Birthroot, Coughroot, Ground Lily, Jew's Harp Plant, Indian Balm, Indian Shamrock, Lamb's Quarters, Lirio Americano, Milk Ipecac, Pariswort, Rattlesnake Root, Snakebite, Stinking Benjamin, Three-Leafed Nightshade, Trille Dressé, Trille Rouge, Trillium erectum, Wake Robin.
Beth root is a plant. The root, underground stem (rhizome), and leaf are used to make medicine.
Despite safety concerns, women take beth root for heavy and painful menstrual periods. Beth root is also used for reducing swelling and for breaking up chest congestion.
Some people apply beth root directly to the skin for varicose veins, ulcers, bruises, and bleeding hemorrhoids.
How does work?
There isn't enough information to know how beth root works.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
TAKEN BY MOUTH
- Heavy menstruation and cramps.
- Swelling.
- Breaking up chest congestion.
- Other conditions.
- Varicose veins.
- Ulcers.
- Bruises.
- Bleeding hemorrhoids.
- Other conditions.
QUESTION
See AnswerBeth root might be UNSAFE to take by mouth. It can cause irritation of the stomach and intestines, and vomiting.
There isn't enough information to know if beth root is safe to apply to the skin. There have been some reports of skin irritation.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's UNSAFE to use beth root during pregnancy. It might start menstruation or cause the uterus to contract. These effects could cause a miscarriage.Heart conditions: Beth root contains a chemical that might make heart conditions worse. Don't use beth root if you have heart problems.
The appropriate dose of beth 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 beth 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.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.