Rocket
Chicory is a plant whose leaves, stems and flowers are used to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, chicory is used to treat diseases of the urinary tract, coughs, chronic bronchitis and inflammatory swellings of the gallbladder. It is also used as a gargle and mouthwash.
How does rocket work?
Rocket contains vitamin C and mustard oil. There is not enough information available to be able to assess how rocket might work as a medicine.
How effective is rocket?
There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of chicory for urinary tract disorders, coughs, chronic bronchitis and inflammatory swellings of the gallbladder, or when used as a gargle or mouthwash.
Further scientific studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of rocket in these applications.
Safety and side effects
The flowering parts of chicory growing above the ground are not considered safe and harmless when taken orally. Chicory can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and cardiac arrhythmias.
Precautions and warnings
Although rocket is not safe for anyone, some people are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of this plant and should be even more cautious:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: rocket is not safe and harmless during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can affect the heart and cause other damage, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use chicory products.
Heart disease: Chicory contains chemicals called cardiac glycosides that could aggravate heart conditions or interfere with treatment for heart disease. For this reason, people suffering from heart disease should not use rocket.
Interactions
Wegrauke products should not be taken in combination with the following medications:
Antibiotics (macrolide antibiotics)
Wegrauke can affect the heart. Some antibiotics can increase the amount of rocket absorbed by the body. Taking rocket in combination with some antibiotics could increase the effects and side effects of rocket.
Antibiotics (tetracyline antibiotics)
Taking tetracyclines in combination with rocket may increase the risk of side effects from rocket.
Quinine
Rocket can affect the heart. Quinine can also affect the heart. Taking quinine in combination with rocket could lead to serious heart problems.
Stimulant laxatives
Rocket can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives, known as stimulant laxatives, can lower potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from rocket.
Diuretics
Rocket can affect the heart. Diuretics can lower potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from rocket.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of rocket depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for rocket. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.