Canadian Hemp
OTHER NAME(S): Apocino del Canadá, Bitter Root, Cáñamo Canadiense, Cáñamo Indio, Catchfly, Chanvre Canadien, Chanvre du Canada, Chanvre Sauvage, Dogbane, Fly-Trap, Hemp Dogbane, Honeybloom, Indian Physic, Indian Hemp, Milk Ipecac, Milkweed, Wallflower, Wild Cotton, Apocynum cannabinum, Bitterroot, Apocyn Chanvrin, Apocino Del Canadá (Cáñamo Canadiense)
Overview
Canadian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) is a bushy shrub. Its tough bark has been used as a substitute for hemp.
Canadian hemp root contains chemicals that may slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, increase the strength of the heartbeat, and increase urine. It may work similarly to the prescription drug digoxin.
People sometimes use Canadian hemp for cough, heart failure, warts, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using Canadian hemp can also be unsafe.
Don't confuse Canadian hemp with hemp, hemp agrimony, gentian, ipecac, or German ipecac. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Canadian Hemp overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Canadian hemp is likely unsafe. It contains toxic chemicals that can harm the heart. Side effects might also include stomach irrigation, nausea, and vomiting.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Canadian hemp is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Canadian hemp is likely unsafe. It contains toxic chemicals that can harm the heart. Side effects might also include stomach irrigation, nausea, and vomiting.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Canadian hemp is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Canadian hemp is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It contains toxic chemicals that can harm the heart. Avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Canadian HempDigoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Canadian hemp also seems to affect the heart. Taking Canadian hemp along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects.
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Canadian HempCanadian hemp might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Canadian hemp might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.