Many herbs are used therapeutically in alternative and complementary medicine. However, just because it is found in nature does not mean it is safe to ingest. On the contrary, many plants, even some used judiciously by herbalists, are toxic and can even be fatal. Herbal remedies should be administered by a trained health care practitioner and should not be used to replace conventional care. Always consult your medical doctor before trying herbs or other natural therapies.
Aconite
Aconite, also known as monkshood, grows throughout most of the Northern hemisphere. It is the same plant used in the homeopathic remedy aconitum. However, homeopathic remedies are highly diluted preparations that retain little to none of the original chemical properties of the substances from which they are made. Aconite, in its natural form, is extremely toxic and possibly deadly. It is used topically to treat rheumatism, muscle pain and neuralgia. Herbalists have used extracts of aconite internally to treat fevers, pneumonia and tonsillitis. However, it is not FDA-approved for these uses and can be dangerous. Aconite poisoning can cause numbness and tingling, nausea, vomiting, irregular pulse and labored breathing.
Belladonna
Belladonna, more commonly known as deadly nightshade, is also used in homeopathic preparations, but in highly diluted amounts. Occasionally, herbalists use belladonna to treat insomnia and reduce pain. It is naturally narcotic and analgesic. However, it should only be used under the direction of a licensed health care professional. It contains the toxic alkaloid atropine. An overdose of belladonna can cause paralysis of muscles and the central nervous system, as well as delirium. It was used traditionally by herbalists to treat colic, asthma and whooping cough. However, it has not been medically approved for any of these uses.
Fox Glove
Digitalis, or fox glove, is a flowering perennial. It was used by herbalists traditionally to treat heart conditions. The plant was the original source of the heart medication digoxin, known commercially as Lanoxin. It was used therapeutically by herbalists to treat heart problems and improve circulation. It is naturally diuretic and slows the pulse. It contains several active ingredients, one of which, digitoxin, is considered extremely poisonous. An overdose of fox glove can cause irregular heartbeat and even cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine toxic levels because its effects differ depending on the individual and the amount used. It should not be used unless under the care of a trained health care practitioner.
Gelsemium
Gelsemium, also known as yellow jasmine, is common in North America. It is naturally antispasmodic and a sedative, and was used traditionally by herbalists for asthma, whooping cough and muscular spasms. Its main chemical constituent, gelseminine, is a highly toxic alkaloid, causing muscular weakness and paralysis. Even moderate doses can cause respiration to slow considerably, and even cease. Gelsemium is not approved for internal use.
Hemlock
Hemlock is a well-known poisonous plant that contains the toxin coniine. In ancient Greece, it was used to execute prisoners. But historically, it was also used in herbal and folk medicine. It's a natural sedative and anti-spasmodic, and has been used to treat epilepsy and excitability in children. It was also used topically to relieve muscle and joint pain. However, the claims are mostly anecdotal, and scientific evidence is lacking to support these uses. Overdose of hemlock causes complete paralysis and eventually death by asphyxiation.
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