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Creosote bush

Creosote bush is a plant whose leaves are used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, creosote bush products are still available on the market. Creosote bush is sometimes used as an ingredient in highly diluted homeopathic preparations. The safety concerns do not apply to these homeopathic products due to the very strong dilution of the ingredients contained. Creosote bush is used for digestive problems including cramps and flatulence, respiratory conditions including colds and infections and persistent skin conditions. Creosote bush is also used for cancer, arthritis, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, central nervous system disorders, chicken pox, parasitic infections, obesity and snake bites. Some people use creosote bush for detoxification, as a tonic or as a blood purifier.

How does creosote bush work?

It is believed that chemicals contained in creosote bush act as antioxidants.

How effective is creosote bush?

There is insufficient scientific data to assess the effectiveness of creosote bush for arthritis, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, the common cold, skin diseases, stomach problems, stomach cramps, flatulence, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections and chicken pox, as well as for aiding weight loss. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of creosote bush in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Creosotebush is not safe or harmless. There have been several reports of severe poisoning, hepatitis and liver and kidney damage including kidney and liver failure. Creosote bush can cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and liver and kidney damage. Application of creosote bush to the skin may cause skin reactions including rash and itching.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Creosote bush is not safe and harmless, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use products containing creosote bush.

Liver disorders: Creosote bush may aggravate liver disorders, so people suffering from liver disorders should not use creosote bush.

Interactions

Creosote bush should not be used in combination with the following medicines:

Medications that can damage the liver:

Creosotebush could damage the liver. Taking creosote bush in combination with medicines that can also damage the liver could increase the risk of liver damage. For this reason, creosote bush should not be used if you are taking medication that can damage the liver.

Dosage

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

References

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