Pink Root
OTHER NAME(S): American Wormgrass, Carolina Pink, Indian Pink, Maryland Pink, Œillet de la Caroline, Rose Indien, Spigélie du Maryland, Starbloom, Wormgrass, Spigelia marilandica, Lonicera marilandica, Spigelia anthelmia, Pinkroot, Star Bloom, Worm Grass, Raíz Rosa, Spigélie Du Maryland
Overview
Pink root is an herb. The dried root and bulb are used to make medicine.
People take pink root along with a laxative to get rid of intestinal worms. This remedy was commonly used in the US as late as 1955.
Pink root has activity against intestinal worms. It is taken along with a strong laxative to remove both the worms and the pink root from the intestines.
Pink root has activity against intestinal worms. It is taken along with a strong laxative to remove both the worms and the pink root from the intestines.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Removing intestinal worms.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pink root for these uses.
Precautions
The FRESH root of pink root is UNSAFE for use. It contains poisonous chemicals.
The DRIED root of pink root seems safe for most people when used short-term along with a strong laxative. The dried root can be unsafe, however, if it is not taken with a strong laxative. It’s important to get pink root out of the body quickly because it might still contain some poisonous chemicals, even though it is dried.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use pink root, even the dried preparation, if you are pregnant. For pink root to be effective, it must be used along with a strong laxative. But strong laxatives can be harmful during pregnancy. For this reason, pink root should not be used in pregnancy.
It’s also best to avoid pink root if you are breast-feeding. There isn’t enough information to know whether or not it is safe.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Pink Root overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of pink root 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 pink root. 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
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- 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.
- Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.