Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a plant that grows mainly in South America. The starch contained in the root and stem of the arrowroot is used to make medicine. Arrowroot is used as a traditional food for infants and people recovering from illness. It is also used for digestive tract disorders including diarrhea. Some people relieve pain in the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth by applying arrowroot to the affected areas. In food, arrowroot is used as an ingredient in cooking. Arrowroot is often replaced by cheaper sources of starch such as potato, corn, wheat or rice starch.

How does arrowroot work?

There is scientific evidence that arrowroot may help the body to eliminate cholesterol. There is not enough information to assess how arrowroot works for digestive tract problems or other uses.

How effective is arrowroot?

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of arrowroot for stomach and intestinal problems, including diarrhea, and for relieving pain in the mucous membranes and gums. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of arrowroot in these applications.

Are there any safety concerns?

Arrowroot is safe when the starch it contains is used in food. Arrowroot may be safe when products made from it are taken orally as medicine or applied to the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Arrowroot appears to be safe for pregnant and lactating women in the amounts used in food. However, larger amounts used to treat medical conditions should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation until more is known about its safety.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of arrowroot with medications or other supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of arrowroot 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 arrowroot. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.