CHE Standards

Tracey Said:

Of my interest in medicinal plants . . .?

We Answered:

BURDOCK
Because the roots of burdock closely resemble those of Deadly nightshade (also known as belladonna or Atropa belladonna), there is a risk that burdock preparations may be contaminated with these potentially dangerous herbs. Be sure to buy products from established companies with good reputations. Do not gather burdock in the wild unless you are informed and certain that the species you gathering is Burdock. Use a plant life guide for additional certainty.

COCKLEBURR
The Common Cocklebur (X. strumarium) is a native of North America where in the past the (now extinct) Carolina Parakeet fed on the seeds. It has become an invasive species worldwide. It invades agricultural lands and can be poisonous to livestock, including horses, cattle, and sheep. Some domestic animals will avoid consuming the plant if other forage is present, but less discriminating animals, such as pigs, will consume the plants and then sicken and die. The seedlings and seeds are the most toxic parts of the plants. Symptoms usually occur within a few hours, producing unsteadiness and weakness, depression, nausea and vomiting, twisting of the neck muscles, rapid and weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and eventually death.

CHAMOMILE
There remains insufficient scientific studies to produce a medical recommendation for any medicinal or therapeutic use of chamomile in extract, ointment or infusion.
MedlinePlus and The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine further caution of rare allergic reactions, atopic dermatitis (skin rash), drowsiness or sedation, the potential to stimulate the uterus, leading to abortion and the unevaluated safety of breastfeeding while taking chamomile, although some sources do not contraindicate breastfeeding.

DANDELION
Dandelion contains Caffeic acid, as a secondary plant metabolite, which some studies have shown to exhibit anticarcinogenic properties at low doses but carcinogenic properties at high doses.[31] There have been no known ill effects of caffeic acid in humans.

JEWELWEED (Impatiens)
All Impatiens taste bitter and seem to be slightly toxic upon ingestion, causing intestinal ailments like vomiting and diarrhea. The toxic compounds have not been identified but are probably the same as those responsible for the bitter taste; they might be glycosides or alkaloids.

LEMON BALM -- I could not find any.

PLANTAIN --- I'm not sure whether you are talking about plantain as banana -- and which part of the plant you are referring to.

QUEEN ANNE'S LACE
As with all herbal remedies and wild food gathering, extra caution should be used, especially since the wild carrot bears close resemblance to a dangerous species Water Hemlock. The leaves of the wild carrot can cause phytophotodermatitis, so caution should also be used when handling the plant.
The wild carrot, when freshly cut, will draw or change color depending on the color of the water it is in. Note that this effect is only visible on the "head" or flower of the plant. Carnation also exhibits this effect. This occurrence is a popular science experiment in primary grade school.

SWEET CICELY
Sweet cicely may refer to:
Cicely, a European herb also called "sweet cicely"
Osmorhiza, a genus of two American plants called "sweet cicely"
If you are referring to Osmorhuza:
The root of the plant is very sweet and can be used as a sweetener. Native Americans refer to this plant as "licorice root" or "sweetroot". Sweetroot and Osha both contain oxytoxin and should not be ingested or used by women who are nursing or pregnant.

WOOD SORREL

A characteristic of members of this genus is that they contain oxalic acid (whose name references the genus), giving the leaves and flowers a sour taste which can make them refreshing to chew. In very large amounts, oxalic acid may be considered slightly toxic, interfering with proper digestion and kidney function. It should be noted, however, that oxalic acid is also present in more commonly consumed foods such as spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, chives, and rhubarb, among many others. General scientific consensus seems to be that the risk of sheer toxicity, actual poisoning from oxalic acid, in persons with normal kidney function is wildly unlikely. The U.S. National Institutes of Health note that oxalic acid is present in many foodstuffs found in the supermarket and its toxicity is generally of little or no consequence for people who eat a variety of foods.