In keeping with the first list, this list continues to explain 5 more herbs that are dangerous if used improperly. Many herbs that were once thought of as healing, are now known to be downright dangerous to our health. If nothing else, let this be a caution to check at least 3 references before ingesting any herb.
Most often known as a candle fragrance, many do not realize that actually ingesting anything from the bayberry is toxic. The bark has been shown to cause cancer in rats according to Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.
How much can you add to that? Please, if growing bayberry, keep children and animals from ingesting the berries or any other part of this herb.More »
Bloodroot is an early spring flower, that is often one of the first flowering herbs of the year. Used for shade and woodland gardens, it is a lovely addition to the landscape, but does not belong in your medicine chest.
Bloodroot was once used by American Indians as a skin dye, but please do not use this toxic herb yourself. Known to contain the poison alkaloid sanguinarine, toxic doses causes intense physical reactions such as vomiting, paralysis, intense thirst and vertigo.More »
Blue cohosh's toxic nature comes from misuse and lack of knowledge. It can be quite toxic and only an experienced herbalist should be using it for any herbal treatments.
It is known to have a toxic effect on the heart, and is highly irritating if inhaled in powdered form. Blue cohosh is just not safe for the home herbalist to administer for any reason.
Be aware that with the internet, there has been an influx of herbal hearsay. Do not confuse blue cohosh for black cohosh, and always ask a qualified herbalist before ingesting any herb-especially during pregnancy.
The link to Blue Cohosh actually brings you to the comprehensive listing for Black Cohosh, with the differences between black and blue explained.More »
Scotch broom is another of those herbs that belong in a well maintained landscape, but not in your herbal medicine chest.
Unfortunately, this herbal shrub is rumored to be a mind altering herbal smoke, however it actually slows the heartbeat-a dangerous enough side effect. It's damaging results don't stop there; Scotch broom also causes symptoms such as nicotine poisoning, paralyzing the respiratory and motor centers of the brain, resulting in convulsions and death.
Please, leave the Scotch Broom in the yard. Even then, be aware that it also considered an invasive species.More »
Including coltsfoot in the dangerous herb list needs some clarification. Many herbs that are safe to use by an experienced herbalist are downright dangerous if used by an inexperienced person. Coltsfoot sits in this category.
With a reputation as helpful for cough, coltsfoot also contains toxins that can cause liver damage. Neither the flower or the leaves should be used by anything other than the most experienced professionals.
To be even more confusing, the link to coltsfoot in this list, brings you to About.com Taoism site, where you find that it is used in Chinese Herbal medicine. Do not be confused about the toxicity of this herb. Consult your local Master Herbalist before ingesting coltsfoot in any dosage.
An alternative to coltsfoot that is not toxic and actually can be used by the family herbalist, is slippery elm bark, or marsh mallow root. Both are easy to find and effective.
For more information on dangerous herbs, you may wish to read:
Connect With Amy:
Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Herb Gardens Forum | NewsletterMore »
1. Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)
Most often known as a candle fragrance, many do not realize that actually ingesting anything from the bayberry is toxic. The bark has been shown to cause cancer in rats according to Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.
How much can you add to that? Please, if growing bayberry, keep children and animals from ingesting the berries or any other part of this herb.More »
2. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Bloodroot is an early spring flower, that is often one of the first flowering herbs of the year. Used for shade and woodland gardens, it is a lovely addition to the landscape, but does not belong in your medicine chest.
Bloodroot was once used by American Indians as a skin dye, but please do not use this toxic herb yourself. Known to contain the poison alkaloid sanguinarine, toxic doses causes intense physical reactions such as vomiting, paralysis, intense thirst and vertigo.More »
){kind=link}
3. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Blue cohosh's toxic nature comes from misuse and lack of knowledge. It can be quite toxic and only an experienced herbalist should be using it for any herbal treatments.
It is known to have a toxic effect on the heart, and is highly irritating if inhaled in powdered form. Blue cohosh is just not safe for the home herbalist to administer for any reason.
Be aware that with the internet, there has been an influx of herbal hearsay. Do not confuse blue cohosh for black cohosh, and always ask a qualified herbalist before ingesting any herb-especially during pregnancy.
The link to Blue Cohosh actually brings you to the comprehensive listing for Black Cohosh, with the differences between black and blue explained.More »
4. Scotch Broom (Cystisus scoparius)
Scotch broom is another of those herbs that belong in a well maintained landscape, but not in your herbal medicine chest.
Unfortunately, this herbal shrub is rumored to be a mind altering herbal smoke, however it actually slows the heartbeat-a dangerous enough side effect. It's damaging results don't stop there; Scotch broom also causes symptoms such as nicotine poisoning, paralyzing the respiratory and motor centers of the brain, resulting in convulsions and death.
Please, leave the Scotch Broom in the yard. Even then, be aware that it also considered an invasive species.More »
){kind=link}
5. Coltsfoot(Tussilago Farfara)
Including coltsfoot in the dangerous herb list needs some clarification. Many herbs that are safe to use by an experienced herbalist are downright dangerous if used by an inexperienced person. Coltsfoot sits in this category.
With a reputation as helpful for cough, coltsfoot also contains toxins that can cause liver damage. Neither the flower or the leaves should be used by anything other than the most experienced professionals.
To be even more confusing, the link to coltsfoot in this list, brings you to About.com Taoism site, where you find that it is used in Chinese Herbal medicine. Do not be confused about the toxicity of this herb. Consult your local Master Herbalist before ingesting coltsfoot in any dosage.
An alternative to coltsfoot that is not toxic and actually can be used by the family herbalist, is slippery elm bark, or marsh mallow root. Both are easy to find and effective.
For more information on dangerous herbs, you may wish to read:
Connect With Amy:
Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Herb Gardens Forum | NewsletterMore »
Source...