Mercury Herb
OTHER NAME(S): Chou de Chien, Foirolle, Merculiare, Mercurial, Mercuriale Annuelle, Mercuriale des Jardins, Ortie Bâtarde, Ortiga Muerta, Vignette, Mercurialis annua, Hierba Mercurial, Mercuriale
Overview
Mercury herb is a plant. People use the flowering plant, root, and root-like stem (rhizome) of the plant to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, mercury herb is used for treating constipation, fluid retention, and diseases of the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
The root and stem of mercury herb might work as laxatives to help stool move through the intestine.
The root and stem of mercury herb might work as laxatives to help stool move through the intestine.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Constipation.
- Disorders of the digestive tract.
- Disorders of the kidney, bladder, or urethra.
- Fluid retention.
- Infections.
- Swelling (inflammation).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of mercury herb for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Mercury herb is LIKELY UNSAFE when the fresh plant is taken by mouth. It can cause diarrhea, bladder problems, paralysis, liver and kidney failure, and death.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Mercury herb is LIKELY UNSAFE when the fresh plant is taken by mouth. It can cause diarrhea, bladder problems, paralysis, liver and kidney failure, and death.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use mercury herb if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It contains chemicals that might harm the baby.
Plant allergies: Mercury herb pollen might cause allergic reactions, nose irritation, and asthma in some people who are sensitive to mercury herb and related plants. Some of these plants are ash, castor bean plant, mugwort, olive, pellitory-of-the-wall, and Salsola kali.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Mercury Herb overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of mercury herb 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 mercury herb. 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
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Vallverdu A, Garcia-Ortega P, Martinez J, et al. Mercurialis annua: characterization of main allergens and cross- reactivity with other species. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1997;112:356-64.
- Garcia-Ortega P, Martinez J, Martinez A, et al. Mercurialis annua pollen: a new source of allergic sensitization and respiratory disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1992;89:987-93.