Pokeweed or Pokeroot Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

Pokeweed, also known as pokeroot, is a highly controversial herb. Its detractors have, for years, been trying to discredit the herb, saying that it is ineffective, poisonous and have many dangerous effects.

Yet, on the flip side, it continues to be used in various well-known and effective herbal remedies and formulas. One of these is Dr Richard Schulze's Detox Formula. Dr Schulze is one of the best and most famous master herbalists and natural healers of our time.

The story of the poke weed herb is not very different from the rest of the most potent herbs known - widely discredited by mainstream medicine, yet widely used, to tremendous effect, by the natural health community. Ultimately, it's a personal choice which side of the story to believe.

In any case, it is a good idea to have an overall sense of the potential side effects of pokeweed, before one chooses to use the herb.

It is advisable to use dried poke root in very small doses because it will cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if taken in large doses.

Pokeroot can, in fact, prove fatal and toxic if taken for long durations, so do be careful.

There have been instances of toxicity reported after ingesting poke weed. Some fatalities have occurred but they are extremely rare. Some toxicity symptoms include GI symptoms, burning sensation in the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, palpitations, dizziness and fainting spells. Topical applications in some cases have reported skin irritation and inflammation.

Pregnant women, children, as well as nursing women are advised not to take any form of poke weed or poke root preparations.

According to some sources, the tender shoots and greens of the pokeroot herb or any part of the pokeweed needs to be boiled thoroughly twice the normal boiling time and the water needs to be discarded.

Other sources also state that the ripe or mature berries are relatively less toxic when compared to the unripe ones. They add that, in any case, the levels of toxicity cannot be eliminated or ruled out with all parts of the poke root plant.

Finally, some sources also say that poke weed has certain narcotic properties and hence should only be used after consulting a physician.

Poke (Root or Weed) Pages | Poke Root - History, Information and Methods of Use | Health Benefits of Pokeroot | Poke Weed Research and Studies | Pokeweed Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

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