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Water asters

Boneset, also known as Eupatorium perfoliatum, is a plant whose dried leaves and flowers are used to make medicine. Boneset is used to reduce fever, increase urine output and treat constipation. In addition, water azalea is also used as an emetic. Other uses include the treatment of influenza, swine flu, acute bronchitis, inflammation of the nose, rheumatic joint pain, water retention, dengue fever and pneumonia. Waterweed is also used as a stimulant and to stimulate sweating.

What is the effect of waterweed?

Runaway watercress contains chemicals that may act in a similar way to anti-cancer drugs. It may also have a mild anti-bacterial effect.

How effective is waterweed?

There is not enough scientific data to evaluate the effectiveness of watercress for constipation, water retention and muscle pain, reducing inflammation, stimulating the immune system and when used as an emetic. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of waterweed in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Waterweed is not considered safe and harmless when taken orally in large quantities. Some plants related to waterweed contain chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver. However, it is not known if waterweed also contains these chemicals.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Because waterweed may contain liver-damaging chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it is not considered safe or safe for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Allergies to broomweed and related plants: Runaway watercress could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomsedge, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking water azalea.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of waterwort depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for waterwort. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
  2. Habtemariam S, Macpherson AM. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Phytother Res 2000;14:575-7.
  3. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmacy 1995;50:83-98.