Wormseed

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Wormseed is an herb. The flowers are used to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, wormseed is used to treat worm infections.

Don't confuse wormseed with chenopodium oil (wormseed oil), wormwood oil, or wormwood. Also, since wormseed is sometimes called “levant,” avoid confusion with levant berry.

How does work?

Wormseed contains a chemical that may kill worms that live as parasites in the stomach and intestines.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Treating worm infections.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of wormseed for these uses.

Wormseed is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Some people have died after taking less than 10 grams of the herb. Symptoms of poisoning are possible even in the low amounts used to treat parasitic infestations. These symptoms include diarrhea, vision problems, kidney problems, muscle twitching, and seizures.

It is UNSAFE for anyone to use wormseed, but some people have extra reasons not to use it:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Wormseed is UNSAFE to use because it is very poisonous.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Wormseed may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking wormseed.

The appropriate dose of wormseed 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 wormseed. 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.