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
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