Herbal Safety Information
**If you're looking for a certain herb or oil, use the find function of your browser by pressing ctrl+ f on windows, or command+f on mac**
For further information on using herbs safely, we recommend the following books:
Mcguffin, Michael, et al., Botanical Safety Handbook, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1997
Blumenthal, Mark, et al., The Complete German Commission E Monographs, The American Botanical Council, Austin, TX, 1998.
ACACIA FLOWER
Acacia vera
No safety information available
ACACIA GUM
Acacia spp.
No safety information available
ALFALFA LEAF
Medicago sativa
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ANISE SEED
Pimpinella anisum
Avoid during pregnancy. Some allergic reactions of skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract have been documented.
ARNICA FLOWER
Arnica montana
External use only but not on open wounds or broken skin. Can cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive persons or with prolonged use.
ASTRAGALUS ROOT
Astragalus membranaceus
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
BARBERRY ROOT
Berberis vulgaris
Avoid during pregnancy.
BASIL LEAF (SWEET)
Ocimum basilicum
Avoid when pregnant or nursing, not recommended for infants, toddlers or for extended periods of time.
BETONY HERB
Stachys officinalis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
BILBERRY BERRY
Vaccinium myrtillus
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
BILBERRY LEAF (Blueberry)
Vaccinium myrtillus
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
BLACK COHOSH ROOT
Cimicifuga racemosa
Avoid when pregnant or nursing, limit use to 6 months.
BLACK HAW BARK
Viburnum prunifolium
Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use this herb cautiously.
BLACK WALNUT HULL
Juglans nigra
Prolonged use is not advised due to the presence of significant quantities of juglone. May reduce absorption of most drugs.
BLACK WALNUT LEAF
Juglans nigra
Prolonged use is not advised due to the presence of significant quantities of juglone. May reduce absorption of most drugs.
BLESSED THISTLE HERB
Cnicus benedictus
Avoid during pregnancy. High doses (more than 5.0 grams per cup of tea) may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Allergic reactions to this and other composites are possible.
BLOOD ROOT
Sanguinaria canadensis
Avoid during pregnancy. As little as one gram may cause nausea and vomiting. Sparing use is recommended for individuals with history of digestive system sensitivity. Prolonged use is not advised.
BLUE MALVA FLOWER
Malva sylvestris
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
BLUEBERRY LEAF see: BILBERRY LEAF
BLUE VERVAIN HERB
Verbena hastata
Avoid during pregnancy. Safe to consume when used appropriately. Due to varying levels of Vitamin K/beta carotene content there is a possible concern with ingestion of blood thinning medications but inconclusive. Caution should be used with sedative medication.
BONESET HERB
Eupatorium perfoliatum
For external use only, avoid on broken skin, during pregnancy, while nursing and with history of liver disease.
BORAGE HERB
Borago officinalis
For external use only, avoid on broken skin, during pregnancy, while nursing and with history of liver disease. Long term use is not recommended.
BURDOCK ROOT
Arctium lappa
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
BURDOCK SEED
Arctium lappa
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
CALAMUS ROOT
Acorus calamus
Avoid during pregnancy.
CALENDULA FLOWER
Calendula officinalis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
CARDAMON SEED
Elettaria cardamomum
In case of gallstones, use only after consultation with a physician.
CASCARA SAGRADA BARK
Rhamnus purshiana
Avoid when pregnant or nursing, with intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or any inflammatory intestinal condition (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease irritable bowel) and in children under 12 years of age. Not for long-term use of more than 8-10 days.
CAT'S CLAW BARK
Uncaria tomentosa
No safety information available but may be digestive irritant. One authority reports possible contraindications for pregnancy, patients undergoing skin grafts, organ transplants, hemophiliacs prescribed fresh blood plasma, simultaneous administration of certain vaccines, hormone therapies, thymus extracts, insulin, and children under three years of age.
CATNIP LEAF & FLOWER
Nepeta cataria
Avoid during pregnancy.
CATUABA BARK
Juniperus brasiliensis
No safety information available.
CAYENNE (AFRICAN BIRD)
Capsicum annum
Excessive internal doses may cause GI irritation in sensitive individuals, externally contraindicated on injured skin or near eyes.
CHAMOMILE FLOWER (GERMAN)
Matricaria recutita (M. chamomilla)
Egypt/Germany Safe to consume when used appropriately but minor side effects are recorded by several references. Highly concentrated hot tea is noted as emetic. One authority advises against daily use.
CHAPARRAL HERB
Larrea tridentata
Seek advice from a health care practitioner before use if you have any history of liver disease. Discontinue use if nausea, fever, fatigue, or jaundice occur (e.g., dark urine or yellow discoloration of the eyes).
CHASTE TREE BERRY (VITEX)
Vitex agnus-castus
Avoid during pregnancy. May counteract effectiveness of birth control pills.
CHICKWEED HERB
Stellaria media
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
CINNAMON BARK
Cinnamomum cassia
Avoid during pregnancy. Not for long term use; do not exceed recommended dose. Standard Dose: 2.0 to 4.0 grams of bark daily, as tea.
CLAY (GREEN ) Illite, Superfine
No safety information available.
CLOVE
Syzygium aromaticum
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
COLTSFOOT LEAF
Tussilago farfara
Avoid on broken skin, during pregnancy, while nursing and with history of liver disease. Limit use to 4-6 weeks. Do not exceed recommended dose of 1.5 to 6 grams of the fresh or dried leaf or its equivalent in finished preparations. Leaf is allowed for internal consumption by the German Commission E.
COMFREY LEAF
Symphytum officinale
External use only, avoid on broken skin, during pregnancy, while nursing and with history of liver disease. Limit use to 4-6 weeks per year.
COMFREY ROOT
Symphytum officinale
External use only, avoid on broken skin, during pregnancy, while nursing and with history of liver disease. Limit use to 4-6 weeks per year.
DAMIANA LEAF
Turnera aphrodisiaca
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
DANDELION ROOT
Taraxacum officinale
Avoid during blockage of the bile ducts, acute gallbladder inflammation, and intestinal blockage. In case of gallstones, consult physician before use.
DILL SEED
Anethum graveolens
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
DONG QUAI ROOT
Angelica sinensis
Avoid during pregnancy.
ECHINACEA ROOT
Echinacea angustifolia
Some authorities suggest it should not be used in autoimmune diseases.
ECHINACEA ROOT
Echinacea purpurea
Some authorities suggest it should not be used in autoimmune diseases.
ELDER BERRY
Sambucus nigra/canadensis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ELDER FLOWER
Sambucus nigra/canadensis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ELEUTHERO ROOT (SIBERIAN GINSENG)
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Safe to consume when used appropriately. Avoid during hypertension but some authorities disagree with this caution.
EUCALYPTUS LEAF
Eucalyptus globulus
Avoid during inflammatory diseases of the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract and in severe liver diseases. Can be a digestive irritant. Do not use eucalyptus preparations on areas of the face and especially the nose in infants and young children.
EYEBRIGHT HERB
Euphrasia officinalis
Europe/Bulgaria Safe to consume when used appropriately.
FALSE UNICORN ROOT
Chamaelirium luteum
Avoid during pregnancy. Sparing use is recommended for individuals with history of digestive system sensitivity.
FENNEL SEED
Foeniculum vulgare
Safe to consume when used appropriately. In individual cases allergic reactions of skin and respiratory tract. Commission E categorizes F. vulgare as not for prolonged use without a physician’s consultation. Presumably this caution is in reference to therapeutic quantities given as 5.0-7.0 grams of seeds daily.
FENUGREEK SEED
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Avoid during pregnancy. Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions.
FEVERFEW HERB
Tanacetum partenium
Avoid during pregnancy.
FLAX SEED
Linum usitatissimum
Avoid during bowel obstruction. May reduce absorption of other drugs. The seeds should be preswollen with fluids prior to consumption in cases of bowel inflammation. Only the whole seed should be used by overweight people to avoid caloric absorption. Warning: Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esoghagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking this product seek immediate medical attention. Directions: Take (or mix) this product (child or adult dose) with at least 8 OZ (a full glass) of water or other fluid. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause choking, see warning.
FRANKINCENSE GUM
Boswellia carteri
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
GARLIC
Alium sativum
Occasional gastrointestinal disturbance in sensitive individuals. Some authorities feel that consumption of fresh garlic in children might be dangerous and possibly contraindicated in pregnancy. The long history of garlic as a food has established it to be safe in reasonable quantities. These warnings may not apply to processed garlic products.
GINGER ROOT
Zingiber officinale
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
GINKGO LEAF
Ginkgo biloba
Safe to consume when used appropriately, possible concern with ingestion of blood thinning medications but inconclusive.
GINSENG RED ROOT
Panax quinquefolius
Safe to consume when used appropriately. Red Ginseng is processed by steaming and may potentiate the effects of caffeine and other stimulants. Unprocessed Ginseng is not considered as stimulating.
GINSENG ROOT (USA)
Panax quinquefolius
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
GINSENG ROOT (CHINESE)
Panax ginseng
Avoid during hypertension but some authorities disagree with this caution.
GINSENG ROOT (KOREAN)
Panax schinseng
Avoid during hypertension but some authorities disagree with this caution.
GINSENG ROOT (SIBERIAN) see: ELEUTHERO ROOT
GOLDEN SEAL ROOT
Hydrastis canadensis
Avoid during pregnancy. Standard Dose: Unless otherwise prescribed, three times daily: 500-1000 mg dried rhizome and root; 2.0-4.0 ml tincture (1:10, 60% ethanol); 0.3-1.0 ml liquid extract (1:1, 60% ethanol). Fresh plant may cause irritation to the mucosa.
GOTU KOLA HERB
Centella asiatica
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
GRAVEL ROOT
Eupatorium purpureum
For external use only, avoid on broken skin, during pregnancy, while nursing and with history of liver disease. Long term use is not recommended.
GUARANA SEED
Paullinia cupana
Not recommended for excessive or long-term use.
HAWTHORN BERRY
Crataegus laevigata / spp.
Safe to consume when used appropriately. May have a potentiating effect with digitalis which may necessitate a smaller dosage of digitalis. Consult a physician when symptoms continue unchanged for longer than 6 weeks or in cases of swelling of the legs. Medical diagnosis is absolutely necessary when pains occur in the region of the heart, spreading out to the arms, upper abdomen or the area around the neck, or in cases of respiratory distress (dyspnea).
HEARTSEASE HERB (PANSY)
Viola tricolor
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
HIBISCUS FLOWER
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
HOPS FLOWER
Humulus lupulus
Safe to consume when used appropriately but some authorities say avoid with depression.
HOREHOUND HERB
Marrubium vulgare
Avoid during pregnancy.
HORSETAIL HERB
Equisitum arvense
Avoid during cardiac or renal dysfunction. Has potential to lead to thiamine deficiency. Powdered form not recommended for children or for prolonged use due to the inorganic silica content, though teas & extracts contain mainly organic silica in colloidal form so are not problematic in this regard.
HYDRANGEA ROOT
Hydrangea arborescens
Avoid long term use
HYSSOP HERB
Hyssopus officinalis
Avoid during pregnancy.
IRISH MOSS
Chondrus crispis
No safety information available.
JASMINE FLOWER
Jasminum odoratissimum / grandiflorum
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
JUNIPER BERRY
Juniperus communis
Avoid during pregnancy and inflammatory kidney disease. Limit use to 4-6 weeks in succession.
KAVA KAVA ROOT
Piper methysticum
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing and some kinds of depression. Not recommended for more than 3 months without medical advice. It could increase the effect of alcohol, barbiturates and some drugs used for psychological treatment and has the potential to affect motor reflexes and judgment when driving or operating heavy machinery.
KELP
Laminaria digitata/Ascophyllum nodosum
Avoid during hyperthyroidism. Not recommended for long term use. When taken alone, it should be accompanied with adequate liquid.
KOLA NUT
Cola acuminata
Avoid during pregnancy, hypertension, gastric and duodenal
ulcers. Not recommended for excessive or long-term use.
LAPACHO BARK (Pau D'Arco)
Tabebuia avelleneda
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
LAVENDER FLOWER
Lavandula angustifolia / x intermedia
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
LEMON VERBENA LEAF
Aloysia triphylla
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
LEMONGRASS
Cymbopogon citratus
Avoid during pregnancy. Allergic reactions are rare, if preparations of the herb are topically applied to the skin.
LICORICE ROOT
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, diabetes, hypertension, liver disorders, severe kidney insufficiency, and hypokalemia. Not for prolonged use (over 4 – 6 weeks) or in high doses except under supervision of a qualified health practitioner. May potentiate potassium depletion of thiazide diuretics and stimulant laxatives, as well as the action of cardiac glycosides and cortisol. May cause reversible potassium depletion and sodium retention, resulting in such symptoms as hypertension, edema, headache, and vertigo when consumed in therapeutic dosages over a prolonged period.
LINDEN FLOWER
Tilia europaea
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
LOBELIA HERB
Lobelia inflata
Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid large doses. May cause nausea and vomiting.
MA HUANG HERB
Ephedra sinica
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, anorexia, bulimia, glaucoma, anxiety, impaired circulation of the cerebrum, adenoma of prostate with residual urine accumulation, pheochromocytoma and thyrotoxicosis. Not recommended for excessive or long-term use. In higher dosage side effects can be drastic increase in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, development of dependency.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 a MAO inhibitor or any other prescription drug. Reduce or discontinue use if nervousness, tremor, irritability, headaches, sleeplessness, disturbances of urination, excessive rapid heart rate, loss of appetite or nausea occur. Not intended for use by persons under 18 years of age. Keep out of the reach of children.
MARJORAM LEAF
Origanum marjorana
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
MARSHMALLOW LEAF
Althaea officinalis
Safe to consume when used appropriately but absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.
MARSHMALLOW ROOT
Althaea officinalis
Safe to consume when used appropriately but absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.
MELISSA HERB (LEMON BALM)
Melissa officinalis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
MILK THISTLE SEED
Silybum marianum
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
MOTHERWORT HERB
Leonorus cardiaca
Avoid during pregnancy.
MUGWORT HERB
Artemesia vulgaris
Avoid during pregnancy.
MUIRA PUAMA ROOT
Liriosma ovata
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
MULLEIN FLOWER
Verbascum thapsus
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
MULLEIN LEAF
Verbascum thapsus
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
MYRRH GUM
Commiphora molmol
Avoid during pregnancy & excessive uterine bleeding. Doses over 2.0-4.0 grams may cause irritation of the kidneys and diarrhea.
NETTLE LEAF
Urtica dioica
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ORANGE FLOWER
Citrus aurantium
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ORANGE PEEL
Citrus sinensis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
OREGANO LEAF
Origanum vulgare
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
OREGON GRAPE ROOT
Mahonia aquafolium
Avoid during pregnancy.
ORRIS ROOT (Natural)
Iris germanica var. florentina
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
PAPAYA LEAF
Carica papaya
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
PASSION FLOWER HERB
Passiflora incarnata
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
PEACH TREE LEAF
Prunus persica
Not for long term use. There is concern over the Cyanogenic Glycoside Amygdalin content of ca. 1.0% in the leaf. The seed can contain as much as 8.0% amygdalin which is enough to prove fatal following even moderate consumption. Although the content in the leaf and bark is significantly less than in the seed, caution must still be observed, especially with children. Warning: To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance.
PENNYROYAL HERB
Mentha pulegium
Avoid during pregnancy. The leaf contains 1.0-2.0% essential oil consisting of 80.0-94.0% pulegone, a severe liver toxin when administered to rats in high dose. The notoriety of pennyroyal is due to the misuse of the essential oil. Death has been reported after consumption of as little as 15.0 ml (1/2 oz) of the oil, and in one instance, following consumption of an alcohol extract of pennyroyal herb over a two week period. The last case involved a woman who was determined postmortem to have had an ectopic pregnancy, and toxic pulegone metabolites were reported to be present in the liver.
PEPPERMINT LEAF
Mentha piperita
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
PFAFFIA ROOT (SUMA)
Pfaffia paniculata
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
PLANTAIN LEAF
Plantago major
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
PLEURISY ROOT
Asclepias tuberosa
Avoid during pregnancy, may cause nausea and vomiting.
PRICKLY ASH BARK
Zanthoxylum americanum
Avoid during pregnancy.
PYRETHRUM FLOWER
Anacyclus pyrethrum
External use only. No safety information available.
RASPBERRY LEAF
Rubus idaeus O USA/Bulgaria
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
RED CLOVER BLOSSOM
Trifolium pratense
Avoid during pregnancy.
RHUBARB ROOT
Rheum palmatum
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or any inflammatory condition of the intestines (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel, etc.) Not for children less than 12 years of age and not for long-term use in excess of 8-10 days. Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use this herb cautiously. Standard Dose: 1.0-5.0 grams daily, directly consumed or decocted as a tea, or up to 12.0 grams daily according to traditional Chinese authors. Warning for use of herb alone or in sufficient quantity in product: Do not use this product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a health care provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for long-term use.
ROSE BUD & PETAL (RED)
Rosa centifolia/gallica
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ROSE HIP seedless
Rosa canina
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ROSEMARY LEAF
Rosmarinus officinalis
Avoid during pregnancy.
SAFFLOWER FLOWER
Carthamus tinctorius
Avoid during pregnancy, hemorrhagic diseases or peptic ulcers. May prolong blood coagulation time.
SAGE LEAF
Salvia officinalis
Avoid during pregnancy. Not for long term use, do not exceed recommended dose.
Standard Dose: 4.0-6.0 grams daily.
SAGE LEAF (WHITE)
Salvia apiana
No safety information available.
SARSAPARILLA ROOT
Smilax medica
Safe to consume when used appropriately. Some authorities warn it leads to gastric irritation and temp-orary kidney impairment and advise of potential drug interactions with hypnotics, digitalis glycosides, and bismuth.
SASSAFRAS ROOT BARK
Sassafras albidium
Not for long term use; do not exceed recommended dose. Standard Dose: 10.0 grams of the root bark; 2.0-4.0 ml of an liquid extract of root bark.
SAW PALMETTO BERRY
Serenoa repens
Safe to consume when used appropriately. Regular consultation with a physician is advised when using this herb for treatment of enlarged prostate.
SCULLCAP HERB
Scutellaria lateriflora
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
SENNA LEAF
Senna spp.
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, hemorrhoids or any inflammatory condition of the intestines (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel, etc.) Not for children less than 12 years of age and not for long-term use in excess of 8-10 days. Standard Dose: Dried leaf: 0.5-3.0 grams infused in hot (not boiling) water for 10-15 minutes or in cold water for 10-12 hours. Warning for use of herb alone or in sufficient quantity in product: Do not use this product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a health care provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for long-term use.
SHEEP SORREL HERB
Rumex acetosella
Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use this herb cautiously.
SLIPPERY ELM BARK (INNER)
Ulmus fulva
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
SPEARMINT LEAF
Mentha spicata
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
SQUAW VINE HERB
Mitchella repens
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
ST. JOHN'S WORT HERB & FLOWER
Hypericum perforatum
May potentiate pharmaceutical MAO-inhibitors, fair-skinned people should avoid excessive sunlight and tanning while using.
STEVIA LEAF
Stevia rebaudiana
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
STEVIA WHITE EXTRACT
Stevia rebaudiana
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
STONE ROOT
Collinsonia canadensis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
SWEET WOODRUFF HERB
Galium odoratum
Safe to consume when used appropriately but use is reported to sometimes result in headaches.
TANSY HERB
Tanacetum vulgare
To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance. Avoid during pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and excessive menstrual bleeding. Because of the variable thujone content, uncontrolled usage of tansy, depending on the qualilty of the herb, can result in absorption of thujone in toxic amounts, even at normal dosages.
TEA, GREEN
Camellia sinensis
Green, unfermented tea is the world’s second most popular beverage, after water! Contains 0.9-5.0% caffeine, not recommended for excessive use. May be irritating to the digestive system.
THUJA LEAF (ARBOR VITAE)
Thuja occidentalis
Avoid during pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and excessive menstrual bleeding. Because of the thujone content, avoid long-term use, do not exceed recommended dose of 2.0-4.0 ml liquid extract, which should be taken internally only occasionally. Aqueous forms such as tea are low in thujone.
THYME LEAF
Thymus vulgaris
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
TURMERIC ROOT
Curcuma longa
Avoid during pregnancy, bile duct obstruction, gall stones, stomach ulcers, hyperacidity.
UVA URSI LEAF
Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, kidney disorders, irritated digestive conditions and with acidic urine or in conjunction with drugs which produce acidic urine because it reduces antibacterial effect. Not for prolonged use without consulting a practitioner.
VALERIAN ROOT
Valariana officinalis
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
VIOLET LEAF
Viola odorata
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
WHITE OAK BARK
Quercus alba
Avoid external use with extensive skin surface damage. Full baths with a significant amount of the tea are contraindicated in the following conditions: weeping eczema and skin damage over a large area; febrile and infectious disorders; cardiac insufficiency stages III and IV; hypertonia stage IV.
WHITE WILLOW BARK
Salix alba
May be irritating to the digestive system. Persons with known sensitivity to aspirin may wish to exercise caution although there is no evidence these type reactions have ever occurred with the natural preparations from Salix spp. There is some assurance aspirin’s tendency to potentiate blood thinning drugs is not mimicked Salix spp.
WILD CHERRY BARK
Prunus serotina
Not for long-term use; do not exceed recommended dose of 2.0-4.0 grams
WILD LETTUCE HERB
Lactuca spp.
Safe to consume when used appropriately. Large doses of the tincture can produce vomiting.
WILD YAM ROOT
Dioscorea villosa
Safe to consume when used appropriately. Large doses of the tincture can produce vomiting.
WINTERGREEN LEAF
Gaultheria procumbens
Persons with known sensitivity to aspirin may wish to exercise caution although there is no evidence these type reactions have ever occurred with the natural preparations from Gaultheria. There is some assurance aspirin’s tendency to potentiate blood thinning drugs is not mimicked Gaultheria.
WITCH HAZEL BARK
Hamamelis virginiana
Safe to consume when used appropriately. In susceptible patients, irritation of the stomach may occur occasionally. In rare cases, witch-hazel tannins may cause liver damage.
WITCH HAZEL LEAF
Hamamelis virginiana
Safe to consume when used appropriately. In susceptible patients, irritation of the stomach may occur occasionally. In rare cases, witch-hazel tannins may cause liver damage.
WORMWOOD HERB
Artemisia absinthium
Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, pelvic inflammatory disease and excessive menstrual bleeding. Not for long term use; do not exceed recommended dose of 1.5 grams of dried herb in tea, 2 to 3 times daily. Thujone, a constituent of Wormwood, is neurotoxic but the primary references do not substantiate toxicological concern, except with long-term use, excessive dose (which is more likely with an extract), or use of the essential oil.
YARROW FLOWER
Achillea millefolium
Avoid during pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and excessive menstrual bleeding. Should not be used by persons prone to allergies to Asteraceae. With external use, immediate cessation of treatment is advised in the event of itching and inflammatory changes in the skin.
YELLOW DOCK ROOT
Rumex crispus
Caution is advised for individuals with a history of kidney stones.
YERBA MATE LEAF
Ilex paraguaiensis
Not recommended for excessive or long-term use. May be irritating to the digestive system.
YERBA SANTA HERB
Erdictyon glutinosum
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
YOHIMBE BARK
Corynanthe/Pausinystalia yohimbe
Avoid during existing liver and kidney diseases and in chronic inflammation of the sexual organs or prostate gland. Not recommended for excessive or long-term use. May potentiate pharmaceutical MAO-inhibitors and hypotensive drugs. Yohimbe is a nervous system stimulant that can produce unpleasant digestive and nervous system symptoms including nervousness, heart irregularities, headaches, tremors and insomnia.
YUCCA ROOT
Yucca spp.
Safe to consume when used appropriately