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Benedict's wort

Benediktenkraut is a plant whose flowering tops, leaves and upper stems are used to make medicine. Benediktenkraut was often used in the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague and as a tonic for monks. Today, benedict herb is prepared as a tea and used for loss of appetite and stomach upset as well as for treating colds, flu, coughs, fever and bacterial infections. It is also used as a diuretic to increase urination and to stimulate the flow of milk in mothers shortly after giving birth. Some people soak gauze with Benedict's wort and apply it to the skin to treat burns and ulcers. In industry, Benedict's wort is used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages and should not be confused with milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

How effective is benedictum?

There is insufficient scientific data to say how effective Benedict's wort is in treating diarrhea, coughs, infections, scalds, wounds or other ailments. There are also insufficient studies on its effect as a diuretic or its use to promote milk flow in breastfeeding women. Further scientific studies are needed to be able to make a statement about the effectiveness of Benedict's wort in all these applications.

How does Benediktenkraut work?

Benedict's wort contains tannins that may help with diarrhea, coughs and inflammation. However, there is not enough information to say how well Benedict's wort can help with many of these applications.

Are there any safety concerns?

Benedict's wort is probably safe and harmless for most people. In high doses, exceeding 5 grams per cup of tea, benedict herb can cause stomach upset and vomiting.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume benedict herb. There is evidence that it cannot be considered safe and harmless during pregnancy. Since not enough is known about the safety of this product, pregnant women should also refrain from taking Benedict's wort to be on the safe side.

Intestinal problems such as infections, Crohn's disease and other inflammatory diseases: You should not take benedict herb if you suffer from any of these conditions, as it can irritate the stomach and intestines.

Allergies to broom weed and related plants: Benedict's weed can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking Benediktenkraut.

Does it interact with medication?

You should be careful when combining Benediktenkraut with the following medications:

Acid blockers

Acid blockers are used to neutralize stomach acid. Benediktenkraut can increase stomach acid production. By increasing stomach acid production, Benediktenkraut could reduce the effectiveness of these medications. Acid blockers include agents such as calcium carbonate, dihydroxialuminum, sodium carbonate, magaldrate, magnesium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide and others.

Drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid (H2 blockers)

Because benedictum can stimulate stomach acid production, it may reduce the effectiveness of some medications known as H2 blockers, which are used to reduce stomach acid production. This group of drugs includes cimetidine, ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine and famotidine.

Drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid (proton pump inhibitors)

Because benedictum can stimulate stomach acid production, it may reduce the effectiveness of some medications known as proton pump inhibitors, which are used to reduce stomach acid production. This group of drugs includes omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole.

Recommended dosage

An appropriate dosage of Benediktenkraut depends on various factors, including age, state of health and other factors. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dosage range for benedictene, so you should follow the dosage instructions on the label or consult a doctor or pharmacist.

References

  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  4. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  5. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.