Herbs to be taken under supervision

List of some herbs that are toxic and should not be taken internally without special
care or professional supervision is given here.
"Many of the herbs that are listed here are used in controlled doses under the
supervision of an herbalist."
I prefer to use herbal medications rather than pharmaceuticals, partly because herbs
are gentler and safer.
However I am not suggesting that herbs are harmless. Indeed some can be deadly.
Listed below are some herbs that should not be taken internally without special care
or professional supervision, though some are quite safe for external use (for
example, arnica).
Many of the herbs that are listed here are used in controlled doses under the
supervision of an herbalist. Some of these herbs will also appear in herbal formulae.
It is important to read labels and to be aware of the potential effects - beneficial and
hazardous of any herb used.
The list below contains some of the potentially hazardous herbs however there are
some precautions or special considerations that need to be given when using some
herbs. Some will affect or interact with medical drugs such as the contraceptive pill.
Others are also best avoided used during pregnancy and breast feeding.
Arnica (Arnica montana) - should not be taken internally (other than as a
homeopathic preparation) as it is potentially toxic, but it provides one of the best
remedies for external local healing of bruises and strains.
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) - The stems of bittersweet is used in the
treatment of skin and rheumatic complaints. Ointments can be made from the leaves
and stems. However the berries have much higher levels of alkaloids and they may
be poisonous and have to be avoided.
Bryony (Bryonia dioica)
Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)

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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) The roots are for external use only. The leaves
can be taken internally but avoid excessive consumption. Care needs to be taken
when applying externally to deep wounds as the external application of the leaves
can lead to tissue forming over the wound before the wound has healed deeper
down leading to the formation of a sinus.
European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
False hellebore (Veratrum viride)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Digitalis is used in the treatment of heart problems it
has the potential to be lethally toxic.
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina)
Ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) - this is a very powerful herb and is an emetic - will
induce vomiting and as such is used in the treatment of poisoning. It should be only
used in very small amounts - if it is used at all.
Jimsonweed (Datura stamonium)
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) this is a digitalis is the same as foxglove
although without some of its toxic effects. Care still needs to be taken and is best
used under the supervision of a health professional.
Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) - is effective in killing tapeworms. However, it is
potentially poisonous in overdose and is best used under the supervision of a health
professional.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Mistletoe (Viscum album) - has a soothing and relaxing effect on the nervous
system. However you need to avoid the berries as they can be poisonous.
Pasqueflower(Anemone pulsatilla) - this is an excellent relaxant herb but do not use
the fresh plant.
Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegiodes) - is used for abdominal pains and flatulence but
do not use during pregnancy as it has been used in large does and an abortifacient.

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Pheasant's eye (Adonis vernalis)

Poke root (Phytolacca americana) - has a wide range of uses and is very powerful
so it is used in 1/4 of the normal doses. Only use the poke root dried and in small
doses. In large doses it will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Never use poke root in
pregnancy. Poke root may be toxic if taken in large doses or for an extended period
of time. It would be best not to take this herb unless under the supervision of a health
professional.
Squill (Urginea maritima) - is used as a powerful expectorant in chronic bronchitis.
However the does need is quite small so extra care is needed to prevent overdose.
Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
Take care, not fright!
Other herbs also cause side effects, especially if they are taken in large doses and
some herbs should only be taken when under the supervision of a herbal practitioner
or other knowledgeable health professional. There is no need to be scared or too
afraid to become more self-reliant. However, due care must be taken and sometimes
professional advice, supervision or tuition is a worthwhile and sensible step in
becoming self-reliant.
You can continue to discover the role of herbs in health and wellness by joining our
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See how herbs and other natural therapies can work together to gain and maintain
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Reference: Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate
about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease
and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She
encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body,
taking essential vitamin and mineral supplements and many other methods,
including herbal remedies. Visit Dr Jenny's blog at www.healthproductssite.com

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