Alternative Health

What is it? Ragwort is an herbal medicine used for bleeding, diabetes, high blood pressure, start a woman’s monthly period, or for menopause.

Other names for Ragwort include: Cocash Weed, Coughweed, False Valerian, Female Regulator, Golden Groundsel, Golden senecio, Grundy Swallow, Life Root, Senecio Aureus, or Squaw Weed.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using: Tell your doctor if you

* are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)

* are allergic to members of the Asteracae or Compositae family (examples: daisy, ragweed and thistle)

* are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine

* are breastfeeding

* have liver disease

* have a history of cancer

* have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Ragwort you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Ragwort. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

* Before taking Ragwort, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

* Ragwort should NOT be taken by mouth or by patients with liver disease (1)

* Ragwort may damage the liver or cause cancer (1,3-5)

Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

* Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest

* Chest pain

* Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Possible Side Effects: You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following side effects:

* Dark urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes or skin, fever with or without chills, stomach pain (1,4,5)