Lousewort
Scientific names: Pedicularis bracteosa, Pedicularis canadensis, Pedicularis centranthera, Pedicularis gracilis, Pedicularis longiflora, Pedicularis siphonantha
Family: Orobanchaceae/Scrophulariaceae
Alternate names: Bracteate Lousewort, Bracted Lousewort, Bracted Pedicularis, Common Lousewort, Dwarf Lousewort, Early Lousewort, Pédiculaire, Pedicular, Pinyon-Juniper Lousewort, Wood Betony
Actions: Anticancer, Antioxidant, Iron chelating, Skeletal muscle
Background
Lousewort is a group of plants. The whole plants are sometimes used to make medicine.
People use lousewort for heart failure, lice, and an itchy skin infection caused by mites (scabies), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
People use lousewort for heart failure, lice, and an itchy skin infection caused by mites (scabies), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lousewort is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lousewort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Iron-deficiency anemia: Lousewort contains chemicals that bind to iron. In theory, this might reduce the amount of iron that the body absorbs from food and supplements.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lousewort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lousewort is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Iron-deficiency anemia: Lousewort contains chemicals that bind to iron. In theory, this might reduce the amount of iron that the body absorbs from food and supplements.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Cough.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Heart failure.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Itchy skin infection caused by mites (scabies).
- Lice.
- Muscle soreness.
- Sore throat.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the tonsils (tonsillitis).
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of lousewort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lousewort. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.
Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Iron: Lousewort contains chemicals that bind with iron. In theory, this might reduce the amount of iron that the body absorbs from food and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
There isn't enough reliable information available to know how lousewort might work.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 19/02/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 30/12/2020 22:39:54. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
