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Herbs Or Pills To Induce Miscarriage
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| Potentially dangerous herbs HERBS CAN HARM as well as heal. These may pose special risks. Bloodroot, promoted as an expectorant, purgative, stimulant, and dental plaque and cavity preventer, can be dangerous because it can chemically corrode and destroy tissue. continued below... |
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Excessive doses may lead to significant central nervous system depression as documented in animal studies.
Chan su, a topical aphrodisiac also known as stone, love stone, and rockhard, has been fatal when mistakenly ingested.
Chaparral tea, touted as an antioxidant and pain reliever, has caused liver failure, necessitating liver transplantation.
Coltsfoot which some claim is useful for respiratory problems, also has caused liver problems.
Comfrey, used to promote wound healing (and formerly used to relieve ulcers of the bowel, stomach, liver, and gallbladder), has caused liver problems and cancer.
Indian herbal tonics have led to lead poisoning because of contaminated ingredients.
Jin bu huan, an ancient Chinese sedative and analgesic containing morphinelike substances, has caused hepatitis. Kombucha tea, made from mushroom cultures and used as a cure-all, has caused death from acidosis.
Lobelia, used to treat respiratory congestion, has led to respiratory paralysis and death in at least one case report.
Ma huang, or ephedra, an ingredient in many diet pills, can cause psychotic behavior, seizures, irregular heartbeats, heart attack, stroke, and death. It's also sold under such names as Herbal Ecstasy, Cloud 9, and Ultimate Xphoria to induce a "high" associated with illegal drugs.
Pennyroyal which some claim is useful in inducing menstruation and treating colds, fevers, and the flu, has caused liver failure, kidney failure, coma, and death.
Sassfras, touted as a diuretic and a treatment for skin disorders and rheumatism, has caused liver damage. It's also been linked to miscarriage. The Food and Drug Administration has banned sassafras volatile oil and the component safrole as food additives and flavor enhancers.
Yohimbe bark, promoted as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen, has caused psychotic behavior.
Misleading claims
Both mistletoe and pau d'arco have been misrepresented as cures for serious illnesses. Mistletoe has been falsely touted as a cure for cancer; pau d'arco, as a cure for cancer and AIDS.
Source: The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, C. Fetrow and J. Avila, Springhouse Corp., 2000.