Mercury herb
Scientific names: Mercurialis annua
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Alternate names: Chou de Chien, Foirolle, Merculiare, Mercurial, Mercuriale, Mercuriale Annuelle, Mercuriale des Jardins, Ortie Bâtarde, Ortiga Muerta, Vignette
Background
Mercury herb is a plant. People use the flowering plant, root, and root-like stem (rhizome) of the plant to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, mercury herb is used for treating constipation, fluid retention, and diseases of the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Despite serious safety concerns, mercury herb is used for treating constipation, fluid retention, and diseases of the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Mercury herb is LIKELY UNSAFE when the fresh plant is taken by mouth. It can cause diarrhea, bladder problems, paralysis, liver and kidney failure, and death.
Plant allergies: Mercury herb pollen might cause allergic reactions, nose irritation, and asthma in some people who are sensitive to mercury herb and related plants. Some of these plants are ash, castor bean plant, mugwort, olive, pellitory-of-the-wall, and Salsola kali.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use mercury herb if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It contains chemicals that might harm the baby.Plant allergies: Mercury herb pollen might cause allergic reactions, nose irritation, and asthma in some people who are sensitive to mercury herb and related plants. Some of these plants are ash, castor bean plant, mugwort, olive, pellitory-of-the-wall, and Salsola kali.
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
- Constipation.
- Disorders of the digestive tract.
- Disorders of the kidney, bladder, or urethra.
- Fluid retention.
- Infections.
- Swelling (inflammation).
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of mercury herb 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 mercury herb. 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 Mercury Herb interacts with any medicines. Before taking Mercury Herb, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
The root and stem of mercury herb might work as laxatives to help stool move through the intestine.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 23/01/2013 17:32:32. 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.
