Harmful Herbs
Remember, just because something is natural, it doesn't make it safe. The following herbs have the potential to be very harmful or even deadly if ingested. I suggest avoiding them. However, if you choose to used them, please do your research first. And if you are taking any medication, consult your doctor before using any herb.
Aloe Vera | Can be a powerful laxative |
Borage | Harmful in large doses, may cause liver damage and cancer |
Broom | Toxic; diuretic |
Chaparral | Banned in the United States |
Coltsfoot | May cause cancer |
Comfrey | May cause liver damage and cancer |
Ephedra | Should not be used by people with heart conditions, blood pressure, diabetes or thyroid disease |
Foxglove | Potent heart toxin |
Juniper | Shouldn't be used by women who are pregnant or have kidney disease |
Licorice | Excessive amounts may cause fluid retention and high blood pressure |
Pennyroyal | The essential oil may cause convulsions in large doses |
Pokeweed | May cause respiratory paralysis and convulsion |
Rue | May make skin more susceptible to sun damage |
Sassafras | May cause cancer |
Yohimbe | Side effects include nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, palpitations, insomnia and tremors |
Never ingest the following:
- Aconite
- Balm of Gilead
- Belladonna
- Black Hellebore
- Black Nightshade
- Byrony
- Calamus
- Camphor
- Carnation
- Comfrey
- Deadly Nightshade
- Deerstongue
- Eucalyptus
- Euphorbium
- Fern
- Geranium
- Heliotrope
- Hemlock
- Henbane
- Hyacinth
- Ivy
- Mandrake
- Mistletoe
- Mums
- Narcissus
- Nightshade
- Pine
- Ranunculus
- Tonka
- Trefoil
- Water Parsnip
- Wisteria
- Wolfbane
- Woodwarm
- Yew
Use the following with caution as they may have ill effects on people with preexisting medical conditions or sensitivity:
- Acorn
- Angelica
- Bladderwack
- Clover
- Flax
- Hemp
- Hops
- Juniper
- Licorice
- Mace
- Nutmeg
- Periwinkle
- Red Sandalwood
- Rhubarb
- Sandalwood
- Stephontis
- Sweet Flag
- Tobacco
- Woodruff