Tag: Herbal toxicity

According to poison control centers, there has been a rise in calls reporting nutmeg abuse, particularly among adolescents seeking a cheap high. This desperation has fueled a dangerous misconception about what spices give you a high, leading to toxic effects rather than the desired euphoria.

While the peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is celebrated in traditional medicine for its myriad benefits, studies and anecdotal reports point to a number of potential health risks. These disadvantages of eating peepal leaves range from minor digestive upset to serious allergic reactions, and are especially a concern for specific groups of people.

Historically used in traditional medicine across ancient civilizations, the herb rue is now recognized for its significant toxicity when consumed improperly. Before considering how to ingest rue, it is critical to understand the serious and potentially fatal health consequences, particularly when consuming fresh leaves, concentrated oil, or large doses.

With over 900 varieties of salvia in existence, it is a common question whether the vibrant and ornamental purple sage leaves are edible. The short answer is yes, the leaves of culinary purple sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') are perfectly safe and can be used in the kitchen just like common sage.

Despite its long and storied portrayal in popular fiction and ancient folklore, mandrake root is not a magical cure-all, but a highly poisonous plant belonging to the deadly nightshade family. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause severe and potentially fatal poisoning due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.

While the term “Omu water” is not medically recognized, it is often a misspelling of Omam or Ajwain water, a remedy derived from carom seeds with documented side effects if overused. Globally, up to 80% of the population relies on traditional herbal medicine, making it crucial to understand the risks of unverified remedies.

While rosemary is a common culinary herb considered safe in food quantities, taking large medicinal amounts or undiluted essential oil can be toxic. The side effects of too much rosemary can range from gastrointestinal distress to more severe complications like seizures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 58 percent of US adults used a dietary supplement during 2017–2018, highlighting their widespread use. Despite the common perception that natural products are always safe, overconsuming herbal supplements poses significant health risks that are often overlooked.

Chronic, excessive consumption of soursop tea has been linked to neurological disorders with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, due to a compound called annonacin. Before incorporating this herbal beverage into your routine, it is crucial to understand what is the side effect of drinking soursop tea.

While typically enjoyed for its citrusy aroma and health benefits, excessive lemongrass consumption has been shown to cause adverse effects. These can range from mild digestive discomfort to more serious complications, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions. Understanding what are the side effects of too much lemongrass is crucial for safe and responsible use.