Gelsemium sempervirens
Gelsemium is a plant whose root and root stem are used to make medicine despite serious safety concerns.
Gelsemium is used as a painkiller for migraine headaches and nerve pain in the face. It is also used for asthma and respiratory problems.
How does Gelsemium work?
Gelsemium contains substances that may act in the brain to relieve pain.
How effective is Gelsemium?
There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of Gelsemium for asthma, migraine headaches and facial nerve pain. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Gelsemium in these applications.
Safety and side effects
Gelsemium is not safe and harmless. All parts of the plant are very toxic. Even small amounts can cause serious poisoning, which can be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, vision problems, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, muscle problems, seizures, breathing problems, slowing of the heart rate and others.
Precautions and warnings
The use of Gelsemium is not safe for anyone, but certain people have an extra reason not to use Gelsemium:
Children: you should not give Gelsemium to children, as even very small amounts can cause poisoning in children.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of Gelsemium during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not safe, as Gelsemium is very toxic.
Heart disease and heart failure: Gelsemium is particularly dangerous for people who suffer from heart problems.
Interactions
At the present time there is no information on interactions of Gelsemium with medications or supplements.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of Gelsemium depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Gelsemium. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.