Hemlock Water Dropwort
OTHER NAME(S): Dead Tongue, Five-Fingered Root, Horsebane, Nablo del Diablo, Navet du Diable, Yellow Water Dropwort, Oenanthe crocata, Nablo Del Diablo, Oenanthe Safranée
Overview
Hemlock water dropwort is a plant. The root is used to make medicine.
Be careful not to confuse hemlock water dropwort with similar sounding plants such as water hemlock and hemlock. Also be careful not to mistake the extremely poisonous hemlock water dropwort with other similar looking plants, such as wild parsnip, radish, sweet flag, or pignut.
Hemlock water dropwort is used for pimples, rashes, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using hemlock water dropwort can also be unsafe.
It is not known how hemlock water dropwort might work as a medicine.
It is not known how hemlock water dropwort might work as a medicine.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Rash.
- Pimples.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of hemlock water dropwort for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Hemlock water dropwort is UNSAFE and poisonous. Swallowing even small amounts of root may cause death. Hemlock water dropwort contains a poison that might decrease nerve signals to the brain. Get medical attention immediately if hemlock water dropwort is taken by mouth. Signs of poisoning include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, blood in the urine, confusion, turning blue, convulsions, and unconsciousness.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hemlock water dropwort is safe or what the side effects might be. But since it is known to be poisonous if accidentally swallowed, it is a dangerous substance to handle and use should be avoided.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Hemlock water dropwort is UNSAFE and poisonous. Swallowing even small amounts of root may cause death. Hemlock water dropwort contains a poison that might decrease nerve signals to the brain. Get medical attention immediately if hemlock water dropwort is taken by mouth. Signs of poisoning include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, blood in the urine, confusion, turning blue, convulsions, and unconsciousness.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hemlock water dropwort is safe or what the side effects might be. But since it is known to be poisonous if accidentally swallowed, it is a dangerous substance to handle and use should be avoided.
Hemlock water dropwort isn't safe for anyone to use. Some people are especially sensitive to the poisonous effects and should be especially careful to avoid use.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Hemlock water dropwort is UNSAFE and poisonous.
Children: Hemlock water dropwort is UNSAFE and poisonous. Keep children away from hemlock water dropwort. Children have been accidentally poisoned after eating the plant's roots.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Hemlock Water Dropwort overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of hemlock water dropwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hemlock water dropwort. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Fitzgerald P, Moss N, O'Mahony S, Whelton MJ. Accidental hemlock poisoning. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987;295:1657.
- Mitchell MI, Routledge PA. Hemlock water dropwort poisoning-a review. Clin Toxicol 1978;12:417-26.
- Ball MJ, Flather ML, Forfar JC. Hemlock water dropwort poisoning. Postgrad Med J 1987;63:363-5.
- Anger JP, Anger F, Chauvel Y, et al. [Fatal poisoning by water dropwort]. Eur J Toxicol Environ Hyg 1976;9:119-25.
- Henry FJ, Cadiet J, Javaudin F, Rozec B. Oenantha Crocata: A Case Report of Multiple Poisoning with Fatal Outcome. J Emerg Med. 2020;59(1):e9-e11.
- Valente J, Zuzarte M, Gonçalves MJ, et al. Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;62:349-54.