Tag: Herb toxicity

While thyme is generally considered safe in the small quantities used for cooking, consuming high doses of its concentrated forms, like essential oil, can lead to serious toxicity, including organ damage. Understanding how much thyme is too much is critical for preventing adverse health effects.

Research indicates that mint species, a genus known as *Mentha*, have been used safely for centuries for culinary and medicinal purposes. This widespread use leads many to question: is *Mentha* safe to consume, especially in its various forms and quantities?

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with every part of the plant offering potential benefits. While generally recognized as safe when consumed in food amounts, determining a precise maximum intake is complex. Understanding the various forms and potential risks is essential for responsible consumption.

For centuries, the berries of *Vitex agnus-castus*, also known as chasteberry, were consumed by monks as a pepper substitute, earning it the nickname "monk's pepper" for its purported anti-aphrodisiac effects. While the berries are indeed edible, they are used primarily as a potent spice and medicinal herb rather than a food source, with significant safety precautions to consider.

Over 70% of gardeners grow basil, but many wonder about its safety beyond the flavorful leaves. The good news is that for most common varieties, no part of basil is poisonous when consumed in standard culinary amounts. However, specific chemicals like estragole in concentrated forms, certain life stages, or large medicinal doses can raise important safety concerns.

The herb true hyssop ($Hyssopus officinalis$) has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries, a tradition noted since ancient times. Yes, you can eat hyssop leaves, but it is important to distinguish between the edible leaves and the toxic essential oil derived from the plant.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rosemary extracts are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food. Similarly, thyme is safe when used in common culinary amounts. This guide will detail whether it is safe to eat rosemary and thyme, outlining the precautions, benefits, and proper handling of these popular herbs.

According to the National Institutes of Health, oregano leaf and oregano oil are considered safe when consumed in the amounts typically found in food. This safety, however, does not extend to large or medicinal quantities, which can lead to adverse effects and potential toxicity, raising the question: is eating a lot of oregano bad for you?.

While often praised by gardeners for its nutrient-accumulating properties, analysis of Russian comfrey (Bocking 14) showed it contains approximately 2.77% calcium on a dry matter basis. Comfrey's reputation as a mineral powerhouse stems from its deep root system, which draws up nutrients from inaccessible subsoil. It is indeed high in calcium and many other minerals, though this is primarily relevant for its use as a fertilizer rather than a human supplement due to significant safety concerns.

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, while culinary amounts of dried or fresh oregano are considered safe, concentrated oregano oil supplements can cause adverse effects if taken in excessive amounts. Knowing the distinction is crucial for determining exactly how much is too much oregano for safe consumption.