Herbs with Cathartic Properties
Asarum*, Bird's Tongue, Black Root*,
Blue
Flag*, Boneset, Buck Bean, Castor Bean*,
Dogbane*, Elder*, Hellebore*,
Holly*,
Jalap*, Mandrake*, Mezereon*,
Mulberry*, Pokeweed*,
Scotch Broom*, Senega Snakeroot*, Senna*,
Stillingia*, Walnut(Butternut), Wild Jalap*, Yellow
Toadflax*.
Asarum
- Asarum europaeum - CAUTION:
This herb is too dangerous to use without medical direction.
Black Root -
Varonicastrum virginicum - CAUTION: The root of this herb
contains leptandrin, which is a very strong emetic and cathartic. It is not
recommended for use without medical supervision.
Castor Bean -
Ricinus communis - CAUTION:
This whole plant contains an irritant that poisons the blood. This includes the
seeds. The reason the oil is safe is because the poison remains in the seed.
Dogbane -
Apocynum androsaemifolium - CAUTION:
Grazing on the leaves has killed livestock. It is not recommended to use this
herb, without medical supervision.
Jalap -
Ipomoea jalapa - CAUTION:
Jalap should be avoided when intestinal irritation is present.
Mulberry -
Morus rubra - CAUTION:
Hallucinations, upset stomach, and nervous stimulation may occur if the unripe
fruit or milky juice is ingested.
Scotch Broom -
Cytisus scoparius - CAUTION:
This herb should be used with care, as it speeds the heart rate. Large doses can
cause fatal poisoning. Medical direction should be obtained when using this
herb.
Senega Snakeroot
- Polygala senega - CAUTION:
Large doses of this herb will cause vomiting and diarrhea; an overdose is
poisonous.
Stillingia -
Stillingia sylvatica - CAUTION:
If this herb is taken internally, the acrid properties of this herb can cause
irritation and symptoms of poisoning.
Wild Jalap -
Ipomoea pandurata - CAUTION:
Serious internal effects can take place if an overdose of this herb is taken.
*(Herbs in which a
Caution exists. For those herbs with no Caution description listed on this page,
a link is provided to its description.)
