Hellebore (American Hellebore, Green Hellebore, Liliaceae)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Veratrum viride
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Rhizome
Root
Chemicals this herb contains:
Germidine
Germitrine
Jervine
Pseudojervine
Rubijervine
Veratrum alkaloids

KNOWN EFFECTS

Decreases blood pressure. Decreases heart rate. Depresses central nervous system.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats hypertension. Treats toxemia of pregnancy. Irritates gastrointestinal system.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
ALL parts of the plant may be toxic.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and
those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended
periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS