The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) shares the safety and precautions of the following herbs and plants commonly used for complementary and/or alternative health.
Dandelion
-Dandelion use is generally considered safe. However, there have been rare reports of upset stomach and diarrhea, and some people are allergic to the plant.
-People with an inflamed or infected gallbladder, or blocked bile ducts, should avoid using dandelion.
Lavender
-Topical use of diluted lavender oil or use of lavender as aromatherapy is generally considered safe for most adults. However, applying lavender oil to the skin can cause irritation. There have been reports that topical use can cause breast growth in young boys.
-Lavender oil may be poisonous if taken by mouth.
-When lavender teas and extracts are taken by mouth, they may cause headache, changes in appetite, and constipation.
-Using lavender with sedative medications may increase drowsiness.
Passionflower
-Passionflower is generally considered to be safe but may cause dizziness and confusion.
-Taking passionflower with a sedative may increase the risk of excessive sleepiness.
-Passionflower should not be used during pregnancy as it may induce contractions.
Butterbur
-The raw, unprocessed butterbur plant contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs can cause liver damage and can result in serious illness. Only butterbur products that have been processed to remove PAs and are labeled or certified as PA-free should be used.
-Several studies, including a few studies of children and adolescents, have reported that PA-free butterbur products are safe and well tolerated when taken by mouth in recommended doses for up to 12 to 16 weeks. The safety of longer-term use has not been established.
-Butterbur can cause belching, headache, itchy eyes, gastrointestinal issues, asthma, fatigue, and drowsiness.
-Butterbur may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants such as -ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
-Butterbur should only be given to children under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.
Information from NCCAM.NIH.gov
