The Wiccan Herbalist

POISONOUS PLANTS

These herbs are poisonous or have other warning that must be considered when using them. Although some of these herbs are actually used in medical and herbal medicines, ALWAYS consult a medical professional or professional herbalist before using. This herb may produce serious side effects or death. Use at your own risk.

ALOE:

This plant which is used successfully for the treatment of burns and other ailments, should never be ingested if you are breast-feeding as it may act as an extreme purgative to the child. Always seek medical attention for a serious burn.

BLOODROOT:

An herb, which is found in damp woodland areas, is a very strong purgative and may destroy tissue.

COMFREY:

Although this herb is very good at repairing tissue of burns, minor cuts and abrasions, in deep cuts it may stimulate tissue growth before proper healing deep down has occurred leading to possible severe infection. It can also cause serious liver damage if taken in large amounts over a long period of time.

DAFFODIL:

This bulb, though beautiful in bloom, may cause paralysis if the toxic bulb is ingested.

FOXGLOVE:

This plant may easily be mistaken as comfrey especially in the first year before it flowers. The plant is lethally toxic, even to pets. It may cause paralysis and hear failure. I would suggest waiting on this plant while children are young and if you have a pet that chews on flowers. Even touching the plant has been known to cause rashes, and headaches, and nausea. Do not use without medical direction.

HOPS:

Although this herb is not poisonous, persons suffering from marked depression should not use it as it may accentuate it. The pollen of the female flower can cause contact dermatitis.

HYSSOP:

Hyssop should not be used in cases of nervous irritability. Strong doses, particularly those of distilled essential oil, can cause muscular spasms. This oil should not be used in aromatherapy for high strung people for it can cause epileptic symptoms. Do not take if pregnant.

MAYAPPLE:

This damp woods herb may act as a very strong purgative and may cause death if ingested.

Mugwort:

This herb is another strong purgative and may cause severe diarrhea.

PENNY ROYAL:

Penny royal can cause convulsions and possible coma when ingested in large doses. It is not to be used in pregnancy or if suffering from kidney disease. May cause contact dermatitis.

Rosemary:

The oil of the plant should not be taken internally. Also, extremely large doses of the leaf are toxic, possibly causing abortion, convulsions, and very rarely, death.

RUE:

The sap of this herb can cause skin irritation if it contacts the skin in sunlight. If you have ever seen a rue burn, it really is quite serious so do heed this warning. To minimize this risk, do not take cuttings off the plants either when they are wet after rain or when in full sun, as this is when the plant is at its most dangerous. Wait until the plant has dried out or the sun has gone behind cloud cover: alternatively, wear gloves. Never to be used by pregnant women, as it is abortive. Large doses are toxic, sometimes precipitation mental confusion, and the oil is capable of causing death.

Skullcap:

Although this herb is excellent in dealing with nervous conditions, ingesting to much can cause confusion, shaking and a stupor like state. Should only be dispensed by a trained herbalist.

SOAPWORT:

Do not take internally. A qualified herbalist because of the high saponin content, which makes it mildly poisonous, should only prescribe this herb.

Sorrel:

Care has to be taken that sorrel is not used in large quantity or too frequently. Its oxalic acid content may damage health if taken in excess. Large doses are poisonous, causing severe kidney damage. Those with rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, or gastric hyperacidity should not use this herb. The leaf also may cause dermatitis.

SWEET VIOLET:

The root of this plant may cause nausea and vomiting.

Sweet Woodruff:

Internal use is not recommended. Consumption can produce symptoms of poisoning, including dizziness, vomiting, and internal bleeding.

THYME:

Ingesting the oil of this herb in excess may cause stomach pain and intestinal problems. Should not be used internally except by prescription. Avoid altogether if you are pregnant.

Wormwood:

Very poisonous in concentrated form. Convulsions and stupor may result. Habitual use causes convulsions, restlessness, and vomiting. Overdose causes vertigo, cramps, intoxication, and delirium. Pure wormwood oil is a strong poison.