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Hedgehog orchid

Hogweed is a plant whose inner root bark is used as a medicine. Hedgehog power root is used for arthritis, wounds, fever, tuberculosis, stomach problems, coughs, colds, sore throats, diabetes, low blood sugar and pneumonia. It is also used to empty the bowels and as an emetic. Some people apply hogweed directly to the skin for swollen glands, boils, pressure sores and skin infections. The ash is used to treat burns.

How does hogweed work?

Hedgehogpowerroot contains chemicals that may fight some bacteria, fungi and viruses.

How effective is hogweed?

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of hedgehog powerroot taken orally for arthritis, tuberculosis, stomach problems, coughs, pneumonia, diabetes and low blood sugar, as well as for treating wounds, emptying the bowels and when used as an emetic. There is also a lack of scientific information on the effectiveness of hedgehog's bane applied to the skin for swollen glands, boils, pressure sores and skin infections. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of hogweed in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information to say whether hogweed is safe and harmless or what side effects it may have.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the use of hedgehog's bane during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using hedgehog's bane.

Interactions

At present, there is no information available on interactions between hedgehog power root and medications or supplements.

Dosage

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

References

  1. Gruber JW, Kittipongpatana N, Bloxton JD 2nd, et al. High-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography assays for Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus). J Chromatogr Sci 2004;42:196-9.
  2. Kobaisy M, Abramowski Z, Lermer L, et al. Antimycobacterial polyynes of Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus), a North American native medicinal plant. J Nat Prod 1997;60:1210-3.
  3. McCutcheon AR, Roberts TE, Gibbons E, et al. Antiviral screening of British Columbian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;49:101-10.