Storins Relief, and rested will heal completely in 3
days, leaving no side effects.
Purple Butterhat (Mushroom):
Description: Purple hat, often with yellow spots, blackish root.
Availability: Average, Autumn, Coniferous forest
Price: 12/- and 3GC
Preparation: None
Dosage: 3 days
Tests: None
Effects: This herb has no effect on humans, but it has a great effect on horses (inc. mules, ponies etc). The
animal in question simply becomes "inactive" for 10 min, after this the poison in the mushroom causes the
animal to become hyper-active. Not a pleasant experience for any rider.
Veilbud:
Description: Root plant, white, has multiple layers of "veils" .
Availability: Rare, Spring, Mixed forest
Price: 2GC and 5GC
Dosage: 5 days
Skills: None
Tests: INT
Effects: Veilbud causes violent stomach cramps for 1/2-1 hour. The victim is unable to do much beside
collapsing on the floor in agony.
Yellowfoot (Moss):
Description: A green moss, with tiny yellow flowers.
Availability: Scarce, Summer, Grasslands
Price: 15/- and 5GC
Dosage: 5 days
Skills: None
Tests: None
Effects: Has no other effect than to give the person eating this a dark blue tongue (embarassing).
Some herbs need to be combined with other herbs to have an effect at all, while others should be kept as
far away as possible from other herbs.
When a person has been drugged by a herb that causes e.g. drowsiness, another herb can be
administered, to counter effect the first. I would not advise this, but it can be used as a last resort. Two
herbs mixed can cause varied side effects, They could become a super- stimulant (the character is high for
the next 24 hours), or the opposite; fall into a coma. The GM should find the ideal (for the campaign)
between these two extremes.
When attempting to counter the effect of one herb with another, roll on the table below to see what sort of
effect is attained.
Table of effect
---------------
01-20 Super-Stimulant
21-40 Mildly stimulating
41-60 Cancellation
61-80 Drowsiness
81-00 Comatose
Biological Terrorism Kit
Product #: 1TERROR
Liquid herbal extracts are also available in 4-ounce size. The
Center for Building Better Health Naturally put together this
fine selection of emergency products.
Cleansing Corrective Extract is a good, reliable killer of virus,
germ and airborne fungus infection. It is also a poison
antidote. Apply to infected areas and take internally (1
teaspoon per day in juice.)If a crisis arises, it can be taken in
larger amounts to meet the challenge to the immune system
(1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon up to three or four times per
day.) The poisons and dead micro-organisms are expelled
primarily through the bowel. NOTE: CCE can be rubbed on
entire abdomen if desired instead of taken by mouth.
Goldenseal is a quick and time tested herb to fight all manner

of germ life and viruses (40 to 80 drops three times per day in
juice or water).
Black Cohosh – The warning signs of “stiff neck” or “chills and

fever” result from viruses that attack the nervous system.
Apply liberally to the back of the neck and out to the shoulders
and entire spine as needed. Usually hourly does the job. Black
Cohosh can also be taken internally at the rate of 40 to 80
drops hourly as needed. Observable results are quick. Oil of
Cajeput kills fungus and quickly relieves discomfort. Apply
externally to the skin over the areas most affected – for
example the lungs. Cuts mucous loose.
Vitamin C keep larger amounts circulating in the blood stream

at all times to stop problems before they start and is an
antidote to poisons of many kinds. 3,000 mg to 10,000 mg.
per day.
Virginia Snake Root antidotes blood and nerve poisons (40 to

80 drops at the first signs of distress and repeat as needed). If
severe known exposure has just occurred, then take 1 to 2
Tablespoons at once.
Lady’s Slipper (Root) is helpful if you have feelings of panic or

anxiety (20 to 40 drops). Its effect is very quick.
Bee Propolis liquid extract will rapidly increase your immunity

and detoxify (1 teaspoon three times per day).
Herbal Adjustment: If cardiac arrest threatens, then put 80

drops in a cup of water and quickly drink it down. Warning:
Very hot to the taste, but does not destroy tissue as it restarts
the heart.
B-Complex Capsules – when radiation exposure has occurred:

Use 7 capsules per day all at one time of B-Complex which
contain NIACIN. Your capsules also include the vitamin
Niacinamide, but the Niacin is the particular vitamin which
drives out the radiation. As it works, it produces a hot, tingling,
“purple blush”. That is the area where the radiation had
affected the body and was stored. The effect generally lasts
about 20 minutes. Repeat daily until the “purple blush” no
longer occurs. At the same time you take the B-Complex
capsules, it is suggested, but not a part of the kit, that you
take the following to balance out the body chemistry:
-----------------------------
Listed: the 600 poisons in every cigarette
by Jo Dillon and Jonathon Carr-Brown

Source: The Independent, Sunday, 2/13/00
Smokers are inhaling a lethal cocktail of 600 additives as well as

nicotine every time they light up. In an attempt to disgust people into
giving up, the Health Secretary Alan Milburn has released for the first
time the exact make-up of a cigarette.
Among additives used are acetone, used to make paint stripper; ammonia,
contained in toilet cleaners; butane, a form of lighter fuel; and
beta-naphthyl methylether, more commonly known as mothballs.
Smokers are also opening themselves to the risk of inhaling hydrogen

cyanide, the poison used in gas chambers, methanol, a rocket fuel, arsenic
and carbon monoxide, the poisonous gas in car exhausts.
Worryingly, given the fight against smoking among children, various scents
and sweeteners can also be used in cigarette manufacture.
Mr Milburn has put an end to a clandestine deal said to have been struck
between the Tories when in power and the tobacco companies to suppress the
information. He has posted on the Department of Health website the names
of the 600 additives contained in popular brands of cigarettes and the
Damaging by-products which they can produce when lit.
Mr Milburn said details of the additives were supplied to the health

department by voluntary agreement in March 1997. But, to date, the tobacco
firms have refused to detail which additives are used in which brand of
cigarette, prompting the Government to push them for further revelations.
The Government is also currently negotiating a European Union directive

which would make full disclosure of all additives in cigarettes mandatory.
The new policy comes in direct contrast to an agreement made under the
Tories to keep the information "confidential". John Carlisle, spokesman
for the Tobacco Manufacturers Association, denied there had ever been a
secret deal not to release the list of additives but admitted companies
are reluctant to publish details of additives in particular brands for
Commercial reasons.
He said: "This information has been publicly available since 1995. The
fact is no one has ever asked for it."
Mr Carlisle claimed that 95 per cent of all British cigarettes were

Virginia blend and contained no flavoring. He added: "Remember this is a
Government-approved list. If these things are harmful, why hasn't the
Government removed them?"
Amanda Sandford, of the anti-smoking group Ash, said that tobacco

companies had been allowed to put additives in cigarettes for 30 years
without any public scrutiny.
She added: "There was a conspiracy of silence over this list and, unless
we are now told what additives go into particular brands, we will never be
able to calculate how these cocktails of chemicals affect people."
List of Poisonous Plants/Senarai Tumbuhan Beracun
Sample Page
A|B|C|D|E|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|P|R|S|T|U
Abrus precatorius
Agave angustifolia
Akar belimbing
Alocasia macrorrhiza
Anis
Antiaris toxicaria
Areca catechu
Banuk
Batu pelir kambing (akar)
Beridin
Birah negeri
Brachiaria decumbens
Buah perah
Bunga kembang sonsang
Bunga tahi ayam
Calophyllum inophyllum
Caryota mitis
Celaka merah
Celaka putih
Cengkian
Crotalaria mucronata
Croton tiglium
Cycas circinalis
Cycas revoluta
Cycsiamensis
Datura alba
Datura fastuosa
Datura metel
Derris elliptica
Dieffenbachia
Digitalis lanata
Digitalis purpurea
Discorea daemona
Discorea triphylla
Dudok
Elateriospermum Blume
Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia pulcherima
Euphorbia tricucalli
Euphorbiaceae
Giring-giring
Gloriosa superba
Hevea brasiliensis
Hypericum perforatum
Ipoh (akar)
Ipoh (batang)
Jarak belanda
Jarak keling
Jarak putih
Jatrofa buncit
Jatrofa maltifida
Jatropha multifida
Jatropha podagrica
Kacang kayu
Kambing-kambing
Kecubong hitam
Kecubong putih
Keladi sebarang
Kelembahang
Kelempayan
Kelumpang telur
Ketom (daun)
Lantana camara
Leucaena leucocephala
Manihot esculenta
Minyak jarak
Mystrigyna speciosa
Nerium oleander
Paku rotan
Patah tulang
Penaga laut
Petai belalang
Pinang
Pisang tanah
Plumbago indica
Plumbago rosea
Poinsetia
Pokok sesudu
Pteridium esculentum
Rengas
Ricinus communis
Rumput ceylon
Saga akar
Saga betina
Saikas
Sarcolobus globosus
Scinadapsus aureus
Setcreasea purpurea
Setkrisia ungu
Solanum nigrum
Strychnos ovalifolia
Terung meranti
Terung para cicit
Terung perat
Tevetia peru
Thevetia peruviana
Tuba
Tukas
Ubi gadung
Ubi gajah
Top
Poisoning by an Illegally Imported Chinese Rodenticide Containing

Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine --- New York City, 2002
Illegally imported foreign products can result in domestic exposures to unusual toxic chemicals, and
health-care providers might not be able to provide appropriate therapy because the chemical ingredients
might not be listed or recognized even after translation of the product label. This report describes the first
known case in the United States of exposure to a Chinese rodenticide containing the toxin
tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS), a convulsant poison. The report of this investigation highlights the
need to prevent such poisonings through increased public education, awareness, and enforcement of laws
banning the importation of illegal toxic chemicals.
On May 15, 2002, a previously healthy female infant aged 15 months living with her family in New York
City was found by her parents to be playing with a white rodenticide powder that they had brought from
China and applied in the corner of their kitchen. After 15 minutes, the child had generalized seizures and
was taken to an emergency department. Her initial blood glucose level was 108 mg/dL (normal range: 80--
120 mg/dL). Despite aggressive therapy with lorazepam, phenobarbital, and pyridoxine, she had
intermittent generalized seizure activity for 4 hours and required intubation.
After 3 days, the infant was extubated successfully but appeared to have multiple neurologic deficits,
including absence seizures and possibly cortical blindness. Continuous electroencephalogram monitoring,
performed during the initial hospitalization, revealed multiple epileptogenic foci. The infant was discharged
in June; as of November 5, the infant remained severely developmentally delayed and was on valproic acid
therapy for seizure control.
Translation of the rodenticide package labeling from Chinese to English did not clarify its contents (Figure).
A search of the China National Poison Control Center's (NPCC) web-site for rodenticides suggested that the
ingredients might have included sodium monofluoroacetate, fluoroacetamide,
tetramethylenedinitrosotetramine, or strychnine. However, an initial laboratory analysis was negative for
sodium fluoroacetate, fluoroacetamide, bromethalin, strychnine, 1,3-difluoro, 2-propanol, and carbamate
insecticides.
On September 14, a snack shop owner in China poisoned food in a competitor's snack shop with a
rodenticide identified as Dushuqiang, resulting in 38 deaths. Although Dushuqiang, which contains TETS,
has been banned for sale since the mid-1980s, it is still widely available in China. Following news reports of
this incident, the New York City Poison Control Center conducted additional laboratory testing of the
product associated with the poisoning in New York City and confirmed TETS in the product by gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (1). TETS concentration was 6.4% weight/weight [w/w] in
one rodenticide packet and 13.8% w/w in another.
Reported by: F Barrueto Jr, MD, LS Nelson, MD, RS Hoffman, MD, New York City Poison Control Center;
MB Heller, PhD, Public Health Laboratory, General Toxicology and Environmental Science Laboratory, New
York City Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene; PM Furdyna, New York State Div of Environmental
Conservation; RJ Hoffman, MD, Div of Toxicology, Maimonides Medical Center, New York, New York. KS
Whitlow, DO, MG Belson, MD, AK Henderson, PhD, Div of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects,
National Center for Environmental Health, CDC.
Editorial Note:
TETS is a little-known, often unrecognized, and highly lethal neurotoxic rodenticide that once was used
widely. An odorless, tasteless, and water-soluble white crystalline powder that acts as a -amino butyric
acid (GABA) antagonist (China Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], unpublished data, 2002),
TETS, like picrotoxin, binds noncompetitively and irreversibly to the GABA receptor on the neuronal cell
membrane and blocks chloride channels. The most common routes of exposures are through ingestion and
inhalation (China CDC, unpublished data, 2002). TETS is not registered by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency for use in the United States, and its importation, manufacture, and use in the United
States are illegal.
TETS meets criteria for inclusion in the list of extremely hazardous pesticides maintained by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and is more lethal than WHO's most toxic registered pesticide, sodium
fluoroacetate (2). Multiple large intentional and unintentional exposures in China have demonstrated the
human toxicity of TETS (1). The dose at which TETS kills 50% of mammals (LD50) is 0.1--0.3 mg/kg; a
dose of 7.0--10.0 mg is considered lethal in humans. TETS is potentially 100 times more toxic to humans
than potassium cyanide and might be a more powerful human convulsant than strychnine (3).
The most recognizable clinical signs after a TETS exposure are refractory seizures. Other potentially serious
signs include coma and possible electrocardiogram evidence of ischemia (China CDC, unpublished data,
2002). Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes after exposure and can begin as long as 13 hours after
exposure. Severe poisonings are usually fatal within 3 hours (Sun C, China NPCC, personal communication,
2002). TETS intoxication is determined rapidly from history and clinical suspicion. Laboratory identification,
although not clinically useful in an acute presentation, is accomplished by several methods, including gas
chromatography (GC) with nitrogen-phosphorous detection, GC with flame photometric detection, and GC-
MS (1,4,5). TETS is registered with the Chemical Abstract Service Division of the American Chemical
Society as number 80-12-6, molecular weight 240, and chemical formula of C4H8N4O4 S2. Every attempt
should be made to identify this chemical if it is suspected.
No proven antidote exists for TETS poisoning. Treatment should follow accepted modalities for a poisoned,
altered, or seizing patient (6). Universal precautions should be taken to prevent secondary exposure of
health-care workers. If TETS is suspected, regional poison control centers can provide information and
guidance. A small study of rodents conducted in China suggested that intravenous pyridoxine and
dimercaptosuccinic acid might be effective treatments (7). In China, charcoal hemoperfusion and
hemodialysis are used to provide extracorporeal removal in patients poisoned with TETS (1,3) (Sun C,
China NPCC, personal communication, 2002).
This is the first known case of TETS poisoning in the United States. The chemical's morbidity and lethality
and the lack of a known antidote present a danger to human health in areas where TETS might be
imported illegally, especially large urban areas with substantial immigrant populations. The appearance of
a banned or illegal substance presents challenges to regulatory and enforcement agencies because of the
increased risk for unintentional and intentional exposures. Poisoning caused by TETS exposure can be
prevented with heightened public health education, increased awareness, and adequate enforcement by
customs, border, and regulatory agencies.
Acknowledgments
This report is based on data provided by N Besbelli, MD, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. J
Blondell, PhD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. A Buchwald, MD, D McNutt, MD,
County of Santa Cruz Health Svcs Agency, Santa Cruz, California. M Mostin, MD, Centre Antipoisons-
Antigifcentrum, Brussels, Belgium. D Rise, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Helena, Montana. D
Sudakin, MD, National Pesticide Medical Monitoring Program, Oregon State Univ, Corvallis, Oregon. W
Temple, MD, National Poisons Centre, New Zealand. R Imtiaz, MD, Div of International Health,
Epidemiology Program Office, CDC.
References
1. Guan FY, Liu YT, Liu Y, et al. GC/MS identification of tetramine in samples from human alimentary
intoxication and evaluation of artificial carbonic kidneys for the treatment of the victims. J Anal
Toxicol 1993;17:199--201.
2. International Program on Chemical Safety. The WHO recommended classification of pesticides by

hazard and guidelines to classification 2000--2002. Available at
http://www.who.int/pcs/docs/Classification%20of%20Pesticides%202000-01.pdf.
3. National Poisons Centre. TOXINZ database. Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Preventive and
Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 2002.
4. Sun J, Zhong-shan Y, Jing-zhen Z, Heng-zhi Z. Determination of tetramine in postmortem

specimens by GC-NPD. J Anal Toxicol 1994;18:275--7.
5. Junting L, Chuichang F, Guohua W (letter). J Forensic Sci 1993;38:236--8.
6. Gallagher EJ. Neurologic principles. In: Goldfrank L, Flomenbaum N, Lewin N, et al., eds.
Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 7th ed. New York, New York: McGraw Hill, 2002.
7. Qiu Z, Lan H, Zhang S, Xia Y, Huang S. Antidotal effects of vitamin B(6) and sodium
dimercaptopropane sulfonate on acute poisoning with tetramethylenedisulfotetramine in animals.
Zhonghua Nei Za Zhi 2002;41:186--8.
Figure
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POISONOUS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLANTS
The following plants should be removed from any environment where children play (click on
link to view a photo of the plant):
HOUSE PLANTS
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus plumosus)

Avocado Pear (Persea americana)
Bird-of-Paradise Flower (Strelitzia reginae)
Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
Cacti:
- Bunny-Ears (Opuntia microdasys 'Albispina')
- Column (Cereus peruvianus)
- Rat's-tail (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
- Sunset (Lobivia famatimensis)
Caladium
Century Plant (Agave americana)
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Cyclamen
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Ivy:
- Cape (Senecio macroglossus)
- English (Hedera helix)
- German (Senecio mikanioides)
- Glacier (Hedera helix glacier)
- Gloire de Marengo (Hedera helix canariensis)
- Needlepoint (Hedera helix 'Sagittifolia')
- Red (Hemigraphis alternata)
Philodendrons:
- Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
- Black Gold (Ph. melanochrysum)
- Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
- Elephant's Ear (Caladium)
- Fiddle Leaf (Ph. panduraeforme)
- Green Gold (Syngonium podophyllum)
- Marble Queen (Scindapsus aureus)
- Silver Vine (Scindapsus pictus)
- Split Leaf (Monstera delicosa)
- Sweetheart Vine (Ph. scandens)
Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)
Umbrella Plant (Cyperus involucratus)
CHRISTMAS PLANTS
Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)

Holly (Ilex spp.)
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
GARDEN PLANTS
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Azalea (Rhododendron)
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Calla Lily (Zentedeschia aethiopica)
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)
Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
Chrysanthemum
Clematis
Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
Delphinium
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Gladiolus (bulb only)
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Iris
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla)
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Morning Glory (Ipomoea)
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Narcissus
Pansy (seeds) (Viola)
Peony (root) (Paeonia spp.)
Periwinkle (Vinca)
Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
MORE
VEGETABLES
Potato (all parts of plant above ground)

Rhubarb Leaves
Tomato Greens
HEDGES AND BUSHES
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Burning Bush (Dictamnus albus)
Caragana
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry (Prunus spp.)
Daphne (Daphne mezereum)
Duranta (Duranta repens)
Elderberry (except berries)
Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Hydrangea
Jessamine (Jasminum)
Laburnum (Leguminosae anagyroides)
Lily-of-the-Valley Bush (Pieris japonica)
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
Rhododendron
Sedum
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus)
Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americana)
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
WILD PLANTS
Anemone
Baneberry (Actaea)
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Black Snakeroot (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non scripta)
Buckeye (Aesculus spp.)
Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium)
Moonseed (Menispermum canadense)
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Nightshade:
- Deadly (Atropa belladonna)
- Climbing or Woody (Solanum dulcamara)
- Black (Solanum nigrum)
Paternoster Beans (Abrus precatorius)
Poison Ivy (Rhus toxicodendron)
Poison Oak (Rhus toxicodendron)
Poison Sumac (Rhus vernix)
Poke Weed (Phytolacca americana)
Tobacco Plant (Nicotiana tabacum)
Water Hemlock (Cicuta virosa)
White Snake-root (Eupatorium rugosum)
Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana)
Note: All wild mushrooms should be considered toxic until proven otherwise. This includes all fungi and
"toadstools".
Back to Related Links page / Home page
Medicine - Herb/Food Interactions
Herbs and Foods May Lead to Complications If You Take Them with Drugs
Many people have the mistaken notion that, being natural, all herbs and foods are safe. This is not so. Very
often, herbs and foods may interact with medications you normally take that result in serious side
reactions. It is always a good practice to tell your doctor or health practitioners what you are taking so that
they can advise you of possible complications, if there is any. You should also keep an eye for unusual
symptoms. Very often, this may foretell the symptoms of a drug interaction.
Experts suggest that natural does not mean it is completely safe. Everything you put in your mouth has
the potential to interact with something else. The medication that is taken by mouth travels through the
digestive system in much the same way as food and herbs taken orally do. So, when a drug is mixed with
food or another herb, each can alter the way the body metabolizes the other. Some drugs interfere with
the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Similarly, some herbs and foods can lessen or increase the impact of
a drug.
Alcohol is a drug that interacts with almost every medication, especially antidepressants and other drugs
that affect the brain and nervous system.
Some dietary components increase the risk of side effects. Theophylline, a medication administered to
treat asthma, contains xanthines, which are also found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and other sources of
caffeine. Consuming large amounts of these substances while taking theophylline increases the risk of
drug toxicity.
Certain vitamins and minerals impact on medications too. Large amounts of broccoli, spinach, and other
green leafy vegetables high in vitamin K, which promotes the formation of blood clots, can counteract
the effects of heparin, warfarin, and other drugs given to prevent clotting.
Dietary fiber also affects drug absorption. Pectin and other soluble fibers slow down the absorption of
acetaminophen, a popular painkiller. Bran and other insoluble fibers have a similar effect on digoxin, a
major heart medication.
As more and more people discover new herbs, there is more and more potential for the abuse of these
herbs and the patients may end up in serious problems.
I was attending an herb meeting a few weeks ago and a person came to the speaker and told her that she
had very good luck with St. John's Wort to control her depression. St. John's Wort has been shown to have
great potential to control minor depression. The National Institutes of Health is conducting a clinical study
to determine the effect of St. John's Wort scientifically. This person, however, continued saying that she is
now trying St. John's Wort for her OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Now, this is getting into
unproven uncharted territory. If you are taking prescription medication for this disorder, you can get into
trouble due to drug interaction. As shown under the discussion on St. John's Wort, the herb can be quite
dangerous, as it acts similar to MAO inhibitors. They have severe side reactions, and if not careful, can
even lead to death.
High-risk patients, such as the elderly, patients taking three or more medications for chronic conditions,
patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, depression, high cholesterol or congestive heart failure,
should be especially on the lookout for such side reactions.
The following are the examples of known interaction between popular herbs, foods, and prescription and
over-the-counter drugs.
Hawthorn, touted as effective in reducing angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
levels, should never be taken with Lanoxin (digoxin), the medication prescribed for most for heart
ailments. The mix can lower your heart rate too much, causing blood to pool, bringing on possible heart
failure.
Ginseng, according to research, can increase blood pressure, making it dangerous for those trying to keep
their blood pressure under control. Ginseng, garlic or supplements containing ginger, when taken with the
blood-thinning drug, Coumadin, can cause bleeding episodes. Coumadin is a very powerful drug that
leaves little room for error, and patients taking it should never take any medication or otherwise before
consulting a qualified health professional. In rare cases, ginseng may overstimulate resulting in insomnia.
Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of overstimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Long tern
use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not
recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Garlic capsules combined with diabetes medication can cause a dangerous decrease in blood sugars. Some
people who are sensitive to garlic may experience heartburn and flatulence. Garlic has anti-clotting
properties. You should check with your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant drugs.
Goldenseal is used for coughs, stomach upsets, menstrual problems and even arthritis. However, the
plant's active ingredient will raise blood pressure, complicating treatment for those taking antihypertensive
medications, especially beta-blockers. For patients taking medication to control diabetes or kidney disease,
this herb can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance. High amount of consumption can lead to
gastrointestinal distress and possible nervous system effects. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating
women.
Feverfew, believed to be the natural remedy for migraine headaches, should never be taken with Imitrex
or other migraine medications. It can result in the patient's heart rate and blood pressure to rise
dangerous levels.
Guarana, an alternative remedy being used as a stimulant and diet aid, contains 3 percent to 5 percent
more caffeine than a cup of coffee. So, if you are taking any medication that advises you against taking
any drink with caffeine, you should avoid taking this stimulant. It may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety,
palpitations, urinary frequency, and hyperactivity. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation period. Long term
use of Guarana may lead to decreased fertility, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer.
Kava, a herb that has antianxiety, pain relieving, muscle relaxing and anticonvulsant effects, should not be
taken together with substances that also act on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates,
anti depressants, and antipsychotic drugs.
St. John's Wort is a popular herb used for the treatment of mild depression.
The active ingredient of St. John's Wort is hypericin. Hypericin is believed to exert a similar influence on
the brain as the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as the one in major antidepressants. Mixing
MAO inhibitors with foods high in tyramine, an amino acid, produces one of the most dramatic and
dangerous food-drug interactions. Symptoms, which can occur within minutes of ingesting such foods while
taking an MAO inhibitor, include rapid rise in blood pressure, a severe headache, and perhaps collapse and
even death. Foods high in tyramine include aged cheese, chicken liver, Chianti (and certain other red
wines), yeast extracts, bologna (and other processed meats), dried or pickled fish, legumes, soy sauce,
ale, and beer.
Some patients report that Saint Johns Wort caused excessive stimulation and sometimes dizziness,
agitation and confusion when taken with other antidepressants or over-the-counter medications like
Maximum Strength Dexatrim and Acutrim. It also caused their blood pressure to shoot up.
White Willow, an herb traditionally used for fever, headache, pain, and rheumatic complaints may lead to
gastrointestinal irritation, if used for a long time. It exhibits similar reactions as aspirin (aspirin is derived
from white willow). Long term use may lead to stomach ulcers.
Drug Interaction and Food
Drug interaction risk isn't limited to herbal supplements. Certain foods can interact with medications.
People taking digoxin should avoid Black licorice (which contains the ingredient glycyrhizin). Together,
they can produce irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest; licorice and diuretics will produce dangerously
low potassium levels, putting a patient at risk for numbing weakness, muscle pain and even paralysis.
Licorice can also interact with blood pressure medication or any calcium channel blockers.
Aged cheese (brie, parmesan, cheddar and Roquefort), fava beans, sauerkraut, Italian green beans,
some beers, red wine, pepperoni and overly ripe avocados should be avoided by people taking MAO
antidepressants. The interaction can cause a potentially fatal rise in blood pressure.
And because Saint Johns Wort contains the same properties as these MAO antidepressants, it stands to
reason that people ingesting the herb should avoid these same foods.
Grapefruit juice interacts with calcium channel blockers (including Calan, Procardia, Nifedipine, and
Verapamil), cholesterol control medications, some psychiatric medications, estrogen, oral contraceptives
and many allergy medications (Seldane, Hismanal). The juice modifies the body's way of metabolizing the
medication, affecting the liver's ability to work the drug through a person's system. More Information.
Orange juice shouldn't be consumed with antacids containing aluminum. 'The juice increases the
absorption of the aluminum. Orange Juice and milk should be avoided when taking antibiotics. The juice's
acidity decreases the effectiveness of antibiotics, as does milk.
Milk also doesn't mix with laxatives containing bisacodyl (Correctol and Dulcolax). You might find the
laxative works a little "too well" in the morning.
Large amounts of oatmeal and other high-fiber cereals should not be eaten when taking digoxin. The fiber
can interfere with the absorption of the drug, making the act of swallowing the pill a waste of time.
However, don't stop eating your cereal right away, because that could cause digoxin levels in your system
to soar to toxic levels. A professional should make the dietary changes after carefully examining the
digoxin levels.
Leafy green vegetables, high in vitamin K, should not be taken in great quantities while taking
Coumadin. These vegetables could totally negate the affects of the drug and cause blood clotting.
Caffeinated beverages and asthma drugs taken together can cause excessive excitability. Those taking
Tagament (Simetidine), quinolone antibiotics (Cipro, Penetrex, Noroxin) and even oral contraceptives
should be aware these drugs may cause their cup of coffee to give them more of a Java jolt than they
expected.
Grilled meat can lead to problems for those on asthma medications containing theophyllines. The
chemical compounds formed when meat is grilled somehow prevent this type of medication from working
effectively, increasing the possibility of an unmanageable asthma attack.
Regularly consuming a diet high in fat while taking anti-inflammatory and arthritis medications can cause
kidney damage and can leave the patient feeling, drowsy and sedated.
Alcoholic beverages tend to increase the depressive effects of medications such as benzodiazepines,
antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, narcotics, or any drug with sedative
actions.
It's a good idea to not consume any alcoholic beverages, or at least scale way back, when taking
prescription medications. Antioxidant and beta-carotene intensify alcohol's effect on the liver.
Other commonly used over-the-counter medications can cause interaction problems also.
Aspirin can modify the effectiveness of arthritis medications, strong prescription steroids and diuretics.
Combining aspirin with diabetic medications can drop blood sugars to dangerous levels. Aspirin can also
cause toxicity when taken with glaucoma and anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drugs and cause bleeding
episodes when combined with a blood thinner, like Coumadin.
Acetaminophen can also cause interaction complications when overused. Heavy drinkers who take
acetaminophen for hangover relief risk liver damage. Taking high doses of acetaminophen with Coumadin
can cause bleeding episodes.
Antacids taken with antibiotics, heart and blood pressure or thyroid medications can decrease drug
absorption by up to 90 percent.
Over-the-counter antihistamines - sold under the names Actifed, Theraflu, Dimetapp, Benadryl and
Comtrex should be avoided if you are taking antianxiety or antidepressant medications.
Oral contraceptives are less effective when taken with barbiturates, antibiotics, anti-fungal or
tuberculosis drugs.
Turnips contain two goitrogenic substances, progoitrin and gluconasturtin, which can interfere with the
thyroid gland's ability to make its hormones. Although moderate consumption of goitrogens is not a hazard
for healthy people, they can promote development of a goiter (an enlarged thyroid) in persons with thyroid
disease.
Tomato contains small quantities of a toxic substance known as solanine that may trigger headaches in
susceptible people. They are also a relatively common cause of allergies. An unidentified substance in
tomatoes and tomato-based products can cause acid reflux, leading to indigestion and heartburn.
Individuals who often have digestive upsets should try eliminating tomatoes for 2 to 3 weeks to see if
there is any improvement.
Strawberries, Raspberries, Spinach, and Rhubarb: These contain oxalic acid, which can aggravate
kidney and bladder stones in susceptible people, and reduce body's ability to absorb iron and calcium.
Raspberries contain a natural salicylate that can cause an allergic reaction in aspirin sensitive people.
The seeds from fruits such as Apple, apricot, and Quinces contain amygdalin, a compound that turns
into Hydrogen Cyanide in the stomach. Eating large amount of seeds can result in cyanide poisoning.
Potatoes: Avoid potatoes with a green tint to the skin, and remove any sprouts; they will taste bitter and
may contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause diarrhea, cramps, and fatigue.
Plums, Peaches, Apricots, and Cherries: These fruits may produce allergic reaction in individuals with
confirmed allergies to apricots, almonds, peaches, and cherries. People who are allergic to aspirin may also
encounter problems after they have eaten plums or peaches as they contain salicylates. The pits of plums,
peaches and apricots contain a compound called amygdalin. When consumed in large amounts, amygdalin
breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, a poison.
Horseradish: Very high doses of horseradish can cause vomiting or excessive sweating. Avoid if you have
hypothyroidism.
Turmeric: Should be avoided by persons with symptoms from gallstones.
The drug food interaction is summarized in the table below.
Drugs Effects and Precautions
Antibiotics
Cephalosporins, penicillin Take on an empty stomach to speed absorption of the drugs.
Don't take with fruit juice or wine, which decrease the drug's
Erythromycin
effectiveness.
Sulfa drugs Increase the risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Dairy products reduce the drug's effectiveness. Lowers Vitamin C

Tetracycline
absorption
Anticonvulsants
Increase the risk of anemia and nerve problems due to deficiency of folalte
Dilantin, phenobarbital
and other B vitamins.
Antidepressants
Fluoxetine Reduce appetite and can lead to excessive weight loss
A low-salt diet increases the risk of lithium toxicity; excessive salt reduces
Lithium
the drug's efficacy
Foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, processed meats, legumes, wine,

MAO Inhibitors
beer, among others) can bring on a hypertensive crisis.
Many foods, especially legumes, meat, fish, and foods high in Vitamin C,
Tricyclics
reduce absorption of the drugs.
Antihypertensives, Heart Medications
ACE inhibitors Take on an empty stomach to improve the absorption of the drugs.
Alpha blockers Take with liquid or food to avoid excessive drop in blood pressure.
Antiarrhythmic drugs Avoid caffeine, which increases the risk of irregular heartbeat.
Take on an empty stomach; food, especially meat, increases the drug's

Beta blockers
effects and can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
Digitalis Avoid taking with milk and high fiber foods, which reduce absorption,
increases potassium loss.
Diuretics Increase the risk of potassium deficiency.
Unless a doctor advises otherwise, don't take diuretics with potassium

Potassium sparing diuretics
supplements or salt substitutes, which can cause potassium overload.
Thiazide diuretics Increase the reaction to MSG.
Asthma Drugs
Pseudoephedrine Avoid caffeine, which increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
Charbroiled foods and high protein diet reduce absorption. Caffeine

Theophylline
increases the risk of drug toxicity.
Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
Cholestyramine Increases the excretion of folate and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Avoid fatty foods, which decrease the drug's efficacy in lowering

Gemfibrozil
cholesterol.
Heartburn and Ulcer Medications
Interfere with the absorption of many minerals; for maximum benefit,

Antacids
take medication 1 hour after eating.
Cimetidine, Fanotidine, Avoid high protein foods, caffeine, and other items that increase stomach
Sucralfate acidity.
Hormone Preparations
Salty foods increase fluid retention. Drugs reduce the absorption of folate,
Oral contraceptives vitamin B-6, and other nutrients; increase intake of foods high in these
nutrients to avoid deficiencies.
Salty foods increase fluid retention. Increase intake of foods high in

Steroids
calcium, vitamin K, potassium, and protein to avoid deficiencies.
Thyroid drugs Iodine-rich foods lower the drug's efficacy.
Laxatives
Mineral Oils Overuse can cause a deficiency of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Painkillers
Aspirin and stronger non- Always take with food to lower the risk of gastrointestinal irritation; avoid
steroidal anti-inflammatory taking with alcohol, which increases the risk of bleeding. Frequent use of
drugs these drugs lowers the absorption of folate and vitamin C.
Codeine Increase fiber and water intake to avoid constipation.
Sleeping Pills, Tranquilizers
Never take with alcohol. Caffeine increases anxiety and reduce drug's
Benzodiazepines
effectiveness.
Search For A Herb Herbal Medicine Home HolisticOnLine Home
Getting to the Root of the Kava Story
Getting to the Root of the Kava Story
by Gary Mack and Jessica Dofflemyer
Copyright 2002
Throughout the islands of the islands of Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, stretching into the northern
islands of Hawaii, grows a species of pepper, Piper methysticum. More widely known as Kava or ‘Awa, this
heart shaped, green leaf plant thrives in the tropical climates of the Pacific. Who would have thought that
this ancient herb, which has lent its roots to the peoples of these islands for over 3000 years, would find
itself making headlines around the world and providing lawsuits for internet attorneys? What’s all the flurry
around this plant known for providing relaxation, clarity of thought and mild euphoria?
To begin to understand kava is to know its place in Pacific Island cultures. For thousands of years this plant
has, literally, been at the root of community life. It continues to play a key role in nearly all public
functions and holds a sacred place in ceremonies among chiefs and priests. Its relaxing properties yield a
communion that bonds friends and family. It is said the awareness invoked by kava brings union with the
gods and ancestors. Kava holds such an integral place in Samoan society, a picture of the traditional kava
bowl is featured on their currency.
By the end of the 1800’s, the western world began to regard kava for its medicinal qualities. Known to
treat an array of ailments such as migraine headaches and rheumatism, as well as assisting with urinary
tract infections and fungal infections, kava became included in the European Pharmaceutical Codex. Today,
kava is appreciated for its aid in easing anxiety and stress as well as minimizing menopausal symptoms,
phobias and the edginess related with quitting smoking.
In recent days, kava has met the complexities of the modern world and its fate currently remains in
question. In 2001, a small amount of widely disputed reports spawned a chain of kava bans and
suspensions throughout France, Ireland and Great Britain. Out of an estimated 100 million kava doses
taken in Europe that year, 36 reported cases, possibly linking kava extract and liver function,
led the herb to become inaccessible to the public. Concern spread to the US where a barrage
ofnewspaper and magazine articles questioned the supplement’s safety.
Both Donald Waller, Ph.D., a board certified toxicologist, and the FDA investigated the reports. Waller
submitted his determinations to the FDA, stating that he found “no clear evidence that the liver
damage reported in the U.S. and Europe was caused by the consumption of kava” and “based
on currently available information, that kava when taken in appropriated doses for reasonable
periods of time has no scientifically established potential for causing liver damage.” Many of
the patients in the reported cases had histories of alcohol abuse or pre-existing liver problems
and over half of the European cases involved the use of kava with hepato-toxic drugs. Waller
addressed these instances by stating that the adverse reactions “appear to have been hypersensitivity or
idiosyncratic base responses.” One month later, the FDA issued a consumer advisory which states, in
essence, that the jury is still out. With no concrete evidence linking kava extract to liver function, the
advisory concludes with an agreement that the FDA will “continue to investigate the relationship, if any,
between the use of dietary supplements containing kava and liver injury.”
With regards to the public’s awareness and the representation of kava, the important distinction between
kava root and kava extract needs to be clear. As kava came to be seen as a health supplement for the
modern world, extracts of highly concentrated parts of the plant were created that standardized a level of
kavalactones. This modified preparation of the ancient herb is one form presently available to consumers
and the type involved in every reported case. No known cases have ever been reported linking traditionally
prepared kava with liver disfunction. In fact, kava has been used for hundreds of years in dosages
far greater than those found in herbal extracts with no links to liver damage.
In light of these reports, various questions have been raised about kava extract. Some ask whether
adverse reactions were caused by outside ingredients used in the process of extraction. Still others wonder
if the westernized pill form is lacking in some important compounds that assist with the body’s assimilation
of the plant. With kava ranking as a top seller among alternative health remedies, one thing seems
apparent; this tropical plant has moved beyond ceremony and is now placed in a market influenced by
money and politics.
As concern has arisen about the possible side effects of kava, some have posed another question: Why
is so much attention drawn to a small amount of rare cases, which were never proven to be
linked to kava, when the possible side effects of most over-the-counter and prescription drugs
are a proven risk? Kava’s pharmaceutical equivalents of Valium, or even Tylenol, have
demonstrated much greater risks than anything of which kava has been accused. The leading
cause of liver failure in Western countries is the overdose of acetaminophen, commonly known
as Tylenol. Valium, an antianxiety drug prescribed daily by doctors, creates risk of liver damage, as well
as addiction and concomitant withdrawal symptoms that can include seizures. Understanding this seeming
contradiction may lie with the fact that pharmaceutical companies spend more than any other industry in
lobbying and campaign contributions.
In the instances leading up to the FDA’s consumer advisory, it seems as though kava’s makeshift
media trial was one in which it was guilty until proven innocent. Unfortunately, this has lead to
confusion and misinformation for the general public. Despite headlines, kava has stood the test of time
within the Polynesian culture and there is no doubt islanders will continue enjoying kava as they have for
thousands of years. Hopefully, kava and its many benefits will continue to be shared by the rest of the
world. The first step is to dig in and get to the root of it.
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Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: muricata
Synonyms: Annona macrocarpa, A. bonplandiana, A. cearensis, Guanabanus muricatus
Common names: Graviola, soursop, guanábana, guanábano, guanavana, guanaba, corossol

épineux, huanaba, toge-banreisi, durian benggala, nangka blanda, cachiman épineux
Part Used: Leaves, fruit, seeds, bark, roots
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Antibacterial, anthelmintic, anticancerous, anticonvulsant,

Documented antidepressant, antifungal, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antiparasitic,
Properties antispasmodic, antitumorous, antiviral, astringent, cardiodepressant,
& Actions: cytostatic, cytotoxic, febrifuge, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine,
pectoral, piscicide, sedative, stomachic, vasodilator, vermifuge
Plant Annonaceous acetogenins: annocatalin, annohexocin, annomonicin,

Chemicals annomontacin, annomuricatin A & B, annomuricin A thru E,
Include: annomutacin, annonacin, (multiple iso, cis, one, etc.), annonacinone,
annopentocin A thru C, cis-annonacin, cis-corossolone, cohibin A thru
D, corepoxylone, coronin, corossolin, corossolone, donhexocin,
epomuricenin A &B, gigantetrocin, gigantetrocin A & B,
gigantetrocinone, gigantetronenin, goniothalamicin, iso-annonacin,
javoricin, montanacin, montecristin, muracin A thru G, muricapentocin,
muricatalicin, muricatalin, muri-catenol, muricatetrocin A & B muricatin
D, muricatocin A thru C, muricin H, muricin I, muricoreacin,
murihexocin 3, murihexocin A thru C, murihexol, murisolin, robustocin,
rolliniastatin 1 & 2, saba-delin, solamin, uvariamicin I & IV, xylomaticin
Graviola is a small, upright evergreen tree, 5-6 m high, with large, glossy, dark green leaves. It produces a
large, heart-shaped, edible fruit that is 15-23 cm in diameter, is yellow-green in color, and has white flesh
inside. Graviola is indigenous to most of the warmest tropical areas in South and North America, including
the Amazon. The fruit is sold in local markets in the tropics, where it is called guanábana in Spanish-
speaking countries and graviola in Brazil. The fruit pulp is excellent for making drinks and sherbets and,
though slightly sour-acid, can be eaten out of hand.
All parts of the graviola tree are used in natural medicine in the tropics, including the bark, leaves, roots,
fruit, and fruit seeds. Different properties and uses are attributed to the different parts of the tree.
Generally, the fruit and fruit juice are taken for worms and parasites, to cool fevers, as a lactagogue (to
increase mother's milk after childbirth), and as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The crushed
seeds are used as a vermifuge and anthelmintic against internal and external parasites, head lice, and
worms. The bark, leaves, and roots are considered sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive, and nervine, and
a tea is made for various disorders toward those effects.
Graviola has a long, rich history of use in herbal medicine as well as lengthy recorded indigenous use. In
the Peruvian Andes, a leaf tea is used for catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes) and the crushed
seed is used to kill parasites. In the Peruvian Amazon the bark, roots, and leaves are used for diabetes and
as a sedative and antispasmodic. Indigenous tribes in Guyana use a leaf and/or bark tea as a sedative and
heart tonic. In the Brazilian Amazon a leaf tea is used for liver problems, and the oil of the leaves and
unripe fruit is mixed with olive oil and used externally for neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthritis pain. In
Jamaica, Haiti, and the West Indies, the fruit and/or fruit juice is used for fevers, parasites and diarrhea,
and as a lactagogue; the bark or leaf is used as an antispasmodic, sedative, and nervine for heart
conditions, coughs, grippe, difficult childbirth, asthma, asthenia, hypertension, and parasites.
Many bioactive compounds and phytochemicals have been found in graviola, as scientists have been
studying its properties since the 1940s. Its many uses in natural medicine have been validated by scientific
research. Several studies by different researchers demonstrated that the bark as well as the leaves had
hypotensive, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, vasodilator, smooth-muscle relaxant, and cardiodepressant
activities in animals. Researchers verified graviola leaf's hypotensive properties in rats again in 1991.
Several studies over the years have demonstrated that leaf, bark, root, stem, and seed extracts of graviola
are antibacterial in vitro against numerous pathogens, and that the bark has antifungal properties.
Graviola seeds demonstrated active antiparasitic properties in a 1991 study, and a leaf extract showed to
be active against malaria in two other studies (in 1990 and 1993). The leaves, root, and seeds of graviola
demonstrated insecticidal properties, with the seeds demonstrating strong insecticidal activity in an early
1940 study. In a 1997 clinical study, novel alkaloids found in graviola fruit exhibited antidepressive effects
in animals.
In an 1976 plant screening program by the National Cancer Institute, graviola leaves and stem showed
active cytotoxicity against cancer cells and researchers have been following up on these findings since.
Much of the cancer research on graviola focuses on a novel set of phyto-chemicals called Annonaceous
acetogenins. Graviola produces these natural compounds in its leaf and stem, bark, and fruit seeds. Three
separate research groups have isolated these acetogenin compounds in graviola which have demonstrated
significant antitumorous and anticancerous properties, and selective toxicity against various types of
cancer cells (without harming healthy cells) publishing eight clinical studies on their findings. Many of the
acetogenins have demonstrated selective toxicity to tumor cells at very low dosages--as little as 1 part per
million. Four studies were published in 1998 which further specify phytochemicals and acetogenins which
are demonstrating the strongest anticancerous, antitumorous, and antiviral properties. Thus far, specific
acetogenins in graviola have been reported to be selectively toxic to these types of tumor cells: lung
carcinoma cell lines; human breast solid tumor lines; prostate adenocarcinoma; pancreatic carcinoma cell
lines; colon adenocarcinoma cell lines; liver cancer cell lines; human lymphoma cell lines; and multi-drug
resistant human breast adenocarcinoma.
Annonaceous acetogenins are only found in the Annonaceae family (to which graviola belongs). In general,
various Annonaceous acetogenins in the plant family have been documented with antitumorous,
antiparasitic, pesticidal, antiprotozoal, antifeedant, anthelmintic, and antimicrobial activities. Mode of
action studies in three separate laboratories have recently determined that these acetogenins are superb
inhibitors of enzyme processes that are only found in the membranes of cancerous tumor cells. Purdue
University, in West Lafayette, Indiana, has conducted a great deal of the research on the acetogenins,
much of which has been funded by The National Cancer Institute and/or the National Institute of Health
(NIH). Thus far, Purdue University and/or its staff have filed at least nine U.S. and/or international patents
on their work around the antitumorous and insecticidal properties and uses of these acetogenins. In one of
their reviews, titled "Recent Advances in Annonaceous Acetogenins," they state, "Recently, we reported
that the Annonaceous acetogenins can selectively inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and also inhibit the
growth of adriamycin resistant tumor cells. As more acetogenins have been isolated and additional
cytotoxicity assays have been conducted, we have noticed that, although most of acetogenins have high
potencies among several solid human tumor cell lines, some of the derivatives within the different
structural types and some positional isomers showed remarkable selectivities among certain cell lines; e.g.,
against prostate cancer (PC-3). We now understand the primary modes of action for the acetogenins. They
are potent inhibitors of NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase, which is in an essential enzyme in complex I
leading to oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. A recent report showed that they act directly at the
ubiquinone-catalytic site(s) within complex I and in microbial glucose dehydrogenase. They also inhibit the
ubiquinone-linked NADH oxidase that is peculiar to the plasma membranes of cancerous cells."
In 1997, Purdue University published information with promising news that several of the Annonaceous
acetogenins " . . . not only are effective in killing tumors that have proven resistant to anticancer agents,
but also seem to have a special affinity for such resistant cells." In several interviews after this information
was publicized, the head pharmacologist in Purdue's research explained how this worked. As he explains it,
cancer cells that survive chemotherapy can develop resistance to the agent originally used as well as to
other, even unrelated, drugs. This phenomenon is called multi-drug resistance (MDR). One of the ways
that cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs is by creating an intercellular efflux pump
called a P-glycoprotein mediated pump. These types of pumps are capable of pushing anticancer agents
out of the cell before they can kill it. On average, only about two percent of the cancer cells in any given
person might develop this pump--but they are the two percent that can eventually grow and expand to
create multi-drug-resistant tumors. Some of the latest research on acetogenins reported that they were
capable of shutting down these intercellular pumps, thereby killing MDR tumors. Purdue researchers
reported that the acetogenins preferentially killed multi-drug-resistant cancer cells by blocking the transfer
of ATP--the chief source of cellular energy--into them. A tumor cell needs energy to grow and reproduce,
and a great deal more to run its pump and expel attacking agents. By inhibiting energy to the cell, it can
no longer run its pump. When acetogenins block ATP to the tumor cell over time, the cell no longer has
enough energy to operate sustaining processes--and it dies. Normal cells seldom develop such a pump;
therefore, they don't require large amounts of energy to run a pump and, generally, are not adversely
affected by ATP inhibitors. Purdue researchers reported that 14 different acetogenins tested thus far
demonstrate potent ATP blocking properties (including several found only in graviola). They also reported
that 13 of these 14 acetogenins tested were more potent against MDR breast cancer cells than all three of
the standard drugs (adriamycin, vincristine, and vinblastine) they used as controls.
An interesting in vivo study was published in March of 2002 by researchers in Japan, who were studying
various acetogenins found in several species of plants. They inoculated mice with Lewis lung carcinoma
cancer cells. One third received nothing, one third received the chemotherapy drug adriamycin, and one
third received the main graviola acetogenin, annonacin (at a dosage of 10 mg/kg). At the end of two
weeks, five of the six in the untreated control group were still alive and lung tumor sizes were then
measured. The adriamycin group showed a 54.6% reduction of tumor mass over the control group--but
50% of the animals had died from toxicity (three of six). The mice receiving annonacin were all still alive,
and the tumors were inhibited by 57.9%--slightly better than adriamycin--and without toxicity. This led the
researchers to summarize; "This suggested that annonacin was less toxic in mice. On considering the
antitumor activity and toxicity, annonacin might be used as a lead to develop a potential anticancer agent."
Its important to note, however, that annonacin only inhibited the normal growth of the lung tumors during
this two-week period; it did not eradicate the tumors nor stop their growth altogether.
Cancer research is ongoing on these important plants and plant chemicals, as several pharmaceutical
companies and universities continue to research, test, patent, and attempt to synthesize these chemicals
into new chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, researchers have reported that NADH dehydrogenase
inhibitors can suppress HIV infection. As this is a familiar property of Annonaceous acetogenins, several
acetogenins found in graviola and other Annona plants have been submitted to the NIH anti-AIDS
screening program by Purdue University; research work is continuing in this area as well.
One researcher summarized his work eloquently: "At the time of preparation (August 1998) of this current
review, over 350 Annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from 37 species. Our preliminary efforts
show that about 50%, of over 80 Annonaceous species screened, are significantly bioactive and are worthy
of fractionation; thus, this class of compounds can be expected to continue to grow at an exponential rate
in the future, provided that financial support for such research efforts can be found. With the demise of the
world's tropical rain forests, such work is compelling before the great chemical diversity, contained within
these endangered species, is lost." Perhaps--if enough people believe that the possible cure for cancer or
AIDS truly is locked away in a rainforest plant--we will take the steps needed to protect our remaining
rainforests from destruction.
Traditional Remedy: The therapeutic dosage is reported to be 5-7 grams daily in capsules or tablets (in
3-4 divided dosages). A standard infusion (one cup 2-3 times daily) or a 4:1 standard tincture (2-4 ml
three times daily) can be substituted if desired. See Traditional Herbal Remedies Preparation Methods page
if necessary for definitions.
Contraindications:
• Graviola has demonstrated uterine stimulant activity in an animal study (rats) and
should therefore not be used during pregnancy.
• Graviola has demonstrated hypotensive, vasodilator, and cardiodepressant activities

in animal studies and is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure. People
taking antihypertensive drugs should check with their doctors before taking graviola
and monitor their blood pressure accordingly (as medications may need adjusting).
• Graviola has demonstrated significant in vitro antimicrobial properties. Chronic, long-

term use of this plant may lead to die-off of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract
due to its antimicrobial properties. Supplementing the diet with probiotics and
digestive enzymes is advisable if this plant is used for longer than 30 days.
• Graviola has demonstrated emetic properties in one animal study with pigs. Large
single dosages may cause nausea or vomiting. Reduce the usage accordingly if this
occurs.
• One study with rats given a stem-bark extract intragastrically (at 100 mg/kg)
reported an increase in dopamine, norepinephrine, and monomine oxidase activity, as
well as a inhibition of serotonin release in stress-induced rats. As such, the use of this
plant is probably contraindicated in combination with MAO inhibitors and some
prescription antidepressants. Check with your doctor first if you are taking
prescription antidepressants or MAO inhibitor drugs prior to taking graviola.
• Alcohol extracts of graviola leaf showed no toxicity or side effects in mice at 100
mg/kg; however, at a dosage of 300 mg/kg, a reduction in explorative behavior and
mild abdominal constrictions was observed. If sedation or sleepiness occurs, reduce
the amount used.
Drug Interactions: None have been reported; however, graviola may potentiate antihypertensive and
cardiac depressant drugs. It may potentiate antidepressant drugs and interfere with MAO-inhibitor drugs.
See contraindications above.
ETHNOBOTANY: WORLDWIDE USES
Abscess, analgesic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, astringent, bronchitis,

calmative, chest problems, cough, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, edema,
Brazil
emetic, fever, intestinal colic, liver problems, neuralgia, parasites,
rheumatism
Antispasmodic, chill, fever, flu, indigestion, nervousness, palpitation, rash,

Caribbean
sedative, skin disease
Curaçao Childbirth, gallbladder, nervousness, parturition, sedative, tea, tranquilizer
Asthenia, cataplasm, cicatrizant, cough, diarrhea, emetic, fever, grippe, heart

Haiti conditions, lactagogue, nervine, parasites, pediculicide, pellagra, sedative,
soporific, sore, spasm, stomachic
Antispasmodic, asthenia, asthma, diuretic, fevers, heart conditions,

Jamaica
hypertension, lactagogue, nervine, parasites, sedative, vermifuge
Astringent, boil, cough, diarrhea, dermatosis, hypertension, rheumatism,

Malaysia
styptic
Mexico Astringent, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, liqueur, pectoral, ringworm, scurvy
Anthelmintic, diarrhea, dyspepsia, kidney, piscicide, ulcer (stomach),

Panama
vermifuge
Antiparasitic, antispasmodic, catarrh, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, fever,

Peru hypertension, indigestion, insecticide, lice, liver disorders, sedative, tumors
(skin), ulcers (internal)
Depurative, fainting, flu, galactagogue, high blood pressure, hypertension,

Trinidad
insomnia, palpitation, ringworms
West
Asthma, childbirth, diarrhea, hypertension, lactagogue, parasites, worms
Indies
Analgesic, antiphlogistic, arthritis, asthma, astringent, bilious, childbirth,

cyanogenetic, diarrhea, dysentery, febrifuge, heart, insecticide, kidney,
Elsewhere
lactagogue, liver, malaria, pectoral, pediculicide, piscicide, ringworm, scurvy,
sedative, stomach, tranquilizer
Introduction to Poisonous Plants in the Wild
By: Judy Mullins
Greetings from Kentucky, the Bluegrass state. Before I begin my article on poisonous plants, I
would like to give you a brief history about myself. I do not have a degree in botany. The
articles I write today, or in the future, are only met to be informative. In no way, should you
disregard your doctor's orders concerning your health. I will not be held responsible for any
herbal remedies you might use, and thereafter have ill effects.
Since early childhood, I have always had an interest in various plants, trees, pretty or unusual
rocks, anything to do with the great outdoors. My dad used to help me identify trees, and some
of the wild plants on our farm. Over the years, I have continued to study about nature. In 1991
I was lucky enough to acquire an old log cabin. It was re-constructed on the farm. Since then, it
has become a center for learning about pioneer crafts, wild herbal workshops, as well as a
country getaway. At the cabin, I have school groups, churches, boy scouts, etc. that come out
for field trips. In the fall of 1994, a school group from our local county was attending my cabin
tour, and listening to my talk about what the pioneers used for foods, and medicines.
Afterwards, a lady who was there with her grandson, came up to me, and starting talking about
wild herbs. She said, did you know you can use this for this, and that for that, and so on? I said,
"Oh my gosh, if I had known there was someone in the audience as knowledgeable as you, I
would have been too shy to have talked about herbs."
The lady's name is Vivian Madden. From that day forward we have become good friends. She
has been such an inspiration to me, and has taught me a lot of what I know about wild plants
today. Vivian grew up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. As a small child, she toddled along
with her grandfather, and mother in the woods and fields. They collected plants and roots for
food and medicines. Not just for the fun of it, but for survival. The first lesson she learned was
plants you do not touch, and especially what you do not eat. Everyone knows about poison ivy
and poison oak. But are you aware of other plants you see or walk over anytime you go out in
the fields and woods?
Poison Hemlock is a very common deadly plant that grows in abundance along roadsides, and
marshy areas. It grows to be over 6 ft.. tall. The leaves look something like large parsley. The
stalks are green with purple blotches. The plant has such a horrible smell. It's beyond me, how
anyone could attempt to eat it. But because of the parsley like appearance, it is sometimes
ingested with deadly consequences. Jimsonweed, is another plant that should be avoided. In
my area, it grows in barnyards where the soil is rich. The bloom is white, and looks like a
morning glory. The plant is in the nightshade family. All parts of the plant is extremely
poisonous, and can cause death. The word Jimsonweed comes from the common name
Jamestown weed. This refers to an incident in the Jamestown colony, when soldiers used the
plant in their food, and spent the next 11 days in a state of incoherence. In other words, it
takes you on a trip, that you are likely not to come back.
May apple, the plant grows in rich, moist woods and clearings. Only the ripe fruits are non-
poisonous. All are other parts are too dangerous to use. The American Indians sometimes used
the roots and shoots to commit suicide. In the past small doses of the plant were used to treat
such ailments as, liver problems, cancer, intestinal worms, warts, and as a laxative.
There is a long list of poisonous plants. Never use any wild plant, or root until you have
definitely learned to identify it. A lot of plants have look a likes. For this reason, you should be
very careful. A few of these plants that I will no longer try are wild garlic, wild strawberries,
and especially mushrooms. Mushrooms are so easily mistaken for their poisonous look a likes.
The Indians and pioneers, learned from trial and error, as to what plants to use. They learned
to watch the animals very closely. If they ate a plant, or berries with no ill effects, it was safe
for them as well. We've come a long way since our early ancestors trial and error experiences.
Today we have trained professionals that can guide you. Health food stores, libraries, and
bookstores have materials on the subject of wild herbs and plants. Each Spring and Fall, Vivian
Madden and myself conduct workshops here on my farm in North Central Kentucky. The
workshops last all day. We talk about, and search for plants that are poisonous, and best of all,
the ones we can still use in our daily lives, to help promote a healthier way of living.
You can contact me by e-mail at: cabin@comtechusa.net
Until next time, happy a great day, and good luck in your study and search of nature's bounty.
Judy Mullins,
Mullins Log Cabin Getaway
Back to Library
Toxicity and Herbs

By: Stephanie Burgess [Tephyr], Co-Creative Gardener
The Garden Website
Learn to plant, harvest and use plants in a conscious manner, working directly with Nature's
Spirits.
Online "email" lessons as well as personal instruction at The Garden. Write for details:
tephyr@altnature.com
(For educational information only. No parts of this document are to be taken as diagnosis or
prescription for any illness. See your Healthcare Practitioner for any personal health concerns).
In the classes I teach, I find one of the things that seems to worry people a lot is how easy is it
to poison oneself. The answer is both rather difficult and quite easy. It depends greatly on not
so much as what herb it is but how much of that herb you are taking. I don't know who said it
first but a good rule of thumb to remember is:
" There are no poisonous herbs. Only poisonous dosages."
Even deadly poisonous herbs, in minute dosages, are used to heal. Homeopathic medicines are
so minute you can't detect any of it's chemical constituents in analysis and yet they are widely
reported to be extremely beneficial (in double blind studies). This is not to say that you should
go out and take tiny nibbles of known poisonous herbs because it is said to be beneficial: leave
this up to a professional Healthcare Practitioner! The most widely known example is Digitalis:
small doses are said to be good for many heart conditions, while a larger dose will stop the
heart. And so, the opposite is true that large doses of innocuous herbs can do a great deal of
damage. Anything taken regularly over a long period of time is stored in the body and could
create a condition of toxicity.
The best way for the user to protect themselves is to first educate themselves before they
consume anything. This can be done by studying the many herbals available today, taking
courses and classes by the many Herbalists, Natural Healthcare Practitioners and schools of
natural healing. And second remember: All Things in Moderation. Even that cup of chamomile
tea at bedtime can be causing you problems, especially if you find you can't get to sleep
without it. Different Herbalists and Healthcare Practitioners have different "formulas" to avoid
toxicity. Some say to leave one day a week where you don't take whatever herb you are using.
Others say a week a month. Still others a month every six months. It depends on the
Practitioner's opinion, the herb in question and the illness or condition being treated. However,
this is often abandoned in the case of serious, long term illness. Again, ask your Practitioner
their opinion.
A good example of too much of a good thing is a story of one family and Echinacea. Echinacea is
reported to be a very useful immune system "booster". I noticed this family was buying a lot of
Echinacea, quite a lot: tincture, capsules and tea, purchased on a regular basis for several
months I finally asked "What are you doing with all that Echinacea?". They felt that was a
stupid question: They were taking it of course. I tried to convince them if they were consuming
that much of this herb they were tempting disaster. Echinacea is not a tonic herb: that is an
herb that "feeds the system". Basically, it is a stimulant: an immune system stimulant and if
you take too much too long you over stimulate and then you "crash". They didn't listen and
sure enough they started a cycle of constant illness. One flu, cold or virus after another; if it
was going around, they caught it or couldn't get rid of it once they had it. Their immune
systems had been sorely tried and compromised from constant stimulation. Finally, they
listened and stopped taking the herb and built their immune systems strength back up, mostly
with rest, gentle exercise, plenty of fresh water and a good diet; which is one of the best ways
to keep your immune system and general health going anyway. Echinacea is said to do wonders
for various illnesses and their symptoms with short term immune system stimulation. It should
never be taken over the long term (general reports are regular daily use over several weeks is
safe). If you are considering using herbs for your family's health this is definitely one you
should look into and educate yourself about. This family was actually lucky in that what they
did was repairable, though it did take almost six months before they felt all of them were back
to normal.
One last bit of advice before you take an herb for the first time is to start very slowly. Always
take smaller doses in the beginning just in case you have one of the rare allergies to whatever
herb it is. For example, if you know you are allergic to one plant, check what family it is in and
be cautious with other members in that family. You may or may not have a similar reaction, so
if you need to take a similar herb, proceed with caution; start with small doses.
With education and common sense you should be able to use herbs for you and your family's
health safely. Not only are herbs beautiful, abundant and mostly inexpensive they are also
effective.
Also by Stephanie Burgess: Root Harvesting, Getting Kids to Take Herbs, Herbal Consumers
E-mail Alternative Nature
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Use and Abuse of Herbs
Karen Vaughan
It concerns me when people say that they take kava kava or valerian each night to get to sleep.
Although the herbs are very useful and probably more attuned to human biology than synthetic
chemicals, the fact remains that it is not healthy to drug yourself to sleep each night, even
herbally. Occasionally, to get over the rocky parts of life, fine. But we know that
pharmaceutical sleeping medication interferes with the dream states and the quantity of REM
sleep. While the herbs are probably more benign, I would be suprised if they did not have
some effect on normal sleep patterns.t concerns me when people say that they take kava kava
or valerian each night to get to sleep. Although the herbs are very useful and probably more
attuned to human biology than synthetic chemicals, the fact remains that it is not healthy to
drug yourself to sleep each night, even herbally. Occasionally, to get over the rocky parts of
life, fine. But we know that pharmaceutical sleeping medication interferes with the dream
states and the quantity of REM sleep. While the herbs are probably more benign, I would be
suprised if they did not have some effect on normal sleep patterns.
Not all herbs are tonic herbs- like oatstraw, nettles, Siberian ginseng or astragalus-which are
nutritional and need to be taken for several months before they are effective. Even herbs with
specific actions like vitex, which should only be taken when indicated for certain kinds of
hormonal conditions, may need long treatment periods before their efficacy shows up. But that
does not apply to all herbs (say pokeweed or Amanita muscaria), even if we consider them
"natural". Some herbs should only be taken upon occasion, or at least with consciousness of
the possible negative effects.
We have all probably seen people who abused marijuana, although the herb has legitimate
medical uses. But did you know that in the nineteenth century, people referred to "valerian
users" with the same opprobrium people use for alcohol abusers today?
Ephedera is useful for asthma and I have had respiratory conditions that only responded to it.
But it isn't appropriate as a stimulant or for weight loss (darn!) because it stresses the
adrenals. I won't even touch guarana because it is way too strong a stimulant. Coffee stresses
the adrenals too (double darn!). I will use coffee upon occasion for stimulation, but conscious
that I'm letting my lifestyle get out of whack and making things worse in the long run.
Paul Iannone once said that cannibis had a greedy plant spirit which demanded allegiance of
the user. I've heard people involved with shammanic healing who insisted that heavy use of
psychotropic herbs leaves people with holes in their auras (and some shamans say that
unhealthy spiritual entities fill the vacuum of those holes). Whether you take this as
metaphorical or literal, there are many plants that can be abused with negative consequences.
This isn't to stigmatize some herbs as "bad'", as the media is wont to do, but to urge a
conscious use, along with a knowledge of the proper uses and cautions associated with any
herb or supplement we take. Nor am I suggesting that it is always illegitimate to use herbs for
relaxation. Kava kava is used like wine in its social context. There are dangers to both I
suppose as well as enjoyment.
There may be legitimate reasons for people to take a psychotropic medication, herbal or
otherwise for long term use. I have a family member on Prozac who does not function well
without it, (although I wish that the person would consider St. John's Wort instead). But it
would ultimately be better to find the combination of lifestyle, diet, herbs, bodywork and
psychology to eventually not need it . (The same for diabetes and insulin). Cures may be
beyond the constraints of many of our lives because of current and past choices (and the fact
that we can't live in a bubble). They are probably not impossible.
Karen Vaughan, CreationsGarden@juno.com

Copyright 1996, 1998 by KarenVaughan, Lori Herron and Alternative Nature
Back To Library
ontents
Poisons and venoms in T&T
©2003 by Tosatt Earp (tosattearp@yahoo.it)
A brief intro
In the original 5th edition of T&T rules are included just a quartet of types of poisons, used to imbue arms
with greater damaging capabilities. Other forms of venoms are totally left to the imagination and inventive
of the Game Masters, and in this article I’ve tried – being myself a GM with 16 years of trollish experience
– to detail some other sort of poisons and venoms, to add a bit of variety to my campaigns.
All info given in this article are fully compatible with latest T&T edition (the 5th, but we all hope to see a 6th
edition soon...) and were fully play tested by me and my players over a decade of T&T games. So, if you
need to add a few entries below your “poisons” list, you are encouraged to give a chance to the items
you’ll find in the following pages.
Categories of poisons
The first great difference between this system and that of the rulebook is distinguish made between
various types of poisons and venoms. While in the rules all poisons falls into the “weapon” category, I’ve
divided the venoms available to delvers (and monsters too) in some other groups, as described below:
ß “Contact” venoms are those which takes effect whenever a creature enters in direct contact with
them.
ß “Inhalation” venoms are those, which takes effect whenever a creature inhales, sniff or breathe in
them.
ß “Ingestion” venoms are those which takes effect whenever a creature swallows or ingest them.
ß “Injection” venoms are those, which takes effect whenever are injected or inserted in a creature’s
skin.
ß “Weapon” venoms are those that can be applied to arms and weapons, and takes effect whenever
a creature is damaged with the poisoned weapon.
“Weapon” type poisons are the only which can be applied to arms, but every other type of venom can be
used more subtlety, obtaining effects potentially more devastating, or even permanently impairing or lethal
consequences.
Poison duration and effectiveness
As a general rule, all venoms lose their effectiveness after a certain number of rounds, depending upon the
category in which fall in. This reflects the progressive enfeeblement of the toxins after exposal to air and
other external factors, and the “efficacy time” is the time during which the poison must be applied to the
victim after having removed it from its container.
While the venom is sealed into its container – a vial, a bottle, an urn, an amphora, a jug, a decanter or
similar – it will not lose its efficacy, unless many years passes between its preparation and its utilization.
But when the seal is broken and/or the venom is removed from its storage place, its efficacy will quickly
fade away.
The “efficacy time” differs depending upon which category of poison is considered, as recapitulated in the
following table:
Poison category Efficacy time
Contact 1d+4 days (5-10 days)
Inhalation 1d combat rounds (2-12 mins)
Ingestion 1d+2 hrs (3-8 hours)
Injection 1d+4 days (5-10 days)
Weapon 3 combat rounds or until the weapon penetrates armor (whichever comes first).
Particular types of venoms, like those applied on locks, traps, etc., can have a longer “efficacy time” than
those presented in this article. This simulates the fact that those venoms are especially made for long-
duration purpose and can keep their effectiveness even for years before wading off, just like the common
poisons found in traps along tunnels and underground complexes.
Poisons and Venoms Chart
Cost
Name Category Onset Appearance Effects S.T.
(gp)
Inflicts 10-60 CN pts of damage,

Transparent and
Ajida Ingestion 1-6 rds plus causes permanent 5 800
odorless liquid
blindness
Akala Injection 2 rds Crimson liquid Inflicts 4-24 CN pts of damage 4 230
4-24 Victim cannot cast spells for 2-7

Alanal Ingestion Crystalline powder 1 720
rds hrs
Amber death Ingestion 1-3 rds Amber gelatin Death in 2-12 rds 5 1.600
Archer’s Death. Can be applied only to
Weapon Inst. Black paste No 1.050
venom missile weapons
Babbl’s juice Ingestion 1-3 rds Orange liquid Victim cannot lie for 1-3 hrs 1 640
Banelar Injection 1 rd Blue paste Causes coma for 10-60 mins 2 370

Basilisk’s eye Injection 1 rd Colorless paste plus paralyze victim for 10-30 2 840
mins
Subtracts 2-12 pts to ST for 1-6

Belpren Contact Inst. Deep blue liquid 2 320
hrs
Causes coma for 1-3 days, after

Black lotus Inhalation Inst. Black powder which the victim dies if fails a 1 3.200
level 1 S.T. on CN
Bleeding 1-2
Ingestion Crimson gelatin Death 1 500
hearth hrs
Does no extra damage. Instead

victim loses 2-12 CN pts for 1-6
rds after venom is applied, due
Blood loss Weapon Inst. Crimson paste No 115
to hemorrhage. Bleeding will
stop in 3 rds, after venom
ceases its effects
Braylokk Ingestion 1-2 rds Amber liquid Inflicts 6-36 CN pts of damage 3 330
Victim cannot cast spells for 1-6

Brown lotus Inhalation Inst. Brown powder weeks, then permanently loses 1 2.800
1-3 IQ pts
Buluka Contact 1-6 rds Blue gelatin Inflicts 5-30 CN pts of damage 3 240

Chak Contact 1 rd White powder plus causes permanent loss of 2 260
1-3 points of DX
Chayapa Injection Inst. Blue liquid Victim falls asleep for 2-7 rds 2 205

Choldrith Injection 1-2 rds Yellow paste 2 1.930
plus victim pass out for 3-18 hrs
Doubles effectiveness of any

Curare Weapon Inst. Greenish paste edged weapon after penetrating No 33
armor
1-2
Cursed root Ingestion Brown powder Halve victim’s ST for 1-3 hrs 3 360
hrs
Transparent and
Death whisper Injection Inst. Coma for 1-3 months 1 1.950
colorless liquid
Demon’s cider Ingestion 1-3 rds Orange liquid Inflicts 60 CN pts of damage 2 420
10
Devil’s honey Ingestion Golden gelatin Coma for 2-12 days 1 1.820
mins
Devilish spit Injection Inst. Colorless liquid Paralyze victim for 10-30 mins 3 290
Victim cannot speak nor emit
Diffenbach Ingestion 1 rd Colorless liquid 2 100
sounds for 2-12 rds
Quadruples effectiveness of any

Dragon venom Weapon Inst. Red paste edged weapon after penetrating No 333
armor
Dream’s Yellow and violet All victims in a 9’x9’x9’ area falls

Inhalation Inst. 2 820
flower dust asleep for 20-120 mins
Death. Only effective against

Dwarves’ bane Injection Inst. Black gelatin 2 510
Dwarves
Death, effective only against

Elven torment Injection Inst. Dark gray gelatin 2 540
Elves
Victim must obey to all not

Fansolin Ingestion 1-6 rds Purple liquid 3 750
suicidal commands for 1-3 rds
Halve movement and Combat

Flaming blood Ingestion 1 rd Red liquid 2 280
Adds for one hour
Fool’s gold Contact 1 rd Golden dust Inflicts 8-48 CN pts of damage 2 310
Victim is paralyzed for 10-60

Garbug Injection Inst. Green paste 2 470
mins
Green lotus Inhalation Inst. Green powder Paralyze victim for 7-12 hrs 3 2.040
Inflicts 2-7 CN pts of damage

Gurch Contact 1 rd Dark green powder 4 460
per 10 consecutive rds
Victim cannot cast spells for 1-6

Haszak Injection Inst. Pink liquid 2 1.070
days
Half again effectiveness of any

Hellfire juice Weapon Inst. Orange paste weapon (even blunt ones) after No 167
penetrating armor
Victim permanently loses 1-6 CN

Ikaheka Injection 1-6 rds Black paste 2 300
pts
Does no extra damage. Instead

victim loses 1-6 ST pts for 1-3
Juice of rds after venom is applied. Lost
Weapon Inst. Purple paste No 45
enfeeblement ST is regained at the rate of 1 pt
for rd, beginning from the rd
after venom ceases its effects
Transparent and
Kumba Ingestion 1-6 rds Causes death in 1-6 rds 3 500
odorless liquid
Reduces victim’s DX to 3 for 1-6

Luptak Injection 1 rd Red paste 2 370
hrs
Mage’s Reduces victim’s IQ to 3 for 1-3

Ingestion Inst. Deep red liquid 1 570
torment days
Doubles effectiveness of any

Maul venom Weapon Inst. Brownish paste blunt weapon after penetrating No 65
armor
Victim falls asleep for 10-60
Morphus Inhalation 1 rd Yellow powder 3 440
mins
Halve Combat Adds due to ST

Nettle Contact 1-3 rds Black paste 1 850
and DX for one month
Ninthia Injection 1 rd Blue gelatin Causes coma for 3-18 days 1 1.980
Halves victim ST and DX for 1-6

Ochre lotus Inhalation Inst. Ochre powder 2 1.340
weeks

for 1-6 consecutive rds, then
Praka Ingestion 1-3 rds Blue powder 2 1.160
victim permanently loses 1-6 IQ
points
Causes coma for 1-3 days, then

2-12
Purple lotus Inhalation Purple powder victim permanently loses 1-3 pts 3 2.940
hrs
from ST, DX, and CN each
Victim is paralyzed for 30-80

mins, and then loses 6-36 CN
Red fang Injection 1-3 rds Red liquid 2 650
pts of damage. Effective only
against Elves.
Causes coma for 3-8 hrs, then

Scarlet lotus Inhalation Inst. Scarlet powder victim permanently loses 1-6 IQ 1 2.080
pts
Silent end Injection Inst. Dark blue paste Death 2 1.080
2-12
Silver lotus Inhalation Silver powder Permanently halves victim’s CN 2 1.620
rds
Permanently reduces victim’s ST

Skyrozz Injection 1 rd Yellow paste 2 1.580
and DX by 1-6 pts each
Venom does no extra damage.

Instead will paralyze the victim
within 3 combat rounds. The
first combat round has no
Spider venom Weapon Inst. Colorless paste noticeable affect. The second No 50
combat round the victim is at
half effectiveness. At the end of
the third combat round the
victim is paralyzed and helpless
2-12 Permanently reduces victim’s CN

Ssrin Ingestion Black dust 2 920
hrs by 2-12 pts

Teko Contact 1 rd Light blue liquid 4 560
for 1-3 consecutive rds
Toxic thorn Injection 1-3 rds Red paste Paralyses victim for 1-6 rds 3 120
Victim permanently halves ST,

Ulcrun Injection 2 rds White gelatin 2 2.400
CN, and DX
Notes to the chart:

ß All poisons’ effects can be avoided if the victim successfully makes a CN S.T. at level indicated in the
“S.T.” column. A “No” entry means that venom’s effects cannot be avoided (this applies to “weapon”
poisons only).
ß In the “Onset” column is indicated the time that passes between the poison administration and the
beginning of its effects. “Inst.” means that effects are instantaneously applied to the victim.
ß In the “Effects” column are described the consequences of applying one venom’s dose to the victim.
ß In the “Category” column is specified the category of venom, as previously described.
ß In the “Cost” column is indicated, in g.p., the cost of ONE dose of poison.
ß In the “Appearance” column is described the exterior form (color and consistency) of the poison.
ß For encumbrance purposes, one dose of poison weights 1.
ß All poisons and venoms included in the above chart, except those in the “Weapon” category, are
illegal and sold only at black market. This also explains the higher prices, if compared to weapon
poisons.
ß If the GM allows for it, poisons can be prepared by characters that are skilled in Poison Lore (or
similar abilities), working in a properly equipped laboratory and having at disposal the suitable
ingredients. The approximate cost of one dose is about 1/3 of price reported in the chart for the
already prepared venom. At the end of preparation period, the character must make a S.T. on his
Poison Lore (or equivalent) skill at a difficulty level indicated in the “S.T.” column in the chart. If the
S.T. is successful, one dose of desired poison is prepared. Otherwise, the character has wasted time
and money, spoiling the ingredients and achieving nothing. The time period to prepare a single dose of
poison is a number of days equal to the number indicated in the “S.T.” column of the chart.
Antidotes Chart
Name Category Onset Description Effects Cost (gp)
Brew of purity Ingestion Inst. Colorless liquid Antidote for all grade 1 poisons 100
Infuse of Ingestion Inst. Ruby red liquid Antidote for all grade 2 poisons 200
remedy
Drip of life Ingestion Inst. Milky white liquid Antidote for all grade 3 poisons 300
Celestial Syrup Ingestion Inst. Golden liquid Antidote for all grade 4 poisons 400
God’s tear Ingestion Inst. Dark blue liquid Antidote for all grade 5 poisons 500
Notes to the chart:
ß All antidotes must be drunk by the victim of poisons and venoms, and are effective only against
poisons with an onset time which is not instantaneous. Antidotes cannot restore Attribute points lost as
venom consequences, nor resurrect anyone killed by poison. All other consequences (e.g. paralysis,
blindness, movement reduction or impairment, temporary losses of Attributes, sleep, coma, etc.) cease
immediately as soon as victim takes the proper antidote.
ß In the “Effects” column is indicated the antidote power. An antidote is effective against all poisons
and venoms which grade is less or equal to that indicated in this description. The “grade” of a poison is
equal to the level of S.T. that must be made to avoid its effects.
ß For encumbrance purposes, one dose of antidote weights 1.

POISONS
Home • Martial Arts • Auxiliary Training • Ninja Armory • Glossary of Terms
Kunoichi Overview • Weapons • Poisons • Chemistry
ATTITUDE
Poison, a word that creates a few distinct attitudes from most people. The main attitude is usually one of
“Fear” due to the fact that poisons seem to strike from nowhere, which is fairly accurate due to the fact
that if a lethal poison is administered correctly, there is little time to acquire a remedy. This feeling of fear
is also prevalent when dealing with snakes, scorpions or any other venomous creature that most wise
humans avoid if at all possible.
The second attitude is one of “Tragedy”, where denied lovers such as “Romeo and Juliet” are kept from
following their hearts and choose to end their lives rather than live in denial of their feelings. This attitude
is also associated to suicides, where an individual consumes large amounts of deadly substances to end
their lives.
The third attitudes is one of “Honor”, where the dutiful secret agent gallantly takes his cyanide capsule and
promptly dies in the service of his country. These heroic deeds emphasize the needs of the many over the
needs of the few, where one man is sacrificed in order to protect hundreds or thousands of innocents.
In effect, the way a poison is employed determines how the general populace will respond to it. One
minute it’s a natural danger, then it’s a sad reality of depression and hopelessness, and finally it’s a
majestic end to a dedicated servant. What a strange and many faceted subject, judged in many different
ways according to the specific ways it is employed.
DEFINITION
Poison can be defined as any substance that has an adverse effect on the metabolism of any given person,
normally needing only small quantities to cause illness or death.
TYPES OF POISONS
There are two groups of poisons in the Kunoichi’s arsenal. The first group contains “Natural” poisons, which
include plant, animal, mineral and most viral poisons. The second group contain “Synthetic” poisons, which
can only be acquired through special processing in laboratories.
NATURAL POISONS
PLANT POISONS
Plant poisons are poisons that can be taken directly from plants, trees, shrubs, herbs, roots, algae and the
like.
ANIMAL POISONS
Animal poisons are those that can either be taken from animals that are naturally venomous or taken from
animals that while not being venomous, are none the less poisonous when touched or eaten.
MINERAL POISONS
Mineral poisons are poisons that are entirely mineral in nature. These poisons are often used by the body
every day in small quantities, yet larger quantities are decidedly fatal. There are also many minerals that
the body has no use for whatsoever, such as arsenic.
VIRAL POISONS
Viral poisons are poisons that effect the body through germs or infections. Some of these poisons include
the diseases of botulism and tetanus.
SYNTHETIC POISONS
SUCROSE/GLUCOSE POISONS
Sucrose/Glucose poisons are a variety of complex sugars that are toxic to the human body. They tend to
block certain neuro-functions and actually work with the body to produce harmful effects. The poisons
must be synthesized to produce the desired potency. An example of a Sucrose/Glucose poison is the
complex sugar Ethylene Glycol, which is lethal in doses of one-half to four ounces depending on the
recipient
SCIENCE ENHANCED POISONS

Science enhanced poisons are poisons that occur naturally that science has altered to increase their
already lethal abilities. One example is Nicotine Sulphate, commonly sold as weedkiller called Blackleaf 40.
This is an improvement on the already lethal ingestive poison of Nicotine which comes from the common
tobacco family. Nicotine is chemically treated with Sulpher compounds to form a type of Nicotine Sulphate
that can be used as a contact poison as well as an excellent systemic poison.
SYNTHETIC MICROBIAL POSIONS

Synthetic Microbial poisons are poisons that are either altered versions of already lethal poisons or are
entirely new strains created in some far away petrie dish that is designed to be used on some far off
battleground. One classic example of a Synthetic Microbial poison or virus is that of the Anthrax virus that
was created during and after World War II. This virus was so potent there is still an entire island off the
coast of England that is still quarantined.
MIMIC POISONS
Mimic poisons are just like they sound, mimics or copies of natural toxins that man thought were so
effective they found a way to mass produce them in laboratories. A good example of a mimic poison is that
of Cobrine and Cobroxin, which are purer forms of one of the most lethal substances known...Cobra
venom, which takes a scant one part per trillion to be effective.
MAKING POISONS
Learning to make poisons is a Kunoichi specialty. To dispatch enemies in this fashion proved not only
effective as a combat strategy, but also a powerful psychological weapon. No one can defend against an
unseen weapon. The two plant poisons that are provided on this page are an example of dozens of
potential poisons. The preparation of these poisons has been left out of this text to ensure that it does not
fall into the hands of less than respectable people who would use this skill recklessly.
DOKONINJIN - WATER HEMLOCK
This perennial herb may grow to 1.8 meters high. The stem is hollow and sectioned off
like bamboo. Its flowers are small, white, and grow in groups. The roots may have
hollow air chambers that, when cut, may produce droplets of yellow oil.
SEISOKUCHI - HABITAT
Water hemlock grows in wet or moist areas like swamps, wet meadows, stream banks
and ditches throughout the United States.
KEKKA - EFFECT
Death within 30 - 60 Minutes
SHIYURI - DEATH LILY
This plant arises from a bulb and is often mistaken for an onion-like plant. Its leaves are
grass-like and its flowers are six-parted and its petals have a green, heart-shaped
designs on them. The flowers grow on top of the stalks above the leaves.
SEISOKUCHI - HABITAT
Death camas is found in wet, open, sunny habitat, although some species favor dry,
rocky slopes. They are very common in parts of the Western United States.
KEKKA - EFFECT
Death within 1 - 2 Hours
Poisoning
Poisons are substances that if inhaled, ingested, absorbed or injected, harm the structures or functions of
the body. Some types of poisons may act immediately on the body, others may act more slowly. Some
poisons, such as cyanide, are so toxic they only require a tiny amount to be harmful, while others, such as
garden sprays, are cumulative and require exposure over a long period to achieve the same level of
toxicity. Some may be carcinogenic, and cause fatal cancers some years after exposure. Whatever the
substance, remember that Prevention Is Better Than Cure!
How to prevent poisoning
Store medicines, chemicals and household products safely out of reach and out of sight of children,
up high (at least 1.5m) in a locked or child resistant cupboard.
Do not take other people’s medicines.
Separate medicines from household products.
Use medicines and chemicals safely. Be sure that all products are properly labelled and in their
original containers.
Clean out your medicine cupboard periodically. Take out-of-date medicines to a pharmacy for
disposal.
Children tend to mimic adults, so avoid taking medicines in their presence.
Refer to medicines by their correct names. They are not sweets or lollies.
Use personal protection equipment (PPE) when spraying or painting. Ensure there is adequate
ventilation, with circulating air.
Remove any contaminated clothing immediately.
Keep everything in original containers never in cups or soft drink bottles.
Obtain a history, look for empty bottles, containers, and sometimes suicide notes. If possible, ascertain
what poison or medicine has been taken, including how much and when.
The wide varieties of poisonous substances present with a similarly wide variety of signs and symptoms.
The list on the next page is not exhaustive, but casualties may present with all, or at least some of them.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
May include the following:
• pale, cool, clammy skin
• rapid, weak (sometimes erratic) pulse
• nausea and/or vomiting
• cyanosis
• headache
• burns around the mouth
• burning pain in the mouth or throat
• blurred vision
• ringing in the ears
• smell of fumes or odours
• stomach pains or cramps
• drowsiness, which may lead to unconsciousness
• seizures
• breathing difficulties
CARE AND TREATMENT
• If the casualty has collapsed ring ‘000’ for an ambulance before ringing the Poisons Information
Centre for advice on 13 11 26
• EAR and CPR as required
• monitor the casualty at all times
• call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
SWALLOWED POISON
• do not try to make the patient vomit
• pick up the container and take it to the telephone
POISON ON THE SKIN
• remove contaminated clothing, taking care to avoid contact with the chemical
• flood the skin with cool running water for 20 minutes
POISON IN THE EYE
• irrigate the eye with cool running water for 20 minutes

INHALED POISON
• get the person to fresh air as quickly as possible if safe to do so. Do not place yourself at risk
• if safe, open doors and windows
• DO NOT use Syrup of Ipecac (Ipecacuanha Syrup) in the first aid treatment for poisoning unless
advised by the Poisons Information Centre
• the first aid advice on the product labels are often outdated. Call the Poisons Information Centre
When to call the poisons information centre
You can call your Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26:
• If you or someone in your care may have been poisoned
o Do not wait for any symptoms to occur before calling
o If in doubt call and check
• Poisons may include:
o car products
o cleaning products
o insecticides, weed killers, rodent and snail baits
o kerosene, petrol, methylated spirits, etc.
o any over-the-counter medicines
o paints and thinners
o perfumes and aftershaves
o plants and mushrooms
o prescription medicines
o and many more, so always check
• If a person is bitten or stung by a marine creature, animal, reptile, spider or insect
• If you have any questions or concerns about:
o prevention of poisoning
o hazards associated with drugs, medicines, chemicals, plants, pesticides and any other
products
Poisons Information Centre - 13 11 26

MAIN SEARCH INDEX
Poisoning
Definition
Description
Causes and symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Prevention
Resources
Definition
Poisoning occurs when any substance interferes with normal body functions after it is swallowed, inhaled,
injected, or absorbed.
Description
Poisonings are a common occurrence. About 10 million cases of poisoning occur in the United States each
year. In 80% of the cases, the victim is a child under the age of five. About 50 children die each year from
poisonings. Curiosity, inability to read warning labels, a desire to imitate adults, and inadequate
supervision lead to childhood poisonings.
The elderly are the second most likely group to be poisoned. Mental confusion, poor eyesight, and the use
of multiple drugs are the leading reasons why this group has a high rate of accidental poisoning. A
substantial number of poisonings also occur as suicide attempts or drug overdoses.
Poisons are common in the home and workplace, yet there are basically two major types. One group
consists of products that were never meant to be ingested or inhaled, such as shampoo, paint thinner,
pesticides, houseplant leaves, and carbon monoxide. The other group contains products that can be
ingested in small quantities, but which are harmful if taken in large amounts, such as pharmaceuticals,
medicinal herbs, or alcohol. Other types of poisons include the bacterial toxins that cause food poisoning,
such as Escherichia coli; heavy metals, such as the lead found in the paint on older houses; and the
venom found in the bites and stings of some animals and insects. The staff at a poison control center and
emergency room doctors have the most experience diagnosing and treating poisoning cases.
Causes and symptoms
The effects of poisons are as varied as the poisons themselves; however, the exact mechanisms of only a
few are understood. Some poisons interfere with the metabolism. Others destroy the liver or kidneys, such
as heavy metals and some pain relief medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Ibuprofen). A poison may severely depress the central nervous system,
leading to coma and eventual respiratory and circulatory failure. Potential poisons in this category include
anesthetics (e.g. ether and chloroform), opiates (e.g., morphine and codeine), and barbiturates. Some
poisons directly affect the respiratory and circulatory system. Carbon monoxide causes death by binding
with hemoglobin that would normally transport oxygen throughout the body. Certain corrosive vapors
trigger the body to flood the lungs with fluids, effectively drowning the person. Cyanide interferes with
respiration at the cellular level. Another group of poisons interferes with the electrochemical impulses that
travel between neurons in the nervous system. Yet another group, including cocaine, ergot, strychnine,
and some snake venoms, causes potentially fatal seizures.
Severity of symptoms can range from headache and nausea to convulsions and death. The type of poison,
the amount and time of exposure, and the age, size, and health of the victim are all factors which
determine the severity of symptoms and the chances for recovery.
Plant poisoning
There are more than 700 species of poisonous plants in the United States. Plants are second only to
medicines in causing serious poisoning in children under age five. There is no way to tell by looking at a
plant if it is poisonous. Some plants, such as the yew shrub, are almost entirely toxic: needles, bark,
seeds, and berries. In other plants, only certain parts are poisonous. The bulb of the hyacinth and daffodil
are toxic, but the flowers are not; while the flowers of the jasmine plant are the poisonous part. Moreover,
some plants are confusing because portions of them are eaten as food while other parts are poisonous. For
example, the fleshy stem (tuber) of the potato plant is nutritious; however, its roots, sprouts, and vines
are poisonous. The leaves of tomatoes are poisonous, while the fruit is not. Rhubarb stalks are good to eat,
but the leaves are poisonous. Apricots, cherries, peaches, and apples all produce healthful fruit, but their
seeds contain a form of cyanide that can kill a child if chewed in sufficient quantities. One hundred
milligrams (mg) of moist, crushed apricot seeds can produce 217 mg of cyanide.
Common houseplants that contain some poisonous parts include:
• Aloe
• Amaryllis
• Cyclamen
• Dumbcane (also called Diffenbachia)
• Philodendron
Common outdoor plants that contain some poisonous part include:
• Bird of paradise flower
• Buttercup
• Castor bean
• Chinaberry tree
• Daffodil
• English ivy
• Eucalyptus
• Foxglove
• Holly
• Horse chestnut
• Iris
• Jack-in-the-pulpit
• Jimsonweed (also called thornapple)
• Larkspur
• Lily-of-the-valley
• Morning glory
• Nightshade (several varieties)
• Oleander
• Potato
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb
• Sweet pea
• Tomato
• Wisteria
• Yew
Symptoms of plant poisoning range from irritation of the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth and
throat to nausea, vomiting, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, and even death. It is often difficult to tell if a
person has eaten a poisonous plant because there are no tell-tale empty containers and no unusual lesions
or odors around the mouth.
Household chemicals
Many products used daily in the home are poisonous if swallowed. These products often contain strong
acids or strong bases (alkalis). Toxic household cleaning products include:
• ammonia
• bleach
• dishwashing liquids
• drain openers
• floor waxes and furniture polishes
• laundry detergents, spot cleaners, and fabric softeners
• mildew removers
• oven cleaners
• toilet bowl cleaners
Personal care products found in the home can also be poisonous. These include:
• deodorant
• hairspray
• hair straighteners
• nail polish and polish remover
• perfume
• shampoo
Signs that a person has swallowed one of these substances include evidence of an empty container nearby,
nausea or vomiting, and burns on the lips and skin around the mouth if the substance was a strong acid or
alkali. The chemicals in some of these products may leave a distinctive odor on the breath.
Pharmaceuticals
Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help the body heal if taken as directed. However,
when taken in large quantities, or with other drugs where there may be an adverse interaction, they can
act as poisons. Drug overdoses, both accidental and intentional, are the leading cause of poisoning in
adults. Medicinal herbs should be treated like pharmaceuticals and taken only in designated quantities
under the supervision of a knowledgeable person. Herbs that have healing qualities when taken in small
doses can be toxic in larger doses.
Drug overdoses cause a range of symptoms, including excitability, sleepiness, confusion, unconsciousness,
rapid heartbeat, convulsions, nausea, and changes in blood pressure. The best initial evidence of a drug
overdose is the presence of an empty container near the victim.
Other causes of poisonings
People can be poisoned by fumes they inhale. Carbon monoxide is the most common form of inhaled
poison. Other toxic substances that can be inhaled include:
• farm and garden insecticides and herbicides
• gasoline fumes
• insect repellent
• paint thinner fumes
Diagnosis
Initially, poisoning is suspected if the victim shows changes in behavior and signs or symptoms previously
described. Evidence of an empty container or information from the victim are helpful in determining exactly
what substance has caused the poisoning. Some acids and alkalis leave burns on the mouth. Petroleum
products, such as lighter fluid or kerosene, leave a distinctive odor on the breath. The vomit may be tested
to determine the exact composition of the poison. Once hospitalized, blood and urine tests may be done on
the patient to determine their metabolic condition.
Treatment
Treatment for poisoning depends on the poison swallowed or inhaled. Contacting the poison control center
or hospital emergency room is the first step in getting proper treatment. The poison control center's
telephone number is often listed with emergency numbers on the inside cover of the telephone book, or it
can be reached by dialing the operator. The poison control center will ask for specific information about the
victim and the poison, then give appropriate first aid instructions. If the patient is to be taken to a hospital,
a sample of vomit and the poison container should be taken along, if they are available.
Most cases of plant poisoning are treated by inducing vomiting, if the patient is fully conscious. Vomiting
can be induced by taking syrup of ipecac, an over-the-counter product available at any pharmacy.
For acid, alkali, or petroleum product poisonings, the patient should not vomit. Acids and alkalis can burn
the esophagus if they are vomited, and petroleum products can be inhaled into the lungs during vomiting,
resulting in pneumonia.
Once under medical care, doctors have the option of treating the patient with a specific remedy to
counteract the poison (antidote) or with activated charcoal to absorb the substance inside the patient's
digestive system. In some instances, pumping the stomach may be required. Medical personnel will also
provide supportive care as needed, such as intravenous fluids or mechanical ventilation.
Prognosis
The outcome of poisoning varies from complete recovery to death, and depends on the type and amount of
the poison, the health of the victim, and the speed with which medical care is obtained.
Prevention
Most accidental poisonings are preventable. The number of deaths of children from poisoning has declined
from about 450 per year in the 1960s to about 50 each year in the 1990s. This decline has occurred mainly
because of better packaging of toxic materials and better public education.
Actions to prevent poisonings include:
• removing plants that are poisonous
• keeping medicines and household chemicals locked and in a place inaccessible to children
• keeping medications in child-resistant containers
• never referring to medicine as "candy"
• keeping cleaners and other poisons in their original containers

• disposing of outdated prescription medicines
Resources:
Other
• Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center Page.
http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/centers/poisoncenter
• "Homeowner Chemical Safety." Centers for Disease Control.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd/docs2/pdfs/as23900.pdf
• "Poisonous Plant Databases." University of Maryland http://www.inform.umd.edu

Dog Care : After Your Dog Eats Chocolate
The ASPCA, Susan Thorpe-Vargas, M.S, Ph.D. in her article "Poisoned," and others strongly encourage pet
owners to be prepared for a poisoning. When time can make the difference between life and death, it is
important that the owner know steps to take immediately and have the first-aid tools on hand to take
those steps.
To prepare, get knowledgeable. You'll avoid panic if you have educated yourself. Videos are great because
they're convenient. A video is easy to play, can be viewed by a family together, and is a great way to relax
in your easy chair while learning skills that can save the life of your pet.
Check Out This Veterinarian's Helpful Video
Dr. Keith Gordon produced this low-cost but super video from which you can learn doggie CPR, rescue
breathing and the Heimlich maneuver, as well as what to do for poisoning, bleeding, fractures and heat
stroke
Check out the discounted price on Dr. Gordon's video K-911. Only FIVE videos are in stock
at this writing! If they're gone by the time you read this, please let us know.
Next be prepared by having on hand the tools you might need. The first-aid treatment for
chocolate poisoning involves removing it from the body, quickly, before too much time passes and the
theobromine has circulated, damaging the gastrointestinal tract in the process. The treatment includes:
• inducing vomiting, which removes, and then administering
• activated charcoal slurry, which absorbs.
The sooner this is done, the less the effects of the poison. That, in itself, explains the importance of dog
owners having an emergency kit in their homes plus the knowledge for quick first-aid treatment.
To induce vomiting, Michelle Bamberger in Help! The Quick Guide to First Aid for Your Dog, Howell
Bookhouse, New York 1993, recommends using three percent hydrogen peroxide, one-to-two teaspoons by
mouth every 15 minutes until vomiting occurs. Alternatively, she suggests using Syrup of Ipecac. Use, she
says, two to three teaspoons, only once.
You can get Syrup of Ipecac at almost any pharmacy. You do not need a prescription from your doctor.
Syrup of Ipecac is inexpensive and will keep for several years if stored at room temperature.
After vomiting, Bamberger says to give the dog by mouth activated charcoal mixed with water to a slurry
consistency. The dosage is 1 teaspoon for dogs who are less than 25 pounds and 2 teaspoons for dogs
weighing more than 25 pounds.
Put Activated Charcoal in Your Emergency Kit
Toxiban Activated Charcoal. The substance is a fine powder form of processed charcoal that binds
to many types of poisons and can keep them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This
product isn't easy to find online. We did compare prices when we found it and know this is a good
deal. Check it out, getting some now, before you forget.
Toxiban might be wise to have in your pet emergency kit because it also is effective in adsorbing
other poisonous substances eaten or drunk by dogs or cats. These toxins include, but are not
limited to, strychnine, organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides,
depressants and analgesics.
Some people have recommended burnt toast if you do not have activated charcoal on hand.
However, at the University of Florida veterinarians teach their toxicology students that burnt
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Miscellaneous
Ricin-- What it is: A protein toxin derived from the castor bean. It can be made from the mash that is left
over after the beans are turned into castor oil.
What it does: Ricin blocks protein synthesis in the body, which can cause widespread organ damage as
well as pulmonary, liver, renal and immunological failure.
How it is delivered: Ricin can be deadly if ingested, inhaled or injected into the body.
Symptoms: Fever, coughing and gastrointestinal problems are likely to be the first symptoms. If eaten,
the toxin causes stomach irritation, gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Inhalation causes severe
lung damage, including pulmonary edema. It can also cause seizures and central nervous system
depression.
Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of exposure, but can be delayed for more than 12 hours.
Treatment: There is no antidote, but doctors can treat the symptoms.

AVOCADO
Persea americana
(48K) (25K) (45K)

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longer to load from home with a modem.
Description. Avocado are trees or shrubs with dark green berries and large seeds.
Geographic range. Found in southern North America and in the tropics.
Toxic principle. Unidentified toxin has a direct effect on the myocardium as well as on tissues of the
lactating mammary gland.
Toxicity. Fresh and dried leaves, bark, skin, and seeds are toxic to cattle, goats, horses, rabbits, birds,
and fish. Severe mastitis may result in lactating goats fed 20g leaves/kg body weight. Doses of 30g
leaves/kg body weight or more can cause edema and cardiomyopathy.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs. At lower doses, non-infectious mastitis is seen with a 75% decrease in milk
production and watery, cheesy, curdled milk. Higher doses can cause edema of the head and neck
leading to upper respiratory distress in horses. Colic is occasionally seen.
Laboratory Diagnosis. Elevation of serum enzymes creatinine phosphokinase and aspartate

aminotransferase.
Lesions. In rabbits and goats, brisket and neck edema are seen in addition to acute pulmonary
edema caused by cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Lung congestion, hydropericardium, and
subcutaneous edema in the pectoral region are seen.
Treatment is supportive. Relieve signs with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and diuretics. Administer
antibiotics to control secondary infections of the mammary gland.
Prevention. Do not allow horses and livestock access to avocado trees and shrubs. Do not feed avocado
seeds or fruits to pet birds.
Avocado
Horses, cattle, goats, rabbits, and birds have been poisoned from eating the leaves and other parts of the
Guatemalan variety of avocado Persea americana. The Mexican, or smooth-skinned fruit, variety does not
appear to be toxic. The flesh of the ripe avocado fruit of neither variety is toxic. Horses are most likely to
eat avocado plant parts if they are pastured in avocado orchards and normal forages are depleted.
Horses, after eating the fruit, seeds, or leaves of avocado trees, develop a variety of clinical signs,
including colic, diarrhea, and edema of the ventral abdomen, head, and neck. In severely affected animals
there is marked edematous swelling of the head that is painful and causes respiratory difficulty. Fluid may
develop in the chest cavity. Goats experimentally poisoned with avocado leaves died within 48 hours of
receiving the leaves, and showed heart damage. In addition to the cardiotoxic effects of avocado, lactating
mares and goats develop a noninfectious mammary gland inflammation and decreased milk production.
Back To Sudden Death-Inducing Plants
Plant Poisoning of Horses

Copyright 2003, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Alphabetical by Plant By Disease
Alsike Clover & Klein grass (Trifolium hybridum & Panicum coloratum)
Arrow, Pod or Goose Grass

(Triglochin spp.)
Aster, White Prarie(Aster falcatus)
Aster, Woody
(Xylorrhiza glabriuscula)
Avocado (Persea americana)
Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
Beard Tongue
(Penstemon spp.)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Broom, Turpentine, Snake or Match Weed (Guterrezia sarothrae)
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.)
Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis)
Coffee Weed or Coffee Senna (Cassia occidentalis)
Death Camas (Zigadenus spp.)
Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)
Fiddleneck or Tarweed
(Amsinckia intermedia)
Field Bindweed (Morning Glory) (Convolvulus arvensis)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Golden Weed (Haplopappus engelmannii)
Gumweed or Resinweed (Grindelia spp.)
Hemlock, Poison (Conium maculatum)
Hemlock, Water (Cicuta spp.)
Horse Chestnut and Buckeye

(Aesculus spp.)
Horsetail, Marestail, Horserush, or Snake Grass (Equisetum spp.)
Hounds tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.)
Indigo (Indigofera spicata)
Jessamine, Day-Blooming or Wild (Cestrum diurnum)
Jimson Weed, Potato, and Tomato (Nightshade or Solanaceae)
Johnson and Sudan Grasses (Sorghum spp.)
Larkspur or Poison Weed (Delphinium spp.)
Locoweeds and Milkvetches

(Astragalus & Oxytropis spp.)
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Monkshood (Aconitum spp.)

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Oak (Quercus spp.)
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander, Yellow , Be-Still or Lucky Nut Tree (Thevetia spp.)
Onions (Allium spp.)
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
Prince’s Plume
(Stanleya pinnata)
Rattlebox or Rattlepod (Crotalaria spp.)
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
St. John’s Wort or Klamath Weed (Hypericum perforatum)
Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)
Saltbush (Atriplex spp.)
Senecio species
Serviceberry or Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
Sorghum (Johnson & Sudan) Grasses
Spoiled Sweet Clover (Melilotus spp.)
Two-Grooved Milkvetches (Astragalus spp.)
Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
White Snakeroot and Crofton, Jimmyweed, and Burrow Weed (Eupatorium and
Haplopappus spp.)
Wild Blue Flax (Linum spp.)
Yellow Star Thistle and Russian Knapweed (Centaurea spp.)
Yew (Taxus spp.)
This article is from "Feeding and Care of the Horse", second edition, by Lon D.
Lewis, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1995. Reprinted with permission from the
publisher. Available for purchase online
American Association of Equine Practitioners
•
Asclepias speciosa (Showy milkweed)
• Centaurea repens (Russian knapweed)
• Cicuta spp. (Waterhemlocks)

• Helenium hoopesii (Orange sneezeweed, Owlclaws)
• Lantana spp. (Lantana)
• Leucothoe davisiae (Mountain, Black or Sierra laurel)
• Senecio riddellii (Riddell groundsel)

Triglochin maritima (Seaside arrowgrass)
Horse Nutrition
Bulletin 762-00
Poisonous Plants
Poisonous plants can cause serious injury to horses, particularly if animals graze when plants are at an
especially dangerous growth stage, when little other forage is available, and when animals are very thirsty.
Poisonings can be avoided by proper management of animals, pastures, and hay. Suggestions for
preventing poisoning are as follows:
• Know which plants are poisonous and when they are potentially dangerous.
• Inspect pastures to identify and destroy poisonous plants before initiating grazing.
• Be sure animals are neither hungry nor thirsty when put on pasture or fed hay that might have
poisonous plants.
• Buy hay locally so that unfamiliar and potentially poisonous plants are not fed and seeds are not
introduced to your farm.
• Do not put animals on forage that is too young in springtime.
• Maintain grazing pressure appropriate for the pasture.
• Provide supplemental feed and water to animals during periods of low pasture availability.
Some of the poisonous plants common to Ohio are described here. This is not a complete listing, and other
sources should be consulted if you are uncertain as to whether or not a plant could be toxic to your horse.
Herbaceous Plants
BRACKEN FERN (Pteridium aquilinum) - Bracken fern is probably the largest (up to
six feet) and most common of the ferns in Ohio. It occurs in many habitats, including
full sun, partial shade, woods, old pastures, and thickets. Unlike most ferns, bracken
is less common in rich, moist, limey areas and thus is an indicator of poor soil. The
tall, smooth, grooved stalk supports a large (three-feet long, three-feet wide) leaf
equally divided into three parts, one terminal and two opposite. Each leaf blade is
triangular, with oblong, pointed leaflets, and tight, narrow, blunt-tipped sub-leaflets.
On fertile leaves the underside has a continuous line of sporangia around the leaf
edge, covered by the overlapping margins. Bracken is one of the earliest ferns to
appear in spring or after a fire. It sometimes forms large colonies of nearly solid
stands, with the dark, green, leathery leaves bending nearly horizontal. In the fall, it
is one of the first plants to be killed by frost, leaving large patches of crisp, brown
foliage.
Horses eating large quantities of bracken fern show signs of acute poisoning related to vitamin B1
deficiency. Leaves as well as rhizomes are toxic. Poisoning is most common when other grazing is scarce,
such as after periods of drought, or when bracken is a contaminant of hay. Symptoms usually appear two
to four weeks after continuous grazing. Horses are particularly susceptible to bracken fern poisoning.
Affected animals exhibit loss of condition and weight, incoordination, and a crouching position with feet
apart and arched back. Bracken fern poisoning may be confused with other disorders, and other plants
(field horsetail, turnip) can also induce symptoms related to B1 deficiency. Bracken fern can be suppressed
or eliminated from pastures by improved pasture management that includes periodic close grazing or
cutting and proper fertilization.
FIELD HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) – Field horsetail is the most common of

several horsetails and it is also the most variable. This is a unique plant with two
distinct growth forms (sterile and fertile stems), which often are not found together.
The sterile stems are light green, highly branched, resembling a small pine tree. Stems
are ascending and appear to be leafless; they may be perennial and evergreen, or
annual, dying in autumn after frost. The stem has distinct joints or nodes, which bear
tiny, black, scalelike leaves. The fertile stems are singular, tall, dark green, ridged,
hollow, tubular, and distinctly jointed. Branches, when present, arise singly or in whorls
at nodes. The stem terminates in a cone-shaped spore-bearing strobilus. The stem is
rough like sandpaper due to impregnation with silica. The plant reproduces by spores
or by deep, creeping rootstocks which sometimes bear tubers.
Field horsetail is found throughout Ohio along railways, field edges, woods, and waste areas. It seems to
tolerate poor drainage and sandy or gravely areas. This weed is difficult to exterminate as it tolerates most
herbicides.
Field horsetail causes most trouble in hay fed to horses. Poisoning is similar to bracken fern poisoning;
however, horsetail-poisoned animals maintain their appetites even after clinical signs appear. The
poisoning is associated with thiaminase activity and thus vitamin B1 deficiency. Affected animals exhibit
loss of condition, unthriftiness, excitability, staggering, and emaciation.
TALL FESCUE (Festuca arundinacea) – Tall fescue is probably the most widely
adapted perennial pasture grass. It is a tall (up to five feet), tufted, deep-rooted plant
that forms a coarse sod. Leaves are about one-quarter inch wide, with a ridged
surface and fine, sharp, saw-toothed edges. The inflorescence is a compact panicle
four- to 10-inches long.
Although fescue poisoning is a condition of cattle, summer fescue toxicosis can affect
horses during summer when grazing or fed tall fescue forage or seed. Toxin is
produced in tall fescue forage or seeds contaminated with an endophytic fungus.
Affected animals show reduced feed intake and weight gains. Within one or two
weeks after fescue feeding has begun, other signs such as fever may appear. Failure
to produce or let down milk can be a problem in mares grazing endophyte-infected
fescue. The severity of the toxin may vary from field to field, but increases when
temperatures exceed 75 to 80ºF, and where high rates of nitrogen fertilizer have
been applied to the grass. Tall fescue varieties are available that do not contain the endophyte; toxic
pastures should be destroyed and planted to nonendophytic fescue varieties.
PERENNIAL RYEGRASS (Lolium perenne) – Perennial ryegrass is a

smooth, shiny, short-lived perennial with slightly flattened stems. Leaves
have well-developed auricles (on most leaves) and membranous ligules
that may be toothed or rounded. It favors moderately moist open ground
and is common in Ohio.
Perennial ryegrass infested with an endophytic fungus can be the source of

a neurotoxic condition (perennial ryegrass staggers) that occurs only in
summer and fall. The fungus occurs in all parts of the plant, especially leaf
sheaths, culms, and seeds. Affected animals exhibit fine tremors of the head and nodding movements.
Well-grazed, leafy pastures that do not go to seed or are not overgrazed are less likely to be dangerous.
Endophyte-free varieties should be used for pasture renovation.
WATER HEMLOCK (Cicuta maculata) – Water hemlock is one of the most poisonous
plants in Ohio. It occurs in almost all counties on the shores of lakes, ponds, marshes,
bogs, and wet ditches. It is an erect perennial growing to eight-feet tall. Stems are
smooth, hollow (except at nodes), and streaked with purple lines (not blotched as in
the less dangerous poison hemlock, Conium maculatum). Water hemlock leaves are
divided into three to seven lanceolate leaflets with irregular, coarsely toothed margins.
Flowers are borne in an open umbel resembling that of wild carrot. The most
distinguishing characteristic is the swollen base of the plant and rootstocks. Splitting
open one of these areas reveals crosswise partitions that divide the rootstock into
chambers.
The yellow, oily fluid exuding (especially in springtime) from a cut stem base or
rootstock contains the toxic alcohol, cicutoxin. All parts of the plant contain the toxin
and are considered dangerous. Livestock have been poisoned by drinking water
standing in small pools where the plant has been tramped and the roots crushed. Poisoning is most
common when the plant is young, somewhat succulent, and growing rapidly. Symptoms range from
nausea and colic to violent convulsions and death (especially in cattle).
The appearance of water hemlock is very similar to poison hemlock, page 72.
COMMON POKEWEED (Phytolacca americana) – Common pokeweed is a

simple, erect, herbaceous perennial that sometimes resembles a small
tree, growing up to 10 feet in height. Common pokeweed emerges each
year from a large taproot or from seeds. The base of the pokeweed stem is
typically deep red-purple in color. The smooth, hairless, hollow, fleshy
stem can attain diameters of four inches. The large elliptical leaves range
from 12- to 20-inches long. They are about a third as wide as they are
long. The leaves are alternate on the stem and are hairless. Flowers are in
dense, drooping clusters with white-green petals that bloom from July
through August. Flower clusters occur opposite a leaf. From a distance, the purple fruit resembles a bunch
of grapes that hang down from the point of attachment on the plant. Common pokeweed is found
throughout Ohio in clearings and open woods and is becoming more abundant in reduced tillage fields.
Pokeweed is a plant that will cause severe poisoning and is one that livestock will not avoid eating. The
thick, woody roots of pokeweed are the most poisonous part of the plant and account for most livestock
poisonings. The fruit of pokeweed is the least toxic part of the plant, but may be responsible for human
deaths. The toxic compound is an alkaloid called phytolaccotoxin. Horses can be poisoned by eating fresh
leaves or green fodder. Symptoms of poisoning from pokeweed include burning sensations in the mouth,
gastrointestinal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
COMMON COCKLEBUR (Xanthium strumarium) – This native annual

weed is troublesome in agronomic crops and is especially common on rich,
moist soils. The plant is rough in appearance, branched, hairy to nearly
smooth, with irregular mottled stems. The mature plant is one- to two-feet
tall. The thick, rough leaves are alternate, broadly ovate to triangular, with
long petioles. Flowers are relatively inconspicuous, on short axillary
branches. The fruit is a bur with strong, hooked spines and two sharp-
pointed beaks.
The seeds are toxic but are seldom consumed because of the burs, which
are too spiny to ingest. The tender, juicy cotyledons, which are long and narrow, contain
carboxyatractyloside, which affects the nervous system. Signs of poisoning include anorexia, depression,
and weakened heartbeat.
HEMP DOGBANE (Apocynum cannabinum) – Hemp dogbane, Indian hemp, choctaw

root, rheumatism weed, and snake’s milk are names for this native perennial weed
that is common in all counties of Ohio. Hemp dogbane is an erect plant that grows
one- to four-feet tall and reproduces by creeping roots and by seeds. The leaves are
two- to six-inches long, opposite, oval, and attached to the stem by a short petiole.
Leaf edges and upper surface are smooth, while the underside of the leaf is finely
hairy. Hemp dogbane branches freely, unlike common milkweed, with which it is
often confused. All parts of the plant contain a milky latex. Shoot emergence from
roots typically occurs from late-May to mid-June. The flowers of hemp dogbane are
greenish-white, five-petaled, and inconspicuous. Hemp dogbane produces reddish-
brown, paired sickle-shaped pods that are four- to eight-inches long and hang from
the point of attachment. A related poisonous species, spreading dogbane (A.
androsaemifolium), has slightly drooping leaves and larger, pink, bell-shaped flowers.
Leaves and stems of green and dry plants contain a resinoid and a glucoside with cardioactivity. Less than
an ounce of green or dry leaves may be enough to kill a horse. Symptoms of poisoning include increased
temperature and pulse, sweating, dilated pupils, discolored mouth and nostrils, and refusal to eat or drink.
Hemp dogbane can be a threat to livestock in all seasons.
WHITE SNAKEROOT (Eupatorium rugosum) – This plant is a common perennial of

shady, moist woodlands and wood edges. It often goes unnoticed because flowering
does not begin until July or later. Stems are tall and mostly smooth, with opposite,
long-petioled leaves. Leaf blades are generally egg-shaped, with sharply toothed
margins and three prominent veins. Small white flowers are borne in loose spreading
clusters.
The toxic compound, tremetol, is found in the leaves and stems of white snakeroot
and is at peak concentrations in summer through fall. Tremetol is unusual in that it is
a fat-soluble molecule that becomes concentrated in the milk of lactating animals.
Signs of poisoning begin with trembling in the leg muscles. Other symptoms include
sweating, labored and rapid breathing, constipation, depression, stiff gait, dilated
pupils, and weakness. Death may be sudden.
Milk sickness, caused by drinking milk produced by animals that have eaten white snakeroot, is of
historical significance because this affliction reportedly killed Abraham Lincoln’s mother.
YELLOW SWEETCLOVER (Melilotus officinalis) and WHITE

SWEETCLOVER (Melilotus alba) – Both species of sweetclover are widely
distributed throughout the state, having been introduced in the United
States long ago as a hay, pasture, and green manure crop. The
sweetclovers are erect, slender, branched biennials that can grow as tall as
nine feet. Leaves are clover-like, with three oblong leaflets that are
toothed around the entire margin. Flowers are small, white or yellow, and
fragrant; they appear in long, slender clusters at branch tips or arising
from leaf axils. Fruits are ovoid, smooth pods with one to four seeds. The
plant is commonly found along roadsides, railroad tracks, open fields, and waste areas.
As a forage crop, sweetclovers can be freely grazed, but feeding moldy sweetclover hay or silage is
dangerous. Thus, sweetclover poisoning usually occurs in winter and is not apparent until animals have
been fed damaged sweetclover hay for two or more weeks. Well-cured hay is not dangerous, but absence
of visible spoilage does not necessarily mean the hay is safe to feed.
Poisoning results from the process of spoiling, or molding, wherein harmless natural coumarins are
converted to toxic dicumarol. The most dangerous hay is the outer portion of weathered, large round
bales. The main sign of poisoning is hemorrhaging, which results from faulty blood coagulation. The toxic
compound crosses the placenta and may affect newborns.
COMMON MILKWEED (Asclepias syriaca) – Common milkweed is an

erect perennial that reproduces by creeping roots and seeds. Stems,
reaching three to six feet in height, are unbranched and covered with short
downy hairs. The leaves are oblong, three- to eight-inches long, with a
rounded to tapered leaf tip and base. Leaves are opposite and are
attached directly to the stem. The underside of the leaves are covered with
fine velvet-like hairs. The upper surface, which can be hairless or hairy,
shows a prominent white midrib. The secondary veins off the midrib
resemble the rungs of a ladder. Young seedlings and emerging vegetative
shoots of common milkweed are covered with downy hairs, thus differentiating them from hemp dogbane.
The milkweed family is known for a white milky sap that appears when the plant is bruised or cut open.
Flowers are borne in a large ball-like cluster and are sweet-smelling, pink-lavender in color, and bloom
from June to August. The gray, rough, spiny pods are three- to five-inches long, one-inch wide, and split
on one side. The seeds inside of the pod are brown, flat, and oval. They resemble an enclosed horseshoe
with an attached downy pappus (silky structure similar to that of dandelion). Common milkweed is native
to North America and is found throughout Ohio. It grows best in warm, dry soils with full sunlight and is
commonly found growing in clumps or patches on roadsides and in reduced tillage fields.
All parts of the plant, whether green or dry, are poisonous to horses. The toxic principles are steroid
glycosides and toxic resinous substances. Livestock generally avoid this plant unless other forage is
unavailable. Signs of poisoning include dizziness, loss of muscular control, violent spasms, rapid and weak
pulse, respiratory paralysis, and rarely death.
MUSTARDS (Brassica) spp., (Raphanus) spp., and related genera – The

mustard family (Cruciferae) comprises a large group of herbaceous plants, most of
which are annuals, winter annuals, or biennials. Flowers, with four sepals, four petals,
and six stamens (two short and four long) are yellow or white, and arranged in
racemes. Fruits are borne in two-chambered, flat-round, or beaked tubular capsules.
Basal leaves are generally lobed or coarsely toothed. Mustards are found throughout
Ohio along roadsides, waste areas, open fields, and pastures. Seeds of many species
live a long time in the soil, and seedlings reappear after many years when soil is
disturbed.
Many mustards are harmless when young and are grazed without incident. However,
seeds and vegetative parts (fresh and dry) may contain the toxic principle
glucosinolate (isothiocyanate). Feeds containing grain screenings with a large number
of mustard seeds may be dangerous to horses. Mustard oils, which are released by
enzymes when mustard seeds are moistened with cold water before feeding, are strong irritants.
Signs of poisoning include acute/chronic anorexia, severe gastroenteritis, salivation, diarrhea, paralysis,
photosensitization, and hemoglobinuria.
POISON HEMLOCK (Conium maculatum) – Poison hemlock is a tall, erect biennial
that produces a vegetative rosette the first season of growth and an upright
reproductive stem in the second season. Stems are mostly hairless and light gray-
green with distinct reddish-purple spots. They are hollow, except at the nodes, and
grow to 10-feet tall. Leaves are basal in the rosette stage and alternate on the stem in
the reproductive stage. The basal and stem leaves are finely dissected with a lace-like
appearance, resembling the nonpoisonous wild carrot. The flower heads at the top of
the plant are large, one to three inches in diameter, white, and umbrella-shaped.
Flowers develop into a green, deeply ridged fruit with several seeds. The plant has an
unmistakable and disagreeable mouse-like odor.
Poison hemlock was introduced from Eurasia as an ornamental plant and is currently
found in about half of the counties in Ohio. It grows in waste areas, especially partially
shaded, poorly drained sites, stream banks, or edges of cultivated fields. Seeds
germinate in autumn, and seedlings grow late into fall. It is one of few green plants in pastures in late
winter and is among the first plants to green up in the early spring. This plant is sometimes confused with
wild carrot or wild parsnip.
All parts of this plant are poisonous, though roots are more toxic than leaves or stems. Leaves are
especially poisonous in the spring, whereas the root becomes more toxic over time. Eight alkaloids are
found in this plant, with coniine and conicine being the most common. Livestock can be severely injured by
eating the leaves or fruits of poison hemlock. The strong odor usually prevents consumption of the green
plant, but animals can be poisoned by eating contaminated fresh hay or silage. Signs of poisoning include
dilated pupils, weakness, staggering gait, and respiratory paralysis two to three hours after ingestion.
COMMON ST. JOHNSWORT (Hypericum perforatum) – Common St. Johnswort is a

creeping perennial that reproduces by seeds and spreading underground roots. This
species has hairless, branched reddish stems with a woody base and grows up to three-
feet tall. St. Johnswort is characterized by its small (one-half to one-and-one-half
inches long) oval, opposite leaves and large stomata that appear as small perforations
or holes in the leaves when held up to the light. The leaves are attached directly to the
stem. Distinct bright yellow flowers (three-quarters to one inch in diameter) with many
stamens are numerous and may have black dots on the edges of the petals. The fruit is
a three-celled capsule with many dark brown seeds. When wet, the seeds have a
gelatinous coating that sticks them to objects (e.g., animal legs, hooves, machinery).
Common St. Johnswort, also called klamathweed or goatweed, is an introduced species

native to Eurasia. It is common in the eastern part of Ohio, but is sporadically
distributed in western Ohio. This species is commonly found in old meadows, pastures, roadsides, waste
areas, and in reduced tillage agronomic systems. In total, there are 16 different species of Hypericum in
Ohio. The name Hypericum is from a Greek word meaning "over an apparition," alluding to its ancient use
as an herb to protect one from evil spirits. The species name, perforatum, refers to the perforated look of
the leaves.
Leaves and flowers of common St. Johnswort contain a photodynamic pigment called hypericin, which
causes "photosensitization" on white or light-colored skin. Photosensitization is especially prevalent on
areas of the body which receive the most sunlight, such as the head, neck, and back. Affected skin
becomes swollen, tender, and reddened (erythema), and large areas may peel off. Other signs of poisoning
include loss of appetite, severe itching, blindness, convulsions, hypersensitivity to cold water, and coma.
The plant is dangerous at all growth stages. Grazing animals may also suffer minor skin irritations that
include skin blisters and hair loss. If enough of this plant is ingested, death may result. The toxic properties
of St. Johnswort remain when it is a contaminant of hay.
GROUNDSELS (Senecio) spp. – There are eight species of Senecio recognized in
Ohio, the most poisonous being the relatively uncommon cressleaf groundsel (S.
glabellus), also called butterweed or yellowtop. Cressleaf groundsel is an erect
biennial reaching heights of one to three feet. The stem is succulent, smooth, and
hollow, and it branches at the top to support flowers. Leaves are alternate, deeply
divided, with wide, round-toothed lobes. Basal and lower leaves are up to eight-
inches long; upper leaves are smaller but similar in shape. Bright lemon-yellow
flowers, up to one inch in diameter, are borne in clusters and bloom from April to
June. Cressleaf groundsel occurs in wet woods, swamps, streambanks, wet ditches,
and pastures. The weed is uncommon, but is known to spread quickly. The related
weedy species, common groundsel (S. vulgaris), is more common, and is
distinguished by the absence of ray flowers and a solid, shorter stem. Common
groundsel is found in fields and waste places.
Groundsel species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (e.g., senecionine), which cause irreversible liver damage
with prolonged exposure. All parts of common groundsel contain toxins; however, toxin concentrations are
greatest in the flowers, and in the leaves just before flowers reach maturity. Obvious signs of poisoning
often do not appear until liver damage is severe. Early symptoms include anorexia and depression and are
followed by incoordination, diarrhea, presence of hemoglobin in the urine, cirrhosis of the liver, and death.
JOHNSONGRASS (Sorghum halepense) – Johnsongrass is a tall (up to 10 feet)

coarse-textured perennial grass that reproduces by rhizomes and seeds. Leaves are
rolled in the bud and have a tall membranous ligule with shallow teeth on the top.
Leaf blades are long (eight to 24 inches), smooth, and flat, with a thick, prominent
white midvein. Leaves are usually bright green, but they may also contain purple
pigmented spots. In the vegetative stage, Johnsongrass looks like a narrow-leaved
corn plant. The seedhead is large, purple, and pyramidal in shape, with dark reddish-
brown, oval seeds.
Johnsongrass was brought to United States from the Mediterranean as a contaminant

of crop seeds. It is named for Colonel William Johnson who introduced this species on
his farm in Alabama around 1840. Johnsongrass is often found in many Ohio
counties, especially along irrigated canals, fields, and other areas with rich soils. This
species is considered among the world’s 10 worst weeds.
Hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) is produced in the leaves and stems of Johnsongrass when it is subjected to
drought, trampling, frost, herbicide treatment, and even cutting. Toxicity is identical to that of Prunus
poisoning and results in hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues). The first symptoms appear
within a few minutes following ingestion. Affected animals exhibit excitement, incoordination, convulsions,
rapid and labored breathing, bloating, and coma. Death can occur in less than an hour due to internal
asphyxiation.
Toxic levels of nitrates can accumulate in Johnsongrass following heavy fertilization or drought and result
in toxicosis which may be confused with cyanide poisoning. Common symptoms of nitrate poisoning include
stomach and intestinal irritation and may result in hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues).
Horses are less susceptible to cyanide and nitrate poisoning than are ruminants.
SORGHUMS (Sorghum vulgare, Sorghum vulgare sudanense) and hybrids – Sorghums are tall (up to
eight feet), coarse, annual grasses with large terminal panicles. There are numerous varieties, some of
which are cultivated for forage, syrup, broom, or grain production. Under unfavorable conditions, all may
be poisonous.
As with Johnsongrass, hydrocyanic acid is produced in sorghum in response to drought, trampling, frost, or
second growth, and nitrates accumulate with heavy fertilization or drought. Affected animals exhibit signs
of hypoxia, including difficulty breathing, bloat, staggering, convulsions, and death. Sorghum poisoning is
especially a problem in horses following grazing of sorghum pastures for several weeks to months.
The appearance of sorghums is very similar to Johnson Grass, page 75.
NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
The Solanaceae, or nightshade family, contains several important

poisonous plants. The toxic principle is the same for all. The glycoalkaloid,
solanine, is produced in leaves, shoots, and unripe berries, and causes
gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system problems. Symptoms
of poisoning include acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, weakness,
incoordination, difficulty breathing, excess salivation, and death.
The most important species in Ohio are eastern black nightshade,

bittersweet nightshade, horsenettle, and two species of groundcherry. The common potato can also be
dangerous, in that white sprouts and green parts of the plant, especially green skinned tubers, are
poisonous. Identifying features of the weedy species are given here.
Eastern black nightshade is an example of the nightshade family. See page 77.
EASTERN BLACK NIGHTSHADE (Solanum nigrum) is an erect annual. Leaves are coarsely and shallowly
toothed, with slight pubescence on the undersurface. Flowers are white to purple and are borne in an open
cluster. The juicy, many-seeded berries are initially green, ripening to purplish black. Eastern black
nightshade is widespread in Ohio and is found along stream banks, thickets, roadsides, row crop fields, and
other open, disturbed habitats.
BITTERSWEET NIGHTSHADE (Solanum dulcamara) is also known as European

bittersweet, poison berry, climbing nightshade, and deadly nightshade. It was
introduced from Eurasia as an ornamental and is now distributed throughout Ohio. It
is found in hedgerows, ditches, waste areas, and open fields, especially areas that
tend to be moist or even waterlogged for a portion of the year. Bittersweet
nightshade is a creeping perennial vine that spreads by rhizomes and reproduces by
seed. Leaves are arranged alternate on a dark red to black woody stem. The leaves
are of two forms – one is simple and ovate and the other is similar with additional
basal lobes. Both forms are two to four-and-one-half inches in length, have smooth
leaf margins, and are a dark green color with a purple tinge. Leaves may be either
with or without hair. Flower clusters branch from the main stem. Flowers are one-half
inches in diameter, with five purple petals that join together to form a star-shape
with a yellow center. Fruits are oval green (immature) to red (mature) berries and
are thin-skinned with many flat, yellow round seeds. Leaves, stems, and berries can
be poisonous.
HORSENETTLE (Solanum carolinense) is sometimes called bull nettle,

devil’s potato, or wild tomato. It is an erect creeping perennial weed that
spreads by rhizomes and reproduces by seeds. Horsenettle is characterized
by hard sharp yellowish spines found on the stems and leaves. Leaves are
alternate, finely hairy on both surfaces, egg-shaped (one-and-one-half to
five-and-one-half inches long and three-quarters to two-and-one-half
inches wide), with very coarsely toothed margins, resembling a poinsettia
leaf. Flowers are star-shaped with five white to violet petals with bright
yellow anthers. Fruits are green when young and turn to yellow-orange
and wrinkle as they mature. Berries contain many round, flat, yellow to orange seeds. Horsenettle is native
to the southeastern United States but is distributed throughout all Ohio counties. It is commonly found in
pastures because most animals will avoid eating it; it is also found in waste areas and open fields. All parts
of the plant are poisonous, with the level of solanine highest in the fall.
GROUNDCHERRIES include seven species of the genus Physalis which

have been found in Ohio, the most common being smooth groundcherry
(P. longifolia var. subglabrata) and clammy groundcherry (P.
heterophylla). The main difference between the two species is that the
former is smooth and the latter is densely hairy. Both species are found in
almost all counties of Ohio and are sometimes called hog-plum, husk-
tomato, or wild-pompion. They are commonly found in cultivated and
reduced tillage agronomic fields, as well as in pastures, along roadsides,
and in waste areas. Both groundcherry species are erect perennials
growing one to three-feet in height. They reproduce by seed and vegetatively by creeping roots. Stems are
ridged and hollow, with spreading branches. Leaves (two- to four-inches long and three-quarters to one-
and-one-half-inches wide) are alternate, unevenly toothed, and approximately diamond-shaped, tapering
towards the petioles. Flowers are bell-shaped with a yellow corolla (one-half inches in diameter) that may
have a violet-spotted center. A five-sided lanternlike pod hangs from the plant and encloses a berry or
groundcherry. The fruit is a green to purple fleshy berry approximately one-half inch in diameter, with
many kidney-shaped seeds. Leaves and unripe fruit are poisonous.
JIMSONWEED (Datura stramonium) is a foul-smelling coarse annual. Stems are

erect, up to four feet tall, smooth to slightly pubescent, and green to purple. The leaf
shape resembles that of poinsettia, with irregular, coarsely toothed to shallowly lobed
margins. Flowers are borne singly on short stalks in the axils of branches. The flower
is a white to purple five-angled tube with a spreading, toothed, plaited border. The
funnel-shaped flower is two- to five-inches long and one to two inches across. The
fruit is a distinctive, hard, prickly, many-seeded capsule splitting into four sections.
The plant is native to the tropics but is naturalized throughout Ohio. It is common
around barnyards, feedlots (especially hog lots), cultivated fields, roadsides, and other
disturbed habitats. Other names for this weed are thorn-apple and jamestown-weed.
All parts of the plant, and seeds in particular, contain tropane alkaloids (atropine,
scopolamine, hyoscyamine). Because of the strong odor and taste, animals seldom
consume enough of the green plant to be affected, but poisonings result from eating the dry plant in hay or
silage, or from seeds mixed with grain. Affected animals may exhibit a weak, rapid pulse, dilated pupils,
dry mouth, incoordination, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, and sometimes death.
Back | Forward | Table of Contents

Toxic Plants by Degree of Toxicity
Return to Cover Page
Extremely Toxic
Moderately Toxic
Minimally Toxic
Extremely Toxic
Castorbean
White Snakeroot
Senecio, Ragwort
Water Hemlock
Poison Hemlock
Cocklebur
Pigweed
Jimsonweed
Johnsongrass
Cherry
Yew
Red Maple
Easter Lily
Oleander
Rosary Pea
Moderately Toxic
Dumbcane (Aroid Family)
Bulbs
Lupine
Rhubarb
Azalea, Rhododendron
Oats
Ergot
Fescue
Yellow, White Sweetclover
Tobacco
Larkspur
Brackenfern
Green False Hellebore
Milkweed
Horsetail
Mustards
Spurges
Nightshades
Buckeye, Horsechestnut
Black Walnut
Red Oak
Black Locust
Minimally Toxic
Foxtail Barley
Common Burdock
English Ivy
Catnip
Poinsettia, Christmas Plant
Tansy
Alsike Clover
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Dutchman's Breeches
Buttercups
Stinging Nettle
Marijuana
St. Johnswort
Star of Bethlehem
Pokeweed
Bouncing Bet
Herb Potential Toxic Effect Borage (Borago officinalis) Skin irritation Calamus (Acorus calamus) Skin
irritation, stomach upset, may cause cancer Chaparral (Larrea indentata) Liver damage Comfrey
(Symphytum officinale) Liver damage Ephedra; Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) Agitation, high blood pressure,
rapid heart beat, convulsions Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) Liver damage Life root (Senecio aureus)
Liver damage Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Liver damage. Concentrated oil can cause convulsions, shock,
and multi organ failure Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Liver damage. Concentrated oil can cause
hallucinations, trembling, shock, and possibly cancer.
Plants Poisonous to Cats
Alfalfa Elephant Ear Narcissus
Almond (Pits of) Emerald Feather Needlepoint Ivy
Aloe Vera English Ivy Nephytis
Alocasia Eucalyptus Nightshade
Amaryllis Euonymus
Apple (seeds) Evergreen Oleander
Apple Leaf Croton Onion
Apricot (Pits of) Ferns Oriental Lily *
Arrowgrass Fiddle-leaf fig
Asparagus Fern Florida Beauty Peace Lily
Autumn Crocus Flax Peach (pits and wilting
Avacado (fuit and pit) Four O'Clock leaves)
Azalea Foxglove Pencil Cactus
Baby's Breath Fruit Salad Plant Peony
Baneberry Periwinkle
Bayonet Geranium Philodendron
Beargrass German Ivy Pimpernel
Beech Giant Dumb Cane Plumosa Fern
Belladonna Glacier IvyGolden Chain Poinciana
Bird of Paradise Gold Dieffenbachia Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Bittersweet Gold Dust Dracaena Poison Hemlock
Black-eyed Susan Golden Glow Poison Ivy
Black Locust Golden Pothos Poison Oak
Bleeding Heart Gopher Purge Pokeweed
Bloodroot Poppy
Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy Potato
Bluebonnet
Heartland Philodendron Pothos
Box
Hellebore Precatory Bean
Boxwood
Hemlock, Poison Primrose
Branching Ivy
Hemlock, Water Privet, Common
Buckeyes
Henbane
Buddist Pine
Holly Red Emerald
Burning Bush
Honeysuckle Red Princess
Buttercup
Horsebeans Red-Margined Dracaena
Cactus, Candelabra Horsebrush Rhododendron
Caladium Horse Chestnuts Rhubarb
Calla Lily Hurricane Plant Ribbon Plant
Castor Bean Hyacinth Rosemary Pea
Ceriman Hydrangea Rubber Plant
Charming Dieffenbachia
Indian Rubber Plant Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Cherry (pits, seeds & wilting
Indian Tobacco Sago Palm
leaves)
Iris Satin Pothos
Cherry, most wild varieties
Iris Ivy Schefflera
Cherry, ground
Scotch Broom
Cherry, Laurel Jack in the Pulpit Silver Pothos
Chinaberry Janet Craig Dracaena Skunk Cabbage
Chinese Evergreen Japanese Show Lily * Snowdrops
Christmas Rose Java Beans Snow on the Mountain
Chrysanthemum Jessamine Spotted Dumb Cane
Cineria Jerusalem Cherry Staggerweed
Clematis Jimson Weed Star of Bethlehem
Cordatum Jonquil String of Pearls
Coriaria Jungle Trumpets Striped Dracaena
Cornflower
Sweetheart Ivy
Corn Plant Kalanchoe Sweetpea
Cornstalk Plant
Swiss Cheese plant
Croton Lacy Tree Philodendron
Corydalis Lantana
Crocus, Autumn Larkspur Tansy Mustard
Crown of Thorns Laurel Taro Vine
Cuban Laurel Lily Tiger Lily *
Cutleaf Philodendron Lily Spider Tobacco
Cycads Lily of the Valley Tomato Plant (green fruit,
Cyclamen Locoweed stem and leaves)
Lupine Tree Philodendron
Daffodil
Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia
Daphne Madagascar Dragon Tree
Tulip
Datura Marble Queen
Tung Tree
Deadly Nightshade Marigold
Death Camas Marijuana Virginia Creeper
Devil's Ivy Mescal Bean
Delphinium Mexican Breadfruit Water Hemlock
Decentrea Miniature Croton Weeping Fig
Dieffenbachia Mistletoe Wild Call
Dracaena Palm Mock Orange Wisteria
Dragon Tree Monkshood
Dumb Cane Moonseed Yews --
Morning Glory e.g. Japanese Yew
Easter Lily * Mother-in Law's Tongue English Yew
Eggplant Morning Glory Western Yew
Elaine Mountain Laurel American Yew
Elderberry Mushrooms
List compiled by Jeffrey D. Rakes

Reprinted from PET Magazine's Cat Care Guide, Summer 1987
Updated with the assistance of Dr. Jill Richardson,

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center, December 1997
Plants Poisonous
to Livestock
Lisa M. Axton
Beverly R. Durgan
Table of Contents
Introduction
Brackenfern
Butterfly Milkweed
Chokecherry
Cocklebur
Hoary Alyssum
Horsetail
Nightshade family
Nitrate accumulators
Oaks
Poison Hemlock
Smallflower Buttercup
Spotted Water Hemlock
Tall Buttercup
White Snakeroot
Poisonous plants found in Minnesota (Table 1.)
References (Table 2. )
Glossary
Poisonous Plants in the Landscape

Robert R. Westerfield and Gary L. Wade, Extension Horticulturists
While most of us are familiar with common poisonous plants

that cause dermatitis (skin irritations) such as Poison Ivy or
Poison Oak, we fail to recognize common ornamental plants in
the landscape that may cause internal poisoning when ingested.
Although most adults would not intentionally eat the leaves or
fruit of ornamental plants in the landscape, young children or
pets sometimes do.
The purpose of this publication is to familiarize you with some of

the common landscape plants known to have poisonous
properties when ingested. You may be surprised to learn just
how many of our common plants, such as azaleas, hydrangeas,
boxwood and English ivy, are known to have poisonous
properties.
Please note, however, that the term "POISONOUS" used in this

publication does not imply that the plant is fatal. Some plants
may be only mildly toxic and may cause stomach ache or mild
irritation of the mouth and throat when ingested. There are also
a number of variables that determine how severe the poisoning
symptoms may be, such as the age, weight and health status of
a person in relationship to the quantity of the plant ingested as
well as the form that the plant was in at the time of ingestion
(i.e., cooked versus raw, ripe fruit versus unripe fruit, etc.).
It is not the intent of this publication to discourage you from

planting any of the plants on the list, but to make you aware of
their potential hazard when used in landscapes frequented by
young children, domestic animals or mentally challenged adults.
As the saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure." Prevention is the best medicine to prevent toxic plant
poisoning.
Internal poisons are a group of chemically different

substances that, when ingested:
• Act on the brain causing narcotic reactions and other

mental disturbances.
• Affect the spinal cord resulting in paralysis and

convulsions.
• Act as heart depressants and stimulants.
• Irritate the digestive tract and nervous system.
To help prevent plant poisonings, follow these safety tips:
• Know the names of all the plants in your landscape. If you need help identifying a plant, take a
piece of it to a nursery, florist or your county extension agent.
• Label all of your plants with their names so you can identify a plant that has been eaten.
• Keep plants, seeds, and bulbs out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
• Do not eat wild plants or mushrooms. Cooking poisonous plants does not make them safe to eat.
• Do not consume mushrooms growing in your landscape.
• Keep weed and insect killers in a locked cabinet, out of the reach of children and pets. Never put
them in bottles used for drinking.
• Keep children and pets away from lawns newly sprayed with garden chemicals.
• Teach your children to never put any part of a plant into their mouths.
What to Do in a Poison Emergency
• In the event of a poison emergency call the Georgia Poison Center. Keep the number near
your telephone.
Call 24-Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week:

In Metro Atlanta Call: 404-616-9000
Outside Metro Atlanta Call: 1-800-282-5846
Teletype for the deaf and hearing impaired only: TDD 404-616-2987
If a poisoning occurs and the person is having trouble breathing, experiencing seizures, or will not wake
up, CALL 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
• Be prepared to give:
1. the attending physician the name of plant, if known, or description (save uneaten parts).
2. how long ago it was eaten.
3. how much and which parts were eaten.
4. age of individual.
5. symptoms.
If hospitalization is required, take a portion of the suspect plant with you for positive identification.
• The attached table lists common ornamental plants known to be toxic when ingested.
While this is not a complete list, it contains many plants commonly found in home
landscapes in Georgia.
Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Plant Name Botanical Name Toxic Plant Symptoms
Part
Air potato Dioscorea raw fruit abdominal pain, nausea
bulbifera
Algerian Ivy** Hedera all parts diarrhea, nervousness, labored respiration,
canariensis convulsions
Allamanda Allamanda spp. all parts nausea, high temperature, dryness of the
mouth
Amaryllis Amaryllis spp. bulbs and gastrointestinal problems, vomiting,
seeds diarrhea
American Thuja occidentalis leaves low blood pressure, convulsions
Arborvitae**
Angel's Datura spp. all parts blurring of vision, delirium
Trumpet**
Anise-tree** Illicium leaves abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions,
floridanum, death
Illicium anisatum
Azalea Rhododendron all parts nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness,
spp. breathing difficulty, coma
Barberry Berberis spp. all parts depressant action on the heart muscle
Black Locust Robinia bark, seeds nausea, weakness, depression
pseudoacacia
Boxwood Buxus leaves gastric, vomiting
sempervirens
Buckeye Aesculus spp. all parts digestive irritant, nausea, vomiting
Caladium Caladium bicolor all parts burning in mouth and throat, vomiting
Calla-lily Zantedeschia spp. all parts burning and inflammation of the mouth and
throat
Castor bean Ricinus communis seeds burning in mouth and throat, gastric and
intestinal problems
Century Plant Agave americana leaves vomiting, diarrhea
Cherry (all Prunus spp. leaves, bark, gasping, nervous disorder
species) seeds
Clematis Clematis spp. all parts gastrointestinal irritation
Crinum Lily Crinum spp. bulb vomiting, diarrhea
Delphinium** Delphinium spp. all parts digestive upset, nervous excitement or
depression
Elderberry Sambucus root, bark, Has caused nausea and vomiting in children
canadensis stem, leaves who have used stems as toys. Raw berries
may cause nausea. Fruit commonly made
into pies, jelly and wine - not harmful when
cooked.
Elephant Colocasia all parts intense burning and irritation of the tongue
Ear** esculenta
English Ivy** Hedera helix leaves, stems, headache, fever, anxiety, breathing
fruits difficulty, coma
Eucalyptus** Eucalyptus spp. leaves nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness,
respiratory difficulty
False Baptisia spp. all parts paralysis
Indigo**
Firethorn Pyracantha spp. berries stomach ache, blistering of tongue, vomiting
Four-o-clock Mirabilis jalpa root, seeds vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba fruit violent stomach pain, kidney disorders
(female)
Gloriosa Lily Gloriosa superba all parts numbness of lips, tongue and throat,
nervous system paralysis
Holly Ilex spp. Berries vomiting, diarrhea
Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, all parts diarrhea, pupil dilation, irregular heartbeat,
Japanese & Lonicera respiratory failure, coma
Trumpet** sempervirens
Hydrangea, Hydrangea leaves, bark gastric, intestinal, convulsions
Oakleaf quercifolia,
Hydrangea, Hydrangea
Bigleaf macrophylla
Hydrangea, Hydrangea
Smooth arborescens
Impatiens, Impatiens spp. stem, leaves, vomiting, diarrhea
balsam root
Iris Iris spp. underground severe digestive tract discomfort
stems
Jack-in-the- Arisaema spp. all parts mouth and throat irritation, vomiting
Pulpit
Juniper Juniperus spp. berry-like kidney damage
seeds
Lantana** Lantana spp. fruit gastric, vomiting, diarrhea, circulatory
collapse
Lily-of-the- Convallaria all parts nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular
Valley majalis heartbeat and pulse, mental confusion
Lilies** (Rain Zephyranthus all parts dizziness, stomach pain, collapse, fatal to
Lily, Atamasco spp. livestock
Lily, Easter
Lily)
Mahonia Mahonia spp. all parts depressant action on the heart muscle
Mimosa Albizzia spp. all parts intestinal irritation
Morning Glory Ipomoea spp. seeds, root hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle
tightness
Mountain Kalmia latifolia leaves, twigs, gastric, paralysis, convulsions
Laurel** flowers
Oleander** Nerium oleander all parts dizziness, irregular heart beat, nausea,
L. convulsions, death. This is one of the most
toxic ornamental plants in the southeast
Ornamental Nicotiana spp. all parts weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
Tobacco** paralysis
Periwinkle Vinca minor all parts intestinal irritation
(vine)
Periwinkle Catharanthus all parts hallucinations, damage to liver, kidney,
(annual) roseus nervous system
Plumbago Plumbago spp. leaves, stems stomach pain
Privet Ligustrum spp. fruit nausea, headache, abdominal pain,
vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure
Sago Palm Cycas revoluta seeds, roots, headache, vomiting, stomach disorders
trunk pith
Sweet shrub Calycanthus seeds affects central nervous system, spasms,
floridus increased heart rate
Trumpet Campsis radicans all parts gastric irritation, dilated pupils, numbness in
Creeper except fruit hands
(Chalice Vine)
Virginia Parthenocissus berries, nausea, bloody vomiting, abdominal pain,
Creeper quinquefolia leaves kidney damage, headache
(Woodbine)
Wisteria Wisteria spp. pods, seeds stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Yew** Taxus spp. berries, foliage more toxic than berries, death can
foliage be sudden without symptoms
Blackleg and Other Clostridial Diseases
Download pdf - 129K
Clostridial diseases inflict heavy losses among livestock in Alberta every year. The family of bacteria,
Clostridia, are responsible for these diseases. They generally cause a fatal infection when they enter the
animal's body. The bacteria are capable of living for years in the soil because of their ability to form
spores, which protect them from the action of the weather. The following diseases are discussed in this
factsheet:
• Blackleg
• Malignant edema
• Enterotoxemias Black disease
• Red water disease
• Tetanus (Lock jaw)
Blackleg
Blackleg is a disease of cattle, and less frequently of sheep, caused by the soil-borne bacterium,
Clostridium chauvei. The disease develops rapidly in affected animals and often deaths occur before the
owner has noticed any sickness in the herd.
Distribution
Blackleg occurs on all continents, although there are some local areas in various countries which are not
affected. Most parts of Alberta are affected, but new outbreaks are found almost yearly in areas where the
disease has not previously been reported. For this reason, livestock owners should not assume they will
not have blackleg losses simply because they never have before. Because the causative bacteria are soil-
borne, the disease may be introduced to new areas in several ways, including windstorms, water-ways and
wild animals.
Signs
Blackleg commonly occurs in the warmer months of the year in young animals on pasture. Calves and
yearlings are most often affected. Often no symptoms are observed; the animals are found dead on the
pasture with no previous signs of illness. At other times, one or more of the young calves show signs of
illness by a high fever, lack of appetite, depression, lameness, and swellings that appear in the muscles on
various parts of the body. Sometimes the leg muscles are involved, or the muscles in the region of the
back, hip, flank, chest or shoulder. In the latter stage of the disease, these swellings spread and become
quite mushy, producing a characteristic crackling sound when pressed with the hand. This sound is due to
the gas under the skin which is produced by the growing bacteria.
Postmortem changes
Putrefaction occurs rapidly in the carcass of an animal infected with blackleg and results in a typical
bloated appearance of the carcass soon after death. The legs are extended stiffly and a frothy, bloody
discharge is often apparent at the anus and the nostrils. The skin over the swelling is usually normal but in
the centre it may have undergone dry gangrene. When cut open and examined, the swellings are usually
found to contain discolored serum and gas. When affected muscles are cut open, they are usually found
swollen and either black or darker in color than normal, with gas present. It is unwise to cut open a
swelling unless necessary for a diagnosis, as this increases the contamination of the soil.
Diagnosis
Livestock owners should familiarize themselves with the signs of this dangerous and costly disease, so that
cases are not ignored or passed off as bloat. A veterinarian should be called to make an accurate diagnosis
as soon as possible. A wrong diagnosis, or no diagnosis, could be serious and expensive because more
animals may become infected and result in heavy losses in the herd. It is often difficult to make an exact
diagnosis in the field because of the similarity of the signs of blackleg to certain other diseases. Lead,
mercury and arsenic poisoning and bloat, as well as some of the plant poisons, can be confused with
blackleg.
Although certain features of the disease are characteristic, a positive diagnosis requires laboratory
confirmation. Contact your local veterinarian about submitting specimens for laboratory analysis. The
laboratory will need a portion of the affected muscle tissue placed in a clean glass jar or plastic bag and
packed so that it will not break or leak, and sent, packed in ice, to the laboratory as soon as possible after
the death of the animal.
Treatment
If cases are noted in the early stages of infection, they may respond to immediate treatment with penicillin
or other antibiotics in large doses. It is essential, of course, that an accurate diagnosis be made in order
that the correct treatment is given. In recovered cases, the animal may be stiff in the leg, shoulder, etc.,
due to shrinking or thickening of the muscles.
Control and prevention

Because it is practically impossible to prevent animals from coming into contact with the disease, the chief
control method for blackleg lies in building up resistance in the animals by use of a bacterin or vaccine. The
recommended procedure for vaccination is to inoculate all young cattle between one and three months of
age with a bacterin. Because blackleg and malignant edema are so similar and often may both be present
in an outbreak, it is recommended that the so-called mixed bacterin be used. This contains the killed
bacteria of both diseases, (Clostridium chauvei and Clostridium septicum). A second injection of the
bacterin should be given when an animal reaches six months of age. To be on the safe side, and to ensure
as permanent immunity as possible where the disease has occurred before, all the cattle should be
revaccinated annually until they reach three years of age. Routine vaccination procedures will vary with the
type of livestock operation involved.
In case of an outbreak of blackleg in a herd, it is advisable to vaccinate or revaccinate, as the case may be,
all of the animals with a recommended dose of the bacterin. As with other vaccines, there is a period of
about two weeks following vaccination in which the animals have not built up a strong resistance to the
disease. Losses may continue during this period, so it may be advisable to move the herd to another
pasture after losses from blackleg occur and vaccination is carried out.
The bacterins used for vaccination against blackleg and malignant edema are perishable products and
deteriorate rapidly if they are not stored properly. The manufacturer's directions regarding storage and
handlng should be rigidly followed in order to assure that the vaccine is at it's highest potency. After the
vaccination has been completed, any partially used vaccine containers should be discarded and not
retained for later use.
Sanitation
The bacteria that cause blackleg are capable of living in the soil. They have the capacity to form spores
which can protect the organism from the effects of weather, and hence soil can remain infected for many
years. Carcasses
of animals affected by the disease are the chief source of soil infection. They harbor the germs in large
numbers and liberate them from both artificial and natural body openings into the surrounding soil. For this
reason, every dead animal should be promptly burned or buried. The surface of the ground may be treated
by burning it over with a heavy layer of straw, used oil, etc.
Malignant Edema
This disease, commonly called stable blackleg, is very similar to blackleg. In fact, the similarity is so close
that often a diagnosis can be made only when the specific bacteria are identified in the laboratory.
Furthermore, both organisms may be present in the same outbreak, or even in the same animal. Malignant
edema does differ from blackleg in some respects. It is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium septicum.
It is more common in older animals, and also is more likely to occur during the winter months than
blackleg.
The preceding information on blackleg also applies to malignant edema, and for practical purposes,
symptoms, treatment and control are the same.
Blackleg and malignant edema of sheep

These two diseases are indistinguishable in sheep, except by laboratory examination. However, the
conditions are not commonly seen in Alberta. The infection occurs in sheep after contamination of wounds
by soil-borne spores. This method of infection by blackleg or malignant edema may cause losses from
navel infection in new-born lambs, in rams after fighting, and from contamination of wounds inflicted
during shearing, dipping, lambing, castrating, or docking. The diseases may occur in sheep of any age. The
control, treatment and prevention of these diseases are the same as for these infections in cattle.
Particular attention should be given to cleansing and disinfection of instruments, hands, etc., when
operating on sheep. In areas where this disease is known to exist, lambs should be vaccinated at one
month of age with one-half the dose recommended for cattle. A booster injection should be given at three
months of age.
Enterotoxemias
The clostridial enterotoxemias can occur in all farm animal species. Clostridium perfringens is a normal
inhabitant of the intestinal tract. Under certain conditions the organisms multiply rapidly, producing
harmful levels of toxin. Rapidly growing, well fed animals are most susceptible to the disease.
Clostridium perfringens Type C has been incriminated as the cause of acute bloody enteritis in young
calves and lambs. Affected animals are usually under three weeks of age and usually found dead. A
postmortem is required to confirm the diagnosis. The disease is prevented by vaccinating dams in late
pregnancy with a Type C toxoid.
Enterotoxemia due to Clostridium perfringens Type D (pulpy kidney disease, overeating disease) is by far
the most common form of enterotoxemia in sheep and goats. While most common in lambs, it also occurs
in adult sheep, goats and calves. Lambs in the best nutritional condition are usually affected at two
approximate ages - in nursing lambs when they are two to twelve weeks of age; or later, at four to six
months, soon after entering feedlots. The death loss among affected lambs may be 100 per cent.
Sudden deaths in a group of lambs at these two age levels should be viewed with suspicion, and diagnosis
entrusted to a qualified veterinarian. Effective prevention in young animals requires annual vaccination of
ewes in late pregnancy using a vaccine containing Type D toxoid. An early diagnosis and effective
vaccination program can help considerably to reduce losses in a flock.
In feeder lambs, reduction in the amount of the grain ration for a few days also helps to reduce losses.
Experience in several flocks in Alberta has shown that routine vaccination of lambs with Clostridium
perfringens Type D bacterin results in thriftier and more efficient lambs. However, the main methods of
preventing this disease in feeder lambs is to stop them from overeating when first placed in the feed lot. A
small amount of grain should be fed at first, and the grain ration gradually increased as the lambs become
accustomed to it.
Black Disease
This is a disease of sheep found mainly in the areas that are affected with the parasite known as the liver
fluke, which, fortunately, is quite rare in Alberta. The infection is caused by the bacterium Clostridium
novyi, which becomes active in the liver tissue damaged by the liver fluke and then produces the disease.
Feeder lambs from the drier pasture areas may suffer severe death losses within three weeks to a month
after being placed on fluke-infected pastures or having access to irrigation ditches and swampy spots.
Death occurs suddenly.
Since postmortem lesions of this condition can be easily confused with a number of other diseases, a
veterinarian should be called for an accurate diagnosis. Control relies on vaccines and the reduction or
elimination of the liver fluke from infected areas.
Red Water Disease
This is a condition of cattle caused by the bacterium Clostridium haemolyticum. The disease was so named
because of the red color of the urine, which is one of the striking symptoms seen in infected animals.
Animals affected with this condition rapidly become sick, with a high fever and depression; death occurs in
24 to 36 hours. A veterinarian should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis of the disease. The term "red
water" is confusing, because reddening of the urine occurs in several other cattle diseases. The liver
undergoes characteristic changes with this disease, hence the entire organ, if possible, should be
submitted to the laboratory to confirm the condition. Veterinarians have an antiserum available, which is
fairly effective in the early stages of this disease. Vaccines may be used as a preventive measure in areas
where the infection is known to exist.
Tetanus
This disease, commonly called Lock Jaw, results from the infection of a wound with the soil-borne
bacterium Clostridium tetani. Among domestic animals, the horse is the most susceptible. While the
disease is rare in Alberta, it is a serious problem in some parts of Canada.
Signs
Tetanus is characterized by a very high fever and the development of rigid, tense muscles. An infected
horse will be unable to open it's mouth. In the latter stages, the animal goes down and the muscles over
the entire body become hard and contracted. Treatment of infected animals includes early cleansing and
disinfection of wounds and the use of antitoxins.
Vaccinations
There are a variety of clostridial organisms that can cause illness and death in farm animals. Though some
diseases are uncommon, they can occur, and for this reason alone, the routine use of combined clostridial
vaccines is recommended. Clostridial vaccines are very effective, especially when administered at frequent
intervals. Current multiple vaccines are capable of immunizing against seven or eight separate clostridial
diseases.
Carcass blemishes may result from intramuscular injection of certain products, even when administered to
young animals months before slaughter. Clostridial vaccines should be administered subcutaneously in the
neck region. "Tent" the skin and use a needle no longer than 2.5 cm to administer the vaccine.
Currently, there are no commercial clostridial vaccines licenced for use in goats in Canada. Goat producers
have used vaccines approved for use in sheep. This is an extra-label use and done at the risk of the
producer.
Remember to Control Blackleg and Its Allies

• Have all losses autopsied by your veterinarian.
• Vaccinate all calves routinely at one to three months, six months, and again at one year of age.
• Refrigerate the bacterin at all times until used.
• Once blackleg or malignant edema has occurred, the premises will remain infected for many years.
• Burn or bury all animal carcasses.
• If blackleg or malignant edema strike, revaccinate all cattle under three years of age.
Clostridial diseases of sheep and cattle Disclaimer
DPI
Blackleg, pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia), black disease, tetanus, and

malignant oedema are clostridial diseases that cause death in sheep and
cattle throughout Australia. Other animals, particularly goats, are also
susceptible. Individual properties sometimes have heavy losses. This is
despite the availability of vaccines against these diseases which, when used
properly, will provide good protection.
• The clostridial family of bacteria

• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Control
• The principles of immunity
• The likely diseases and the risk
• Economic factors
• Storage and handling of vaccine
• Related Stories
The clostridial family of bacteria Top

Clostridial organisms of various types are found in the soil, where they can survive for a very long time. In
fact, when conditions are favourable, the blackleg organisms can even multiply in the soil. Most clostridial
organisms can also occur quite naturally in the gut of healthy animals. They live there causing no trouble,
pass in the manure of animals, and consequently, contaminate the soil. The clostridial organisms grow only
where there is a lack of oxygen, such as in rotting vegetable matter in the soil.
In animals, the organism multiplies in dead or bruised tissue inside the body. This dead tissue could be a
result of an injury such as castration, young liver fluke moving through the liver, or bruising of muscles.
When the clostridial organisms grow they produce powerful toxins (poisons). Their effects are usually fatal
(see Table 1).
Table 1. Clostridial diseases
Disease Species Predisposing causes Features and comments

affected
Black disease Sheep mainly. Damage to liver by young Sudden death, particularly in sheep.
(infectious Cattle, pigs migrating liver fluke Affected sheep have dark skin and wool
necrotic rarely. plucks out easily; darkening of skin of
hepatitis) Horses rarely. udder in cattle. Plug of yellowish dead
tissue in liver- on surface in sheep, deeply
embedded in cattle. Signs of liver fluke
damage, rapid decomposition of carcase.
Blackleg Cattle, sheep Damage to muscles, such as Sudden death. Affected animals in good
bruising. In sheep blackleg condition. May be swelling of leg; this leg
tends to follow injury, such as may crackle when touched, particularly in
vaccination, shearing, calves. Rapid decomposition and bloating
castration, mulesing. of carcase.
Malignant Cattle mainly. Injury such as castration, Swelling, discharge from wound, death
oedema (False Sheep, pigs, mulesing, shearing, usually after 1-2 days. Practice good
blackleg) and horses vaccination, dog bites, crow hygiene at marking- use portable yards
Gas gangrene attacks, use of dirty on well-grassed area.
instruments for marking and
shearing.
Sheep Rams fighting, especially Extensive swelling of the head, eyelids
young rams. closed; death in about 48 hours, though
some recover if treated early. "Swelled
head" of rams (specific case of malignant
oedema)
Enterotoxaemia Sheep High levels of starchy food in Death is extremely rapid, occuring in 2-3
(pulpy kidney) Cattle diet; anything that causes hours; convulsions in young animals.
slowing of gut movement. Rapid decomposition gives rise to "pulpy
kidneys"; heart sac may contain fluid.
Older or partly immune sheep appear
distressed, may collapse, legs extended,
back and neck arched. Exercise and
additional roughage can help to prevent
the disease.
Tetanus Sheep mainly In sheep particularly, use of Signs appear 3-10 days after injury in
Cattle, horses, rubber rings for marking; lambs, longer in other animals. General
pigs shearing wounds. body stiffness and muscular spasms;
Dogs rarely. In horses, nail pricks in hoof. animals very sensitive; third eyelid
In cattle after calving. In pigs protrudes markedly. Special attention
after castration. Deep should be given to hygiene in marking
penetrating wounds. lambs.
Diagnosis Top
The most important thing to do when sudden deaths of stock occur is to get an accurate diagnosis. This is
important for two reasons: firstly, the possibility that the disease is anthrax should be considered. Animals
suspected of dying from anthrax should not be moved or cut up in any way. Many of the clostridial
diseases can look like anthrax and so should be approached with caution. If anthrax is suspected the local
veterinary officer of Agriculture should be contacted immediately.
Clostridial diseases are usually fatal. Death occurs rapidly with black disease and blackleg, but takes
several days or weeks with tetanus. In severe outbreaks, many animals die suddenly. Occasional deaths
may be due to these diseases also. These are often overlooked. Secondly, an accurate diagnosis is needed
to decide which vaccine or vaccines to use.
Treatment Top
Treatment with antitoxins and large doses of antibiotics is expensive and usually not successful.
Control Top
When marking, vaccinating, mulesing and carrying out similar operations, hygiene is important to prevent
infection. Carcases should be disposed of properly. The major factor in controlling these diseases is to
develop satisfactory immunity within the animal at risk by vaccination. The vaccination program
undertaken in a herd or flock must take into account the principles of immunity, the diseases likely to
occur and economic factors.
The principles of immunity Top

Passive immunity is transferred from the mother to the offspring in the first milk (colostrum). If the mother
is boostered with 5 in 1 vaccine, about one month before the offspring is due to be born, the level of
protection and period of time for which the young animal is protected is increased. Active immunity
requires a primary course of two doses of vaccine 4 to 6 weeks apart to give a reasonable period of
protection. One dose provides a short period of immunity. The first dose is given at marking time, when
the protection from the mother's milk is starting to decline. Annual boosters are required to maintain the
protection, as well as providing antibodies in the colostrum to protect the young until it is old enough to be
vaccinated.
The likely diseases and the risk Top

The diseases likely to occur will vary from district to district and season to season. Owners should check
with their local veterinarian for advice as to the most suitable vaccine for their situation. In general, the
high risk times are spring and autumn following a good break resulting in abundant feed.
Economic factors Top

These include the value of the stock, the cost of vaccination and degree of risk the owner is willing to
accept. Various combinations of vaccines are available - 3-in-1 for sheep & goats (Pulpy kidney and
tetanus plus cheesy gland), 5-in-1 for sheep and cattle (five clostridial diseases), 6-in-1 for sheep & goats
(includes cheesy gland) and 7-in-1 for cattle (includes Leptospirosis H & P).
The cost of vaccination is cheap insurance against the death of valuable stock.
Storage and handling of vaccine Top
keep vaccine cool
buy only vaccine which has been stored in a cool place according to the manufacturer's
directions
always carry vaccine in a cool, insulated container, removing it only for use
purchase quantities of vaccine sufficient for use on the day as vaccine deteriorates overnight
follow recommended vaccination procedures strictly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Neil Farquhar, Wodonga
© The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, 2002.
This material may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee
that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and
therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or consequences which may arise from your relying on
any information contained in this material.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Related Stories
• Black Disease
• Blackleg
• Pulpy Kidney (Enterotoxaemia)
• Malignant Oedema and Tetanus
• Anthrax In Animals
In: A Guide to Plant Poisoning of Animals in North America, Knight A.P. and Walter R.G. (Eds.)
Publisher: Teton NewMedia, Jackson WY (www.veterinarywire.com)
Internet Publisher: International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY (www.ivis.org), 2003;
B0503.1102
Plants Affecting the Digestive System (Part III) (Last Updated: 19-Feb-2003 )
A. P. Knight and R. G. Walter

1
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
2
Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Table of Contents
Part I: Excessive Salivation
Part II: Gastrointestinal Impaction and Obstruction Caused by Plants
Vomiting
Nightshades
Part III: Diarrhea
Plants - Leafy Spurge
Lectins
Plants - Castor Bean, Precatory Bean, Black Locust, Mayapple, Privet
Rhododendron Grayanotoxins
Plants - Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Japanese Pieris, Fetter-Bush, Maleberry,
Common Box
Diarrhea
A variety of common plants may cause diarrhea when they are eaten by animals that do not have good
quality forages available to them. Invasive pasture plants such as Euphorbia esula (leafy spurge), Iris
missouriensis (wild iris), Equisetum arvense (horse tail, scouring rush), Helenium spp. (bitter
weeds), pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), and a variety of Brassica spp. (mustards) may cause
colic and diarrhea. English ivy, which can invade animal pastures and fence rows accessible to livestock,
may cause gastroenteritis, colic, and diarrhea (Table 3-3).
Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula - Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Habitat
Introduced from Eurasia, leafy spurge has become a troublesome weed of North America where it has
infested millions of acres in Canada and the north-central United States. It is listed as a noxious weed in
most states because of its ability to proliferate and displace normal forages.
Habitat of Leafy Spurge. Euphorbia esula - Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family). - To view click on figure -
Description
Leafy spurge is a prolific perennial, up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall, that
reproduces by seeds and an extensive root system. Leaves are alternate,
narrow 1 to 4 inches (2 to 10 cm) long. Multiple stems arise from root crowns. The plant contains a
milky sap in the stems and leaves. The flowers are small and yellowish green in color and are arranged
in terminal clusters. Conspicuous yellowish green heart-shaped bracts (often mistaken as the flower)
surround each flower (Fig. 3-31A). Seed capsules explode when dry, scattering the seeds widely, which
aids in the plant's rapid proliferation.
Figure 3-31A. Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). - To view click on figure -
Other spurges are potentially toxic to animals and include the tropical pencil tree (Euphorbia tirucalli), and
snow on the mountain (E. marginata) (Fig. 3-31B). Myrtle spurge (E. myrsinites) (Fig. 3-31C) has a
particularly irritating sap that causes dermatitis in some people who handle the plant.
Figure 3-31B. Snow on the mountain (Euphorbia marginata). - To view click on figure -
Figure 3-31C. Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
The specific toxin in leafy spurge has not been defined. Cattle, through negative feedback, learn to avoid
eating the plant once they have initially consumed small amounts of the plant [85]. Terpenes appear to be
the aversive chemical in the plant [86]. Even ensiling leafy spurge does not improve its palatability [87].
Sheep and goats readily eat leafy spurge and appear to be unaffected by it.
Table 3 - 3. Miscellaneous Plants Infrequently Associated with

Gastrointestinal Poisoning
Scientific Name Common Name Symptoms
Achillea milleform Yarrow Colic, diarrhea
Colic, diarrhea, staggering,

Baccharis halimifolia Eastern baccharis
trembling
Brassica spp. Mustards Colic, hemorrhagic diarrhea
Cephalanthus occidentalis Button bush Vomiting, weakness, death
Anorexia, diarrhea, depression,

Datisca glomerata Durango root
death
Hedera helix English ivy Colic, diarrhea
Hydrangea spp. Hydrangea Hemorrhagic diarrhea
Iris spp. Iris Colic, diarrhea
Phoradendron spp. Mistletoe Severe colic and diarrhea
Tulipa spp. Tulips Colic, diarrhea
Clinical Signs
Spurges are usually not eaten by cattle when other forages are available. Sheep and goats, however, will
eat the plants without apparent problem [88]. Spurges cause excessive salivation in some animals due to
the irritant effects of the plant sap. Cattle frequently develop diarrhea if they are compelled to eat leafy
spurge. Recovery is rapid once animals are provided more nutritious food.
Note - Leafy spurge is a noxious weed that should be vigorously controlled to prevent its rapid invasion of
pastures and rangeland where it will displace nutritious forbes and grasses. Sheep are effective biologic
controls for leafy spurge and can be profitably used to graze rangeland heavily infested with leafy spurge
[89]. Sheep can eat diets containing up to 40 to 50 percent leafy spurge without any evidence of disease
or decrease in weight gain [90]. The sheep can reduce the plant's biomass and density but will not
eradicate it. Approximately 5 percent of leafy spurge seeds eaten by sheep remain viable in the feces, and,
therefore, sheep can help spread the plant if not appropriately managed. Ideally sheep should be used to
graze the leafy spurge before it flowers and the seeds are produced. If sheep are grazing the plant when it
has seeds, they should be kept confined for at least 5 days before they are moved to leafy spurge-free
areas [91].
Lectins
A group of unrelated plants including castor bean (Ricinus communis), rosary pea (Abrus precatorius), and
black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) contain highly poisonous compounds called lectins that are capable of
causing severe poisoning in humans and animals. Lectins are some of the most toxic of known plant
compounds, and as glycoproteins (toxalbumins) are capable of binding to receptor sites on cells causing
inhibition of protein synthesis and cell death. Lectins are concentrated in the seeds, and it is the
consumption of the seeds that is most commonly the cause of poisoning in humans and animals. The seeds
have a tough outer coating and unless it is disrupted through chewing, the seeds will pass through the
digestive system without causing problems. Castor beans and rosary peas have a long history of causing
poisoning in children and adults [92-95]. Cattle, goats, horses, poultry, and dogs have been poisoned by
castor beans, and less frequently by rosary peas when they contaminate animal foods [95-101]. Cattle fed
"cake" made from castor beans following the extraction of castor oil may be poisoned unless the cake is
first treated with heat to destroy the ricin [95,102]. Properly detoxified castor bean meal is a useful protein
source for cattle.
Principal Toxins
The principal toxins in castor beans, rosary peas, and black locust are the glycoproteins ricin, abrin, and
robinin, respectively. Castor oil derived from the beans contains ricinoleic acid, an irritant that can cause
severe intestinal irritation with profound purgation. Various other alkaloids and proteins are present in the
seeds but are generally not toxic and have been used for a multitude of medicinal purposes [103]. Some of
the proteins act as agglutinins and are capable of causing red blood cell agglutination in vitro [96].
Agglutination is not a feature of orally ingested castor beans, and ricin, when injected systemically, does
not cause hemolysis, indicating that compounds other than ricin are involved [104].
Lectins, comprising two peptide chains joined by sulfide bonds, are capable of binding to certain cell
receptor sites and inhibit cellular protein synthesis in the ribosomes [105 ]. Because this process takes
time to occur, clinical signs of poisoning do not occur for several days after the ingestion of the lectins
[105]. An additional property of lectins, being proteins, is their ability to induce antibody formation when
injected into animals, a factor that has been explored in an attempt to develop antitoxins to ricin and abrin
[104]. The allergic reaction encountered in humans exposed to dust from castor beans is not a reported
problem in animals [103,107]. Ricin is also capable of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells that may have
potential for treating some tumors [108].
Ricin and abrin are some of the most poisonous plant compounds known, especially when administered by
injection. As little as 1 mg ricin is lethal to humans [93]. Reports of castor bean poisoning have varied
considerably as to the number of beans that will induce poisoning and death [89]. This may be accounted
for by variations in the quantity of ricin present in some castor beans and the degree to which the beans
had been chewed before they were swallowed. Human poisoning has occurred when 2.5 to 20 castor beans
have been eaten, and animals may be fatally poisoned with 4 to 11 beans [103]. A dose of 2 g/kg body
weight of ground castor beans is reported as lethal in cattle [109 ]. Horses are reportedly fatally poisoned
by as few as 60 seeds; ruminants appear to be less susceptible because abrin is broken down in the rumen
[110]. Goats experimentally fed 1 to 2 g/kg body weight of ground A. precatorius seeds died 2 to 5 days
later [96]. Thousands of wild ducks have been fatally poisoned by eating castor beans, and experimentally
domestic ducks could be poisoned by three to four seeds [111]. Studies in mice and dogs in which pure
abrin and ricin were injected experimentally demonstrated that the minimum lethal dose was 0.7 and 2.7
mg/kg body weight, respectively [104].
In reexamining the literature on castor bean poisoning in humans, Rauber and Heard propose a much less
severe prognosis for poisoning in humans in light of modern medical practices [93]. Rapid removal of the
castor beans from the stomach and aggressive fluid and electrolyte therapy to counteract the primary
effects of diarrhea and dehydration greatly reduce the incidence of fatalities.
Plant parts of castor beans and rosary peas, other than the seeds, are rarely reported as a cause for
poisoning in animals. Although the leaves of the castor bean plant are rarely eaten, they are reported to be
toxic [112]. Cattle fed castor bean leaves develop signs distinct from those associated with ricin. Affected
animals develop neuromuscular impairment characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, salivation, and
excessive eructation [112]. Recovery may occur after a short period or the animal dies, presumably as a
result of the quantity of leaves consumed.
Clinical Signs
The signs of castor bean and rosary pea poisoning are primarily associated with severe gastrointestinal
irritation, and begin several days after the consumption of a toxic dose of lectins [96,100,101,109,110].
Affected animals stop eating and develop a severe hemorrhagic diarrhea. Lactation stops abruptly.
Abdominal pain is often severe. In the case of black locust poisoning, horses, in particular, may also
develop dilated pupils and cardiac arrhythmias [114]. Rapid loss of water and electrolytes through the
diarrhea results in dehydration and hypovolemic shock. Increases in serum liver enzymes, creatinine, urea
nitrogen, and sodium and potassium levels, and a decrease in serum total protein reflect the loss of fluid
and electrolytes and the effects of the lectins on organ function [96]. Animals left untreated die from
hypovolemic shock.
Postmortem findings include severe pulmonary congestion, ulceration of the stomach and intestines, and
fatty degeneration and necrosis of the liver and kidneys [96].
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of castor bean or rosary pea poisoning can be difficult to confirm unless animals are
observed eating the seeds or the intact seeds or parts thereof are identifiable in the digestive tract at
postmortem examination. Because it resembles sunflower and cotton seed cake, castor bean meal can be
recognized in animal feeds by microscopic examination for the characteristic seed
hull fragments [110].
Treatment
Treatment is directed at removing the seeds from the stomach and
digestive tract as quickly as possible. Vomiting can be induced in dogs and cats, or
endoscopy can be used to remove the seeds from the stomach. Orally administered
activated charcoal is of benefit. If cattle are known to have consumed feed contaminated with castor beans
within the past day, purgatives such as magnesium hydroxide may be helpful in removing the toxin from
the digestive system. Animals with diarrhea and resulting dehydration and hypovolemic shock should be
given intravenous fluids and electrolytes. Such treatment has been the main reason that fatalities in
humans who have consumed castor beans have been virtually eliminated [93,115]. The use of immune
serum to treat ricin poisoning is rarely necessary [115].
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis - Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Habitat of Castor Bean. Ricinus communis - Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family) - To view click on figure -
Description
Castor bean is an annual herb or short-lived perennial, and small tree in warmer areas. It is often
cultivated as a garden annual. The leaves are alternate, large, and palmate, with 5 to 11 serrate lobes
(Fig. 3-32A). The petioles have conspicuous glands. New leaves are usually purple. The plants are
monoecious. The flowers have no petals and are borne in terminal panicles with staminate (male) flowers
below and pistillate (female) above. The calyx is of three to five parts, and the stamens are numerous,
with many branched filaments. The ovary has three cells with one ovule in each cell; the styles are deep
red with fine feather-like hairs. The fruit is a spiny capsule, which splits into three sections, each containing
a shiny seed with gray and brown mottling (Fig. 3-32B).
Figure 3-32A. Castor bean plant with flower spike and spiny seed capsules (Ricinus communis). - To view
click on figure -
Figure 3-32B. Castor beans (Ricinus communis). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
A lectin, ricin, is the principal toxin. All parts of the plant are toxic with the seeds containing the highest
concentration of ricin, a heat-labile glycoprotein (toxalbumin). Other compounds in the seeds are
responsible for agglutination and hemolysis. Ricinoleic acid present in castor oil is primarily responsible for
its purgative action.
Note - Castor oil cake is poisonous to ruminants unless it has been heat treated. Castor bean plants should
not be planted in or near livestock enclosures.
Precatory Bean, Rosary Pea, Jequirity Bean, Crab's Eye

Abrus precatorius - Fabaceae (Legume family)
Habitat
A weed of fence rows, roadsides and citrus groves,
precatory bean was introduced from tropical countries.
It has become established in Florida.
Habitat of Precatory Bean, Rosary Pea, Jequirity Bean, Crab's Eye. Abrus precatorius - Fabaceae (Legume
family). - To view click on figure -
Description
Precatory bean is a twining, perennial vine, 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) long, using other plants for
support. Lower, older portions of the stem become gray; the younger portions remain green. The leaves
are alternate, opposite pinnately compound with 8 to 15 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are in axillary
racemes and are red to purple in color. The fruit is a legume pod, 2 inches (4 cm) long, and produces ovoid
seeds that are glossy red with a jet black eye (Fig. 3-33A and Fig. 3-33B). Some varieties have seeds that
are black with a white eye or are white with a black eye.
Figure 3-33A. Precatory bean vine and pods with seeds (Abrus precatorious). - To view click on figure -
Figure 3-33B. Precatory beans (Abrus precatorious). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Abrin, like ricin from castor beans, is a potent lectin found in highest concentration in the seeds. Other
toxic compounds are also present in the seeds. Only if the seeds are chewed and swallowed is the lectin
released. Abrin is one of the most toxic compounds known, requiring as little as 0.00015 percent of a
person's body weight to be fatal. Animals are infrequently poisoned.
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia - Fabaceae (Legume family)
New Mexican Black Locust
Robinia neomexicana - Fabaceae (Legume family)
Habitat
Usually around dwellings and along fence rows, black locust is common in the southwestern states. It
occasionally forms dense stands. Robinia neomexicana often grows along streams and in valleys.
Habitat of Black Locust / New Mexican Black Locust. Robinia pseudoacacia / Robinia neomexicana -
Fabaceae (Legume family). - To view click on figure -
Description
Black locust is a small tree up to 70 feet (21 meters) tall. The trunk is straight and slender; branches are
spiny and glabrous when young. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound with entire, elliptical leaflets
in 3 to 10 pairs. The individual flowers are showy, white, and pealike, forming drooping clusters, 4 to 8
inches (10 to 20 cm) long (Fig. 3-34A). The fruit is a straight, flat, many-seeded brown legume pod.
Figure 3-34A. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). - To view click on figure -
Robinia neomexicana differs from R. pseudoacacia in that it has rose-pink flowers, hairy leaflets, finely
haired young twigs and glandular hairy pods (Fig. 3-34B).
Figure 3-34B. Black locust (Robinia neomexicana). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Robin, a lectin, is similar to but less toxic than ricin found in castor beans. The bark and seeds have the
highest concentrations of lectins; the flowers are not toxic.
Note - Locust trees of the genus Gleditsia, commonly referred to as honey locusts, are unrelated to the
black locust and are not poisonous.
Mistletoes (Phoradendron spp.) and Viscum spp. (English mistletoe) also contain toxic lectins that can
cause severe gastrointestinal irritation resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Cardiovascular collapse with
bradycardia and hypotension may occur when a large dose of mistletoe has been eaten. Animals are
rarely poisoned by mistletoe. Children are most likely to be poisoned after eating the white berries when
mistletoe is brought into the house for festive occasions.
Mayapple, Mandrake
Podophylum peltatum - Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
Habitat
Mayapple is an indigenous plant of eastern North America extending westward to Minnesota and Texas. It
prefers moist, fertile soils of woodlands and pastures.
Habitat of Mayapple, Mandrake. Podophylum peltatum - Berberidaceae (Barberry family). - To view click on
figure -
Description
Mayapple is a perennial herb, 1.5 to 2 feet (0.5 to 0.60 meters) tall, with a simple stem bearing two large
umbrella-shaped, five to nine lobed, hairless leaves. A single, white, nodding, flower, with six to nine
petals is produced at the junction of the two leaf stems. The fruit is a 1 to 2 inch (2.5 to 5 cm) fleshy berry
that turns yellow when ripe (Fig. 3-35). The plant spreads by a fibrous creeping root system.
Figure 3-35. Mayapple, mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Podophyllin, a bitter, resinous compound, is found in all parts of the plant The ripe yellow fruit, however, is
edible. Podophyllin acts as an irritant and has strong laxative properties. It also interferes with cell division
and may have anticancer properties [116]. Livestock generally will not eat the plant unless deprived of
their normal forages. Human poisoning occurs more commonly when unripe may apples are eaten or when
parts of the plant are inappropriately used as a medicinal herb.
Clinical Signs
Colic and diarrhea are the major signs of mayapple poisoning. Excessive salivation and swelling of
the muzzle, intermandibular area, and eyelids may result from the irritant effects of the resinous toxin
[117]. Excitement lasting about a day is a reported symptom of mayapple poisoning. Most animals will
recover once they are prevented from eating the plant.
Privet
Ligustrum vulgare - Oleaceae (Olive family)
Description
Privet is a deciduous shrub, with opposite, lanceolate leaves 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) long. The leaves are
dark green on the upper surface and paler underneath. Some varieties have yellow or white marbling.
Numerous small, white flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of the branches (Fig. 3-36). The fruits
are drooping clusters of black berries containing one to four seeds.
Figure 3-36. Privet (Ligustrum vulgare). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
The toxin has not been identified. However, it has irritant properties that cause gastroenteritis,
hypotension, and kidney damage. The berries and leaves are toxic. Animals rarely eat the plant unless
they are hungry and deprived of normal forage.
Privet hedges should be avoided around livestock corrals or pastures and pruned leaves and branches
should not be given to livestock.
Clinical Signs
Vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are common signs of privet poisoning. Hypotension and kidney
failure will occur in severe cases, and death may occur within a day of eating a lethal amount of the plant
[118].
Rhododendron - Ericaceae (Heath family)

Rhododendrons and closely related species including azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), laurel (Kalmia spp.),
fetter-bush (Leucothoe spp.), mountain fetter-bush (Pieris spp.), maleberry (Lyonia spp.), mock azalea
(Monziesia spp.), and Labrador tea (Ledum spp.) are both wild and cultivated plants of North America. All
are poisonous to animals that eat them [119-128]. The honey produced by bees feeding on the nectar of
rhododendrons is also poisonous to people eating it [129,130].
Principal Toxin
Members of the Ericaceae (Heath) family contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin, deacetylandromedol,
deacetylanhydroandromedol) that are water-soluble diterpenoid compounds. All parts of the plant,
including the nectar of the flowers, contain the toxins.
Animals are most often poisoned during the winter because rhododendrons retain their green leaves year
round in milder climates. As little as 0.2 percent of an animal's body weight of green leaves can cause
poisoning. Cattle, sheep, goats, occasionally horses, and rarely other animals and birds have been
poisoned by members of the Ericaceae [121,123,125,131]. Goats seem to be particularly susceptible to
poisoning by rhododendrons Grayanotoxins act by binding to cell membranes, thereby affecting sodium
channels and causing prolonged depolarization of cells. The primary effects are on the heart, nervous
system, and gastrointestinal tract [132-134]. A glycoside, arbutin, present in the plants may contribute to
the toxicity of the Ericaceae.
Clinical Signs
Animals poisoned by rhododendrons initially have clinical signs of digestive disturbances characterized by
anorexia, excessive salivation, vomiting, colic, and frequent defecation [119-128]. In severe cases, muscle
weakness, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, weakness, paralysis, and coma may precede death.
Regurgitation of rumen contents may result in inhalation pneumonia. Fetal mummification has been
reported in goats following severe Japanese pieris poisoning [135]. Depression, vomiting, slow
erratic heart rate, painful neck, and weakness are reported in people who have consumed "mad honey"
made by bees feeding on rhododendrons or who have consumed tea made from the leaves of
rhododendrons [124,130,135-137].
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of rhododendron and laurel poisoning is usually based on the clinical signs and evidence that
the plant has been consumed. Postmortem findings are not specific and generally consist of multiple
hemorrhages on internal organs. The detection of grayanotoxins in the rumen contents is also possible and
is a means of confirming rhododendron poisoning [137].
Treatment
Animals should be removed from the source of the toxic plants and given supportive therapy. Osmotic
laxatives such as magnesium sulfate and activated charcoal may be useful early in the course of poisoning
to reduce further intestinal absorption of the toxins. Oral and intravenous fluids should be given as
necessary to counteract the effects of vomiting and diarrhea. If cattle, sheep, or goats are observed eating
significant quantities of rhododendron or other related plants containing grayanotoxins, a rumenotomy
may prove life-saving to remove the rhododendron leaves and prevent further absorption of the toxins. If
severe bradycardia is present, atropine to increase the heart rate is indicated.
Rhododendron (Azalea)
Rhododendron spp. - Ericaceae (Heath family)
Habitat and Description

There are at least 250 species of rhododendrons found mostly in the acidic soils of western and eastern
North America. Many hybrids have been developed for their showy flowers. Generally they
are large shrubs or open trees growing to heights of 30 feet (10 meters) or more. The
leaves are alternate, simple, leathery, lanceolate, and often evergreen. The flowers are
produced in large, showy, terminal clusters, ranging in color from
white to purple, to red (Fig.3-37A and Fig.3-37B). The fruits are elon- gated
capsules that split into five sections to release the small, scalelike seeds.
Habitat of Rhododendron (Azalea). Rhododendron spp. - Ericaceae (Heath family). - To view click on
figure -
Figure 3-37A. Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense). - To view click on figure -
Figure 3-37B. Great laurel (Rhododendron maximum). - To view click on figure -
Azaleas are considered by some to be a subgenus of rhododendron (Fig. 3-37C). Azaleas are generally
deciduous and have been extensively hybridized to produce showy garden and house plants in a wide
spectrum of colors.
Figure 3-37C. Flame azalea (Rhododendron calandulaceum). - To view click on figure -

Principal Toxin
All parts of the plant including the nectar contain grayanotoxins. Most poisoning occurs in the winter
months because the leaves are generally evergreen and are attractive to animals when other forages are
unavailable. Animals eating approximately 0.2 percent of their body weight of leaves are likely to develop
signs of poisoning.
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia - Ericaceae (Heath family)

Laurels are common to the eastern and southern areas of North America. They are common branching
shrubs or small trees with glossy green, alternate, lanceolate leaves. The characteristic white to pink
flowers are produced in showy clusters (Fig.3-38A and Fig.3-38B).
Habitat of Mountain Laurel. Kalmia latifolia - Ericaceae (Heath family). - To view click on figure -
Figure 3-38A. Mountain laurel blooming shrub (Kalmia latifolia). - To view click on figure -
Figure 3-38B. Mountain laurel flowers (Kalmia latifolia). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin) and a glycoside arbutin are the principal toxins present in all parts of the
plant. Similar toxins are also present in the genera Rhododendron (azalea), Leucothoe (fetter-bush), Pieris
(mountain fetter- bush), and Lyonia (maleberry). The principal actions of the toxin are gastrointestinal
irritation and disruption of myocardial activity.
Clinical Signs
All animals are susceptible to laurel poisoning. Affected animals may show excessive green frothy
salivation, vomiting, colic, frequent defecation, depression, weakness, and ataxia. Depending on the
quantity of laurel that has been eaten, affected animals may become recumbent and comatose before
death.
Treatment
Mineral oil via nasogastric tube and intravenous fluid therapy should be administered as necessary.
Japanese Pieris
Pieris japonica - Ericaceae (Heath family)

Introduced from Japan, P. japonica is grown as an ornamental flowering shrub in the acidic soils of eastern
and western North America. Several species of Pieris are indigenous. Leaves are generally alternate, dark
green, toothed, and evergreen. New foliage is bronze in color. The terminal flowers are in drooping
pannicles and white to pink in color (Fig. 3-39).
Habitat of Japanese Pieris. Pieris japonica - Ericaceae (Heath family). - To view click on figure -
Figure 3-39. Japanese pieris (Pieris japonicus). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin) are the principal toxins and are present in all parts of the plant.
Fetter-Bush, Black Laurel

Leucothoe spp. - Ericaceae (Heath family)

Several species are grown for their attractive foliage and flowers in the eastern and western regions of
North America. Shrubs 4 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) in height, with leaves evergreen or deciduous,
alternate, and carried on arching branches. Some cultivars have reddish purple leaves.
Flowers are white to pink, borne along or at the tips of branches, and with five small
teeth at the top of the flower (Fig. 3-40).
Habitat of Fetter-Bush, Black Laurel. Leucothoe spp. - Ericaceae (Heath family). - To view click on
figure -
Figure 3-40. Fetter-bush (Leucothoe spp.). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin) are the principal toxins in fetter-bush and are present in all parts of the
plant.
Maleberry
Lyonia ligustrina - Ericaceae (Heath family)
Description
These shrubs are 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) tall with alternate, deciduous, hairless, elliptical leaves,
growing mostly in the southeastern region of North America. Flowers are white, 0.3 to 0.5 cm (3 to 5 mm)
in length, in clusters at the ends of branches. Fruits are round capsules (Fig. 3-41).
Figure 3-41. Maleberry flowering branch (Lyonia ligustrina). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
Grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin) are present in all parts of the plant.
Common Box
Buxus sempervirens - Buxaceae (Box family)
Habitat
Originally from Europe and Asia, box is widely grown in North America as an ornamental shrub or hedge.
Habitat of Common Box. Buxus sempervirens - Buxaceae (Box family). - To view click on figure -
Description
Box is a heavily branched, perennial woody shrub, with dark green, opposite, leathery leaves up to 1.5
inches (4 cm) in length (Fig. 3-42). The undersides of the leaves are lighter green or grayish in color.
Small star-shaped yellow-green flowers are produced in the leaf axils.
Figure 3-42. Box (Buxus sempervirens). - To view click on figure -
Principal Toxin
All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, the mode of action of which is yet to be defined. Horses,
cattle, sheep, pigs, and camels are susceptible to poisoning from Buxus spp. [138]. Approximately 1.5 lb of
green leaves may be lethal to an adult horse. Most poisoning occurs when box clippings are carelessly fed
to animals or when box hedges are placed around animal enclosures.
Clinical Signs
Severe gastroenteritis, colic, and hemorrhagic diarrhea can be expected in poisoned animals. In acute
poisoning, death results from respiratory failure [138].
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92 - Could tannins toxify salmoni fisheries?
93 - Can flax seeds be poisonous to horses?
94 - Are the any poisonous weeds in Florida?
95 - Do you have any information on Poison wood?
96 - Can you give me some advice?
97 - What do you know about formic acid and fallow?
98 - Is alfalfa toxic once frost hits?
99 - Is the Fuschia plant poisonous to dogs?
100 - Is garlic poisonous to dogs?
101 - Should we give selenium to our buck(goat)?
102 - Can you help me identify the symptoms associated with toxic Echium species?
103 - Do you know where I can find a 4-H goat group for my daughter?
104 - How susceptible are goats to laurel poisoning?
105 - Can you use Rumensin to control ketosis?
106 - Do you know of any plants that kill gophers?
107 - Do you have any information on gossypol?
108 - Are Ficus tree leaves poisonous to baby guinea pigs?
109 - Do you have any information about heart worm disease?
110 - What are the physical differences between water hemlock and
111 - Are Hibiscus poisonous to horses?
112 - Are there any poisonous plants that can cause death in dogs, horses or humans without symptoms?
113 - Do you have any information on hoary allyssum?
114 - Are hog pellets poisonous to horses?
115 - Can you help me figure out what kind of plant I have here?
116 - What should I do about my Holly bushes?
117 - Could you give me some information on Hollyhock?
118 - Is my tree poisonous?
119 - Are Burford holly berries poisonous?
120 - Is honeysuckle poisonous?
121 - Are acorns poisonous to horses?
122 - Can horse nettle poison the meat of beef cattle?
123 - What could cause these horses to drool?
124 - Are Chephalara plants and Philodendra plants poisonous?
125 - Why are companies who sell house plants not required to place a warning on the containers?
127 - Could hydrangea make my dog puke?
128 - What plants are safe for my iguanas?
129 - Can you help me find information on these plants?
130 - Can you tell one poison rash from the other?
131 - Are Jade plants poisonous to children?
132 - Are these plants poisonous?
133 - Is St Johns Wart poisonous to humans?
134 - Can give me some advice?
135 - Could you give me a list of landscape plants that are toxic to horses?
136 - Could you tell me if these landscaping plants are poisonous horses?
137 - How dangerous are lantana berries?
138 - Do you have any information on Laudanum?
139 - Do you have any information on Laurentia longiflora?
140 - A few questions regarding your webpage...
141 - What can I do for my horse?
142 - Do you know anything about lolium temulentum?
143 - Could mandrake fruit make my wife get pregnant?
145 - Can marigold leaves be poisonous to a canary?
146 - How does experimental data compare with poisoning cases?
147 - Do you have a picture of Meadow Saffron?
148 - Is this normal?
149 - Do you have plans for a goat milk stand?
150 - Are mimosa trees toxic to horses?
151 - Are the seeds of Mimosa Pudica poisonous?
152 - How long does it take for a goat to recover from mistletoe poisoning?
153 - Is mistletoe toxic to cattle?
154 - Is Mountain Laurel toxic to horses?
155 - Can you give me some information about human exposure to Monkshood?
156 - Do you have any information on Monstera deliciosa?
157 - Could you tell me the scientific name of this plant?
158 - Is the plant in my backyard poisonous?
159 - What is the most poisonous part of these plants?
160 - What is the most poisonous plant in the world to humans?
161 - Is this mushroom poisonous?
162 - What kind of a poisonous bean could you put in a soup?
163 - Do you have any information on Sting Nettle?
164 - Could Niacin be used in some drug-related way?
165 - What could be the problem here?
166 - Are there any plants that cause death in dogs, horses or humans without symptoms?
167 - Can you help me find some non-toxic plants for a horse arena?
168 - What could have caused these blisters?
169 - Could pine needles poison my goat?
170 - Should I move my horse away from the oak trees?
171 - Could you give me more information on oleander?
172 - Are Oleander plants harmful to horses?
173 - What type of poison is present in oleander?
174 - Can you give me some information about Oleander?
175 - Is Oxalis regnellii poisonous?
176 - Do you have any information on a plant called Hogswart?
177 - What is in avocado that kills parrots?
178 - Could you give me some information about Peace lilies?
179 - Could you tell me if Peace Lily is poisonous?
180 - Could you give me some information on the toxicity of the peace lily?
181 - Is this peace plant toxic?
182 - Have you ever heard of poison sumac being used as a filler in peet moss?
183 - Need macro and microscopic identification of Atropa belladonna.
185 - What kind of reaction should I look for in a baby who chewed a philodendreon leaf?
186 - Would you please enlighten me as to the existence of such an alkaloid phytoerythrin?
187 - Are pine trees harmful to horses?
188 - Do you know of a pink form of Delphinium tricorne?
189 - Is Plumeria rubra poisonous to cats?
190 - Do you think that my dog is going to get worse?
191 - Is the Poinsettia poisonous?
192 - Where can I get photos of poisonous plants for field identification?
193 - Do you know where I can find poison ivy extract?
194 - Are crassula (jade plants) poisonous to humans?
195 - Are the same plants that are poisonous to humans, poisonous to animals?
196 - Is poison ivy only poisonous to humans and primates?
197 - How does one kill the poison oak plant?
198 - Do you have any information on Poison Parsnip?
199 - I need some information on poisonous plants...
200 - Do you know of any oral medication to prevent Poison Ivy?
201 - Could you give me some information about the toxicity of these plants?
202 - Are these plants really poisonous?
203 - Is there any way to prevent your horse from eating poisonous plants?
204 - Are poke berries harmful to humans?
205 - Are pokeberries poisonous when injested by a child in small amount?
206 - Could you give me some information on California Pokeweed?
207 - Are Pokeweed berries poisonous?
208 - Are ligustrum hedges poisonous?
209 - Is the Royal Robe Potato Bush poisonous?
210 - Could you give me some information about the toxicity of Solanum crispum?
211 - Is Scindapsus aureus hazardous to the public?
212 - Could you answer a few questions about the Precatory pea?
213 - Could 800 IU of vitamin D harm a fetus?
214 - Could your intake of dairy cause psuedogout?
215 - What could cause this condition?
216 - What do you think about my reaction to pyrachantha?
217 - Do you have any information on the pyrus, prunus and malus genus of trees?
218 - Can you answer a few questions about rabbits?
219 - What do you know about parasite transmission from rabbit feces?
220 - Where can I find information on rabbit history?
221 - Does Cornell have a price list for the resources available to 4-H rabbit project leaders?
222 - Does Ragwort exist in the US or Canada?
223 - Could You give me some information on toxicity of Alsike and Red Maple?
224 - Can Red Tip plants cause cancer?
225 - How does a person reverse the damage done by Vitamin A toxicity?
226 - Is it possible for ricin to be absorbed through the skin and cause death?
227 - How does is Ricin different than a bacterium?
228 - I am looking for information reguarding ricin...
229 - Could Ricin be used by terrorists?
230 - I need some information about Ricin...
231 - Could you tell me some more about the Castor Bean plant?
232 - Could you answer some questions about powdered Ricin for me?
233 - How should I reference some information I took off of your website?
234 - I need some information about the Rosary Pea for a book...
235 - Are roses harmful to dogs?
236 - Do you know of a list that compares the plant toxicity in horses and ruminants?
237 - Are you familiar with the toxins in a Russian Olive Tree?
238 - Are Sambucus canadensis and Sambucus nigra similar?
239 - What are the most poisonous plants on earth?
240 - Do you have any information on the toxicity of vitamins?
241 - Could Selanium poisonimg cause these symptoms in my horse?
242 - Can you get Selenium poisoning from drinking too much milk?
243 - Does this situation seem reasonable?
244 - Is the Shamrock plant harmful to cats?
245 - Can you give me some information about sheep sorrel?
246 - Can you send me a list of plants toxic to sheep?
247 - What could be wrong with my goats?
248 - Could eating one small bad mushroom poison me?
249 - Do you have any information on SMCO?
250 - Could vitamins cause a loss of taste and smell?
251 - How is Ricin different than Elapid snake venom?
252 - Dou you know why my dog is acting this way?
253 - Could you help me out with some information about Hemlock?
254 - Dou you know if solanine can cause joint inflamation?
255 - Do you have any experience working with Euphorbia sominalensis sap?
257 - Is the a way to manage sorghum sudan grass to eliminate its poisonous effects?
258 - Does docweed cure poison ivy?
259 - Are these plants, indigenous to S.D., poisonous to humans as well as livestock?
260 - Could you give me some more information about Spartium Junceum?
261 - Can you tell me if spathiphyllum are poison to children and pets?
262 - Is Spathiphyllum poisonous?
263 - How to treat Steely Wool Syndrome in sheep?
264 - Could you give me some information on these succulents?
265 - Could you send me some information about swainsonine?
266 - I have a question reguarding sweet grass...
267 - Are sycamore leaves poisonous to horses?
268 - Are snowberries toxic through the skin?
270 - Could you answer some questions for my book?

271 - Could I have some more information on Tartago tea?
272 - Do you have any information about California Pokeweed?
273 - What do you think about using tobacco or garlic to get rid of worms in goats?
274 - Which part of the tomato plant contains the Tomatine?
275 - Is Tomatine considered to be one of the solanum-type glycoalkaloids?
276 - Are tomato plants poisonous?
277 - Is it dangerous to take this many vitamins?
278 - Could you please tell me if the following plants are hazardous?
279 - Are liriope, bottlebrush and ficus benjamina considered toxic to animals?
280 - Can I plant these trees near my horses?
281 - What is poisonous about tung oil?
282 - Could you provide me with some information about Tung Oil?
284 - Why is U. Dioica classified as a toxic plant?
285 - How to make sure your horse is getting enough Vitamin E and Selenium?
286 - Can crown vetch be harmful to horses?
287 - Are the berries from a viburnum dentatum Chicago lustre poisonous?
289 - Could you give me some information about toxicity?
290 - Should I be concerned with taking this much vitamin D?
291 - What are the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity?
292 - Can vitamin E be toxic?
293 - Can vitamin B be toxic?
294 - Have you ever heard of vitamin D being related to deafness?
295 - Do you know of any plants that can cause the vocal chords to be paralyzed?
296 - Could you give me some information concerning vomitoxin?
297 - Do you have any information about warfarin toxicity, necropsy findings, and specimen collection?
298 - Are the tannins in my well water dangerous?
299 - Are these wildflowers toxic?
300 - Are willow branches poisonous to rats?
301 - What woods make good wood fiber for horse footing?
302 - Is there some type of wood that would cause a skin rash?
303 - My daughter made tea from some unknown yellow bell shaped flowers...
305 - Could a tea named Yerba de meite cause a positive drug test?
306 - Are any of the following plants poisonous to children, horses or dogs?
307 - What plant has the common name of Zebra Plant, and could it have caused Leukemia?
309 - Please elaborate on degrees of poisonous plants.
310 - Is Tonka bean flavoring poisonous?
311 - Is there any danger in cutting and burning Nerium Oleander?
View Botanical name list
Aconite
Alfalfa or Lucerne
Alsike Clover
Angel's Trumpet
Arrowgrass
Baneberry
Belladonna
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Black Locust
Bleeding Heart
Bloodroot
Bouncing Bet
Bracken Fern
Buckeye
Buckwheat
Buffalo Bur
Buttercups or Crowfoot
Castor Bean
Celandine
Christmas Rose
Cocklebur
Corn Cockle
Corn Lily, False Hellbore
Cow Cockle
Creeping Charlie
Crown Vetch
Cherries, Black Cherry, Bitter Cherry, Choke Cherry, and Pin Cherry
Daphne
Death Angel Mushrooms
Death Camas
Death Cap Mushrooms
Destroying Angels
Delphiniums
Devil's Trumpet
Dock
Dogbane
Doll's-eyes
Downy Thornapple
Drooping Leucothoe
Dutchman's Breeches
Elderberry
Ergot
Fly Agaric
Fiddleneck
Flax
Foxglove
Golden Chain or Laburnum
Great Lobelia, Cardinal Flower, and Indian Tobacco
Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, and Gill-over-the-Ground
Groundsels
Halogeton
Henbane
Horsebrush
Horse Chestnut
Horse Nettle
Horsetail
Irises
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Japanese Pieris
Jessamine
Jimsonweed
Johnson Grass
Klamath Weed
Lamb's Quarters
Lantana, Red Sage, Yellow Sage, or West Indian Lantana
Larkspurs
Lily-of-the-Valley
Locoweed
Lupine
Marijuana
Marsh Marigold or Cowslip
Mayapple and Mandrake
Mexican Poppy
Milkweed
Milo
Monkey Agaric Mushrooms
Monkshood
Moonseed
Mountain Fetterbush
Nightshade, Black Nightshade or Deadly Nightshade
Oak Trees
Oleander
Onions and Chives
Panther
Panther Cap Mushrooms
Pigweed
Poison Hemlock
Poison ivy
Poison oak
Poison Sumac
Potato
Poinsettia
Pokeweed
Ponderosa Pine
Poppies including Opium Poppy
Prickly Poppy
Ragworts
Red Clover
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
Saint Johns Wort
Senecio
Sensitive Fern
Sierra Laurel
Skunk Cabbage
Squirrel Corn
Snow-on-the-Mountain
Sorghum
Spurges
Star-of-Bethlehem
Stinging Nettle
Sudan Grass
Sweet clover
Sweet Pea, Tangier Pea, Everlasting Pea, Caley Pea and Singletary Pea
Tobacco and Tree Tobacco
Tung Oil Tree
Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Narrow-leaved Vetch, Purple Vetch and Broad Beans
Water Hemlock or Cowbane
White Clover
White Snakeroot
Wisteria
Wolfsbane
Yellow Star Thistle
Yew
View Botanical name list
Poisoning
Common Household Poisons:
Around the House

Plants, cigarettes liquor, medications, mothballs
In the Garage
Antifreeze, gasoline, paint thinners transmission fluid lyme and lye, car
exhaust
In the Kitchen
Bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, furniture polish, oven cleaner, bug spray,
dish detergents, old food, gas (from the stove)
In the Bathroom
Perfumes and colognes, hair and beauty products, nail products, cleaning products, suntan lotion
In the Garden
Mushrooms, pesticides, plant food, weed killer
Poisonous Plants
Autumn crocus Azalea Baneberry
Belladonna Black Cherry Black locus
Buckeye Caladium Casper spurge
Castor bean Cherry Chinaberry
Daffocil bulbs Daphne Delphinium
Dieffenbachia Dumbcane False Hellebore
Foxglove Golden chain Hyacinth
Hydrangea Jequirity bean Jessamine
Jumson weed Larkspur Laurel
Lupine Mistletoe Monkshood
Moonseed Mountain laurel Nightshade
Oleander Poison hemlock Pokeweed
Rhododendron Rhubarb leaves Rosary pea
Rubber vine Sandbox tree Tansy
Thorn apple Tobacco Tung oil tree
Water hemlock White snakeroot Yellow Oleander
Yew
Safe Plants
African Violet Aluminum plant Begonia
Boston Fern Coleus Dracaena
Han-and-chickens Jade Plant Mother-in-law's tongue
Peperomia Prayer plant Rubber plant
Sensitive plant Spider plant Swedish ivy
Wandering Jew Wax plant Weeping fig

Smart Gardening Find out what not to plant in your kid-friendly garden. By Tracy Krisanits
Before you plant a garden with your child this spring, look over this list of poisonous plants to avoid:
A-C | D-H | I-P | R-Z
A-C
Aconite
Alfalfa or Lucerne
Alsike Clover
Angel's Trumpet
Arrowgrass
Baneberry
Belladonna
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Black Locust
Bleeding Heart
Bloodroot
Bouncing Bet
Bracken Fern
Buckeye
Buckwheat
Buffalo Bur
Buttercups or Crowfoot
Castor Bean
Celandine
Christmas Rose
Cocklebur
Corn Cockle
Corn Lily, False Hellbore
Cow Cockle
Creeping Charlie
Crown Vetch
Cherries, Black Cherry, Bitter Cherry, Choke Cherry, and Pin Cherry
D-H
Daphne
Death Angel Mushrooms
Death Camas
Death Cap Mushrooms
Destroying Angels
Delphiniums
Devil's Trumpet
Dock
Dogbane
Doll's-eyes
Downy Thornapple
Drooping Leucothoe
Dutchman's Breeches
Elderberry
Ergot
Fly Agaric
Fiddleneck
Flax
Foxglove
Golden Chain or Laburnum
Great Lobelia, Cardinal Flower, and Indian Tobacco
Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, and Gill-over-the-Ground
Groundsels
Halogeton
Henbane
Horsebrush
Horse Chestnut
Horse Nettle
Horsetail
I-P
Irises
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Japanese Pieris
Jessamine
Jimson-weed
Johnson Grass
Klamath Weed
Lamb's Quarters
Lantana, Red Sage, Yellow Sage, or West Indian Lantana
Larkspur
Lily-of-the-Valley
Locoweed
Lupine
Marijuana
Marsh Marigold or Cowslip
Mayapple and Mandrake
Mexican Poppy
Milkweed
Milo
Monkey Agaric Mushrooms
Monkshood
Moonseed
Mountain Fetterbush
Nightshade, Black Nightshade or Deadly Nightshade
Oak Trees
Oleander
Onions and Chives
Panther
Panther Cap Mushrooms
Pig-weed
Poison Hemlock
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Potato
Poinsettia*
Pokeweed
Ponderosa Pine
Poppies including Opium Poppy
Prickly Poppy
R-Z
Ragworts
Red Clover
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
Saint John's Wort
Senecio
Sensitive Fern
Sierra Laurel
Skunk Cabbage
Squirrel Corn
Snow on the Mountain
Sorghum
Spurges
Star-of-Bethlehem
Stinging Nettle
Sudan Grass
Sweet Clover
Sweet Pea, Tangier Pea, Everlasting Pea, Caley Pea and Singletary Pea
Tobacco and Tree Tobacco
Tung Oil Tree Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Narrow-leaved Vetch, Purple Vetch and Broad Beans
Water Hemlock or Cowbane
White Clover
White Snakeroot
Wisteria
Wolfsbane
Yellow Star Thistle
Yew
-- Cornell University's Web site, listed below.
* -- Commercially available poinsettias are not poisonous to dogs, cats or people. Other members of this
large plant family are poisonous.
For more information on poisonous plants, visit these sites:
Colorado State University-Guide to poisonous Plants

http://www.vth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/index.cfm
Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database

http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html
To order poisonous plant flash cards go to:

http://www.freeoutdoors.com/dir_info/edibleplant/index.html
cat care > plants that are hazardous to cats
indoor plants | outdoor plants | holiday plants | symptoms of plant poisoning

Always inspect the area in which your cat spends his/her time to be sure that none of these listed plants
are accessable. Remember that both inside and outside must be "kitty-proofed" in order to have a safe,
healthy cat.
hazardous indoor plants:
• hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla )
• daffodil (Narcissus)
• paperwhites & other winter forced bulbs see (amaryllis)
• philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
hazardous outdoor plants: top

• american coffee berry tree (Gymnocladus dioica ( L. ) Koch)
• arrowgrass (Triglochin martima)
• baneberry (Actea rubra )
• black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
• bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.)
• bouncing bet (Saponaria officinalis)
• bloodroot (Sanquinaria canadensis)
• bracken or brake fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
• burning bush or fireweed (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.)
• bull nettle or horse nettle (Solanum carolinense )
• buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
• carelessweed (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. )
• castor bean (Ricinus communis )
• cherries: black cherry, bitter cherry, choke cherry, pin cherry (Prunus spp.)
• clover: alsike clover, red clover, white clover (Trifolium hybridum L. and other species)
• cocklebur (Xanthium spp.)
• creeping charlie or ground ivy (Glecoma hederacea L.)
• curly dock (Rumex crispus L.)
• Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
• daphne (Daphne spp.)
• devil's trumpet see (Jimson weed)
• delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
• dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)
• dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cullaria (L.) Brenh.)
• elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
• english ivy (Hedera helix L.)
• ergot (Claviceps spp.)
• fern see (Bracken fern)

• fireweed see (Burning bush)
• foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• ground ivy (Glecoma hederacea L.)
• hemlock - poison (Conium maculatum L.)
• hemlock - water (Cicuta maculata L.)
• horse chestnut, buckeyes (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)
• horse nettle see (Bull nettle)
• horsetails (Equisetum arvense L.)
• hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis)
• hydrangea see (Hydrangea spp.)
• irises (Iris spp.)
• japanese yew (Taxus japonicus)
• jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema spp.)
• jimson weed (Datura stramonium )
• kentucky coffee tree see (American coffee berry tree)
• klamath see (St. Johnswort)
• lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album L.)
• lantana, red sage, yellow sage (Lantana camara)
• larkspur see (Delphinium)
• lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
• lobelia, cardinal flower and indian tobacco (Lobelia spp.)
• locoweed and Milkvetch families (Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.)
• lupine (Lupinus)
• mad apple see (Jimson weed)
• mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum L.)
• marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
• milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.)
• monkshood, garden wolfbane, helmet flower, friar's cap, or soldier's cap (Aconitum spp.)
• mountain mahagony tree (Cercocarpus montanus )
• mushrooms (all outdoor varieties have potential of being toxic)
• nightshade, black nightshade, or deadly nightshade (Solanum nigrum )
• ohio buckeye or horse chestnut see (Aesculus glabraWilld.)
• oleander (Nerium oleander L.)

• pigweed see (Carelessweed)
• poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans L. Kuntze)
• poison oak (Toxicodendron diversiloba)
• poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
• poke, pokeberry or pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.)
• poppies: california poppy, iceland poppy, corn poppy, oriental poppy, and opium poppy (Papaver
spp.)
• purple mint (Perilla frutescens)
• rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
• rhubarb - leaves are toxic (Rheum rhaponticum)
• rosary pea, jequirity bean, or precatory bean (Abrus precatorius)
• snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia spp.)
• staggerweed see (Dutchman's breeches or Bleeding heart)
• star of bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
• st. johnswort (Hypericum perforatum L.))
• stinging nettle (Urtica spp.)
• stink weed see (Jimson weed)
• stump tree see (Kentucky coffee tree)
• sudan grass (Sorghum vulgare var. sudanense Hitchc.)
• summer cypress see (Fireweed or Burning bush)
• squirrel corn see (Dutchman Breeches)
• sweet pea, tangier pea, everlasting pea, caley pea, and singletary pea (Lathyrus spp.)
• thorn apple see (Jimson weed)
• tobacco and tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca )
• tulip (Tulipa spp.)
• wild onions (Allium spp.)
• wild snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum )
• wolfsbane see (monkshood)
• wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
• yellow sage see (Lantana)
• yews: english yew, japanese yew, western yew, ground hemlock, and florida yew (Taxus cuspidata)
Toxic Plant List
Below is a partial list of plants that are potentially harmful to birds. It is wise to identify all the plants in
and around your home and make sure that your bird does not have access to any that may be considered
dangerous.
Common Name Scientific Name Parts known to be poisonous
Acokanthera Acokanthera spp. All parts toxic except fruit.

Amaryllis Amaryllidaceae Seeds and bulbs.
Angel's Trumpet Datura spp. All parts.
Apricot Prunus aremeniaca Pits, leaves, and bark.
Apple MalusI spp. Pits, leaves, and bark.
Avocado Persea americana Pits, leaves, bark and unripe fruit.
Azalea Rhododendron occidentale Leaves
Balsam Pear Momordica charantia spp. Seeds and outer rind of fruit.
Baneberry Actaea spp. Berries and roots
Belladonna Atropa belladonna All parts
Bird of Paradise Caesalpina gilliesii Seeds
Bittersweet Celastrus spp.
Black Locust Robinian pseudoacacia Bark, sprouts, and foliage.
Blue-green Algae Schizophyceae spp. Some forms are toxic.
Bracken Fern Pteridium aquilinum
Bucktohorn Rhamnus spp. Fruit and bark
Burdock Arctium spp.
Buttercup Ranunculus spp. Sap and bulbs.
Caladium Caladium spp. Leaves

Calla Lilly Zantedeschia aethiopica Leaves
Castor Bean (Castor Oil Plant) Ricinus communis Beans and leaves.
Chalice Vine Solandra spp. All parts
Cherry Tree Prunus spp. Bark, twigs, leaves and pits.
Chinaberry Melia azadarach Fruit
Christmas Candle Pedilanthus tithymaloides Sap
Clematis Cleamatis spp. All parts
Coral Plant Jatropha mulifida Sap and Seeds.
Cowslip Caltha polustris All parts.
Crocus (Autumn) Cholchicum autumnale
Crotons Cadaieum varagatum Seeds, leaves, and stems.
Cycad or Sago Cycas Cycas revoluta
Daffodil Narcissus spp. Bulbs

Daphne Daphne spp. Berries
Datura Datura spp. Berries
Deadly Amenita Amenita muscaria All parts.
Death Camus Zygadenis elegans All parts.
Delphinium Delphinium spp. All prats.
Devil's Ivy Epipremnum aureum
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Dieffenbachia spp. All parts except ripe fruits
E
Eggpant Solanaceae spp. All parts except ripe fruit.

Elderberry Sambucus mexicana Roots, leaves, stems and bark.
Elephant's Ear Colocasisspp.
Euonymus Eunonymus spp.
European Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium All parts.
False Henbane Veratrum woodii All parts.

Four o' Clock Mirabilis jalapa
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Leaves and seeds.
Golden Chain Laburnum anagyroides All parts, especially seeds.
Heliotrope Heliotropium spp. Leaves

Hemlock Conium spp. All parts, especially seeds.
Henbane Niger Seeds
Holly Ilex spp. Berries
Horse Chestnut Aesulus spp. Nuts and twigs.
Horse Nettle Solanum carolinenese
Hyacinth Hyacinthinus orientalis Bulbs
Hydrangea Hydrangea spp. Flower buds.
Iris
Iris spp. Bulbs and leaves.
Ivy (Boston, English and
Hedera spp.
others)
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum All parts.

Java Bean (Lima Bean) Phaseolus lunatus Uncooked beans.
Jerusalem Cherry Solanum pseudocapsicum Berries
Jessamine, Yellow Gelsemium sempervirens Leaves and stems.
Jimsonweed (Thornapple) Datura spp. Leaves, seeds, and flowers.
Jonquil Narcissus jonquilla
Juniper Juniperus virginiana Needles, stems, and berries.
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L
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurel
Lily-of-the-Valley
Lobelia
Locoweed
Lords and Ladies (Cuckoopint)
Lupine
Lantana spp.
Delphinium spp.
Kalmia, Ledum, Rhododendron spp.
Convallaria majalis
Lobelia spp.
Astragalus mollissimus
Arum spp.
Lupinus spp.
All parts.
All parts.
All parts.
All parts.
All parts.
All parts.
All parts.
M Marijuana
Mayapple
Mescal Bean
Milkweed
Mistletoe
Mock Orange
Moonseed
Monkshood
Morning Glory
Mushrooms Cannabis sativa
Podophyllum spp.
Sophora spp.
Asclepias spp.
Santalales spp.
Poncirus spp.
Menispermum canadense
Aconitum spp.
Ipomoea spp.
Amanita spp. and many others Leaves
All parts except fruit.
Seeds
All parts, especially berries.
Fruit
Leaves and roots.

All parts.
Bulbs N Narcissus
Nightshades (All Types) Narcissus spp.
Solanum spp. Bulbs
Berries and leaves. O Oleander Nerium oleander Leaves, branches, and nectar. P Peach
Pear
Peony
Periwinkle
Peyote
Philodendron
Pigweed
Poinsetta
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Poppy
Pokeweed (Inkberry)
Potato
Pothos
Primrose
Privet Prumus persica
Pyrus spp.
Paeonia officinalis
Vinca minor, Vinca rosea
Lophophora williamsii
Philodendron spp.
Amaranthus
Toxicodendron radicans
Toxicodendron quercifolium
Rhux vernix
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Papaver somniferum and related spp.
Phytolacca americans
Solanum tuberosum
Eprimemnum aureum
Primula spp.
Ligustrum vulgare Leaves, pit, and bark.
Leaves, seeds, and bark.
Leaves and stems.
Sap
Sap
Leaves and flowers.

Roots, leaves, and seeds.
Leaves, roots, and berries.
Eyes and new shoots.
All parts. R Ragwort

Red Maple
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea (Indian Licorice) Senecio jacobea
Acer rubrum
Rhododendron spp.
Rheum rhaponticum
Abrus precatorius
All parts
Leaves S Sage
Shamrock Plant
Skunk Cabbage
Snowdrop
Snow-on-the-Mountain (Ghostweed)
Sorrel
Spurges
Star-of-Bethlehem
Sweet Pea Salivia officinalis
Medicgo lupulina
Symplocarpus foetidus
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Euphorbia marginata
Rumex spp.
Euphorbia spp.
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Lathyrus latifolius
All parts.
All parts, especially buds.
All parts.
Seeds and fruits. T Tobacco

Tomato
Tulip Nicotine spp.
Lycopersicon esculentum
Tulipa spp. Leaves
Stems and leaves.
V Virginia Creeper
Vetches Pathenocissus quinquefolia spp
Vicia spp. Sap
W Water Hemlock
Waxberry
Wisteria Cicuta spp.
Symphoricarpos albus
Wisteria spp.
All parts. Y Yam Bean

Yew Pachyrhizus erosus
Taxus spp. Roots and immature pods.
Needles, seeds, leaves,
stems, bark and wood.
Previous
Japanese star anise (Illicium lanceolatum) which is poisonous.
Common Indoor Plants Poisonous to Dogs
In assessing the risk to your dog from these plants, you need to consider both the age of your dog and it's
propensity to chew on plants. Many of the below toxic plants rarely cause problems because most dogs
don't chew them -- the exceptions being, of course, young puppies who are inclined to explore the world
with their mouths, teething dogs who may chew on everything, and older dogs that are simply fond of
chewing. Oleander, for example, is rather toxic, but most cases of poisoning involve 1) cattle, other
grazing livestock 2) puppies and 3) human babies/toddlers.
Dumb cane is probably the one plant that should always be kept out of reach, since it takes only one nibble
to have a potentially fatal situation.
(from Carlson & Giffin.)
• That give rash after contact with the skin or mouth: (mums might produce dermatitis)
chrysanthemum poinsettia creeping fig
weeping fig spider mum pot mum
• Irritating (toxic oxalates), especially the mouth gets swollen; tongue pain; sore lips; some swell so
quickly a tracheotomy is needed before asphyxiation:
arrowhead vine majesty boston ivy
neththytis ivy colodium pathos
emerald duke red princess heart leaf (philodendron)
split leaf (philodendron) saddle leaf (philodendron) marble queen
• Toxic plants - may contain wide variety of poisons. Most cause vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps.
Some cause tremors, heart and respiratory and/or kidney problems, which are difficult for owner to
interpret:
amaryllis elephant ears pot mum
asparagus fern glocal ivy ripple ivy
azalea heart ivy spider mum
bird of paradise ivy sprangeri fern
creeping charlie jerusalem cherry umbrella plant
crown of thorns needlepoint ivy
Here are more miscellaneous plants that we found on other lists. The reactions to these plants are
unknown, but they are considered dangerous and should be avoided.
Monkshod Andromeda English Ivy
Apple seeds (cyanide) Elderberry Narcissus (bulb)
Arrowgrass Avocado Oleander
Hyacinth (bulb) Boxwood Hydrangea
Poison Ivy Iris (bulb) Cladium
Japanese Yew Rhododendron Jasmine (berries)
Rhubarb Cherry Pits (cyanide) Snow on the Mountain
Chokecherry Stinging Nettle Climbing Lilly
Laburnum Toadstool Tobacco
Laurel Tulip (bulb) Daphne
Walnut Marigold Wisteria
Dieffenbachia Yes Mistletoe
Common Outdoor Plants Poisonous to Dogs

(from Carlson & Giffin.)
• Produce vomiting and diarrhea in some cases:
delphinium poke weed indian tobacco
daffodil bittersweet woody wisteria
castor bean ground cherry soap berry
indian turnip fox glove skunk cabbage
larkspur
• May produce vomiting, abdominal pain, and in some cases diarrhea
horse chestnut buckeye western yew apricot, almond
rain tree monkey pod english holly peach, cherry
privet wild cherry mock orange
japanese plum american yew bird of paradise
balsam pear english yew black locust
• Varied toxic effect

rhubarb buttercup moonseed
spinach nightshade may apple
sunburned potatoes poison hemlock dutchman's breeches
tomato vine jimson weed mescal bean
loco weed pig weed angel's trumpet
lupine water hemlock jasmine
dologeton mushrooms matrimony vine
dumb cane
• Hallucinogens
marijuana periwinkle morning glory
peyote nutmeg loco weed
• Convulsions
china berry nux vomica coriaria
water hemlock moon weed
Poisonous Household Items

Acetaminophen Laxatives
AntiFreeze Lead
Aspirin Lye
Bleach Matches
Boric Acid Metal Polish
Brake Fluid Mineral Spirits
Carbon Monoxide Mothballs
Carbuerator Cleaner Nail Polish and Remover
Christmas Tinsel Paint & Remover
Cleaning Fluid Perm Solutions
Deoderants/Deoderizers Phenol
Detergents Photo Developer
Disinfectants Rat Poison
Drain Cleaner Rubbing Alcohol
Dye Shoe Polish
Fungicides Sleeping Pills
Furniture Polish Soaps
Gasoline Suntan Lotions
Hair Colorings Tar
Herbicides Turpentine
Insecticides Windshield Fluid
Kerosene Woodstains
Poisonous Foods for Your Dog

Chocolate
It is not chocolate itself that is poisonous to dogs, it is the theobromine, a naturally occuring compound
found in chocolate. Theobromine causes different reactions to different dogs: dogs with health problems,
especially epilepsy, are more affected by theobromine than healthy dogs. Theobromine can trigger epileptic
seizures in dogs prone to or at risk of epilepsy. The size of the dog will also be a major factor: the smaller
the dog, the more affected it is by the same amount than a larger dog. Therefore, toxicity is described on a
mg/Kg basis.
Furthermore, theobromine can cause cardiac irregularity, especially if the dog becomes excited. Cardiac
arythmia can precipitate a myocardial infarct which can kill the dog.
Theobromine also irritates the GI tract and in some dogs can cause internal bleeding which in some cases
kills them a day or so later.
Theobromine is also present in differing amounts in different kinds of chocolate. milk chocolate has 44-66
mg/oz, dark chocolate 450 mg/oz and baking/bitter chocolate or cocoa powder varies as much as 150-600
mg/oz. How much chocolate a dog can survive depends on its weight (and other unknown circumstances).
Under 200 mg theobromine per kg body weight no deaths have been observed.
Theobromine will stay in the bloodstream between 14 and 20 hours. It goes back into the bloodstream
through the stomach lining and takes a long time for the liver to filter out.
Within two hours of ingestion, try inducing vomiting unless your dog is markedly stimulated, comatose, or
has lost the gag reflex. If your dog has eaten a considerable amount of chocolate, or displays any of the
above symptoms, take it to the vet without delay.
In the absence of major symptoms, administer activated charcoal. The unabsorbed theobromine will
chemically bond to this and be eliminated in the feces. In pinch, burnt (as in thoroughly burnt, crumbling in
hand) toast will do.
Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and Raisins have been found to be toxic to dogs. Acute renal(kidney) failure is the most common
result.
Nuts
Walnuts are poisonous to dogs and should be avoided. Many nuts are not good for dogs in general, their
high phosporous content is said to possibly lead to bladder stones.
Misc:
Onions, especially raw onions, have been shown to trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs. (Stephen J Ettinger,
D.V.M and Edward C. Fieldman, D.V.M. 's book: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 2 pg 1884.)
Potato poisonings among people and dogs have occurred. Solanum alkaloids can be found in in green
sprouts and green potato skins, which occurs when the tubers are exposed to sunlight during growth or
after harvest. The relatively rare occurrence of actual poisoning is due to several factors: solanine is poorly
absorbed; it is mostly hydrolyzed into less toxic solanidinel; and the metabolites are quickly eliminated.
Note that cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for dogs, actually quite nutritious and digestible.
Turkey skin is currently thought to cause acute pancreatis in dogs.
Drugs That Interact With Grapefruit Juice
Here are some drugs that interact with grapefruit juice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're
concerned about any of your medications.
Condition Medications
Anxiety Xanax, Buspar, Versed, Halcion
Depression Luvox, Zoloft
Allergies Allegra
Abnormal heart rhythm Cordarone, quinidine
Heart disease/stroke/blood
Coumadin
clots
Epilepsy Tegretol
Cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide, tamoxifen, vinblastine,
Cancer
vincristine
Cough Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cold medicines)
HIV Agenerase, Crixivan, Viracept, Norvir, Fortovase
Prostate enlargement Proscar
Heart disease/High blood Coreg, Cardizem, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Nimotop, Sular,
pressure Covera, Calan, Verelan
Erectile dysfunction Viagra, Cialis
Asthma/Emphysema Theophylline
High cholesterol Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor
Pain Alfenta, Duragesic, Actiq, Sufenta
Infection Biaxin, Sporanox, erythromycin, troleandomycin
Patients should check with their doctors about specific interactions between grapefruit juice and
medication.

Warning of Herb and Drug Interactions

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Warnings of herbs and drug interactions.

Definition for Allopathic Doctors or AKA-- Symptom Doctors:

ASTRINGENTS CARDIAC TONICS

Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Arnica (excludes homeopathics)

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Not recommended for long term use.

Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing, or by persons with

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used by persons with gallstones, serious liver conditions or obstruction

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not recommended for internal use.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Cayenne (capsules & extract only)

Avoid contact with eyes or open wounds.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Chaste Tree Berries

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Use as an aromatic in potpourris or other crafts. Not for internal use.

Not recommended for use by persons with ulcers.

Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Dyers Broom Flowers

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Ephedra (Ma Huang)

Not to be used by persons with inflammatory diseases of the gastro-intestinal

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Not to be used by persons with ulcers or when stomach irritation or inflam-

Ginger (capsules only)

For external use only.

Not recommended for use by persons suffering from depression.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Lomatium (bulk herb)

Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy. Large doses may act as an emetic.

Not for use by persons with protein hypersensitivity and chronic-progressive

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

For decorative use only.

Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with inflammatory kidney

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not for use by persons with low blood pressure or hypotension.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Prickly Ash Bark

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Not to be used during pregnancy.

Queen of the Meadow