In TCM:Kuǎndōng (款冬).<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-read-12"> It is used as an expectorant in apoplexy, phthisis, coughs, and asthma, and as a demulcent in fevers.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-stuart-5">
In Western herbal medicine: expectoration, soothing mucous membranes, reducing discharges, skin softening, and for coughs.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-theherbbook-7"> Coltsfoot cigarettes are used for asthma.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-73">
Efficacy: Not enough research has been done to evaluate efficacy.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-74">
Harmful effects: Can cause liver damage leading to cancer and death. <wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-75"> Coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are carcinogenic. Coltsfoot supplements that are labeled "PA-free" (meaning without pyrrolizidine alkaloids) are perhaps better, but their safety is unknown.
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion (Taraxacum spp.)
Also called: pissabed<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-82">
In TCM:púgōngyīng (蒲公英).<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-read-12"> Used as a tonic, and for abscesses and swellings, carious teeth, and snake bites.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-stuart-5">
In Western herbal medicine: Known to be an effective diuretic,<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-83"> claimed to help with digestive and liver problems,<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-theherbbook-7"> but there has been no serious research of these claimed effects. The entire plant is edible.
The plant has no known harmful side effects aside from its diuretic properties, which may interfere with certain medications, and/or cause increased frequency of changing pajamas and bedsheets.
Datura: See Jimson weed
Digitalis: See Foxgloves
Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Usage: Effective mild painkiller. MedlinePlus Supplements notes that "Some feverfew tablet products can contain little or no feverfew."<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-feverfew-96"> Used to reduce farting, increase menstruation, empty the bowels, and for stimulation.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-theherbbook-7">
Harmful effects: Side effects may include upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Other reported side effects include nervousness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, joint stiffness, tiredness, menstrual changes, rash, pounding heart, and weight gain.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-feverfew-96"> Chewing raw feverfew may lead to mouth ulcers, loss of taste, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-97">
Teucrium chamaedrys
Germander (Teucrium spp.)
Claimed to: be effective for gout, fever, diarrhea, gallbladder problems, and claimed to be useful for weight loss and as an antiseptic.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-germander-106"> There is currently insufficient evidence to evaluate these claims.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-germander-106">
May cause: hepatitis, cirrhosis, and death.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-107"> A weight loss supplement sold in France that contained germander caused several cases of hepatitis, and because of this, the herb is banned in that country and others.
Trifolium pratense
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Used in: vaginal steaming, fake cancer cures, livestock grazing, tea<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178">
Beneficial effects:
Available research does not show red clover treats cancer, coughing, hair loss, skin conditions, or any other medical conditions.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-WebMD-180">
Available research does not show red clover is an antibiotic.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178">
Available research has mixed results on whether red clover reduces osteoporosis, and leans towards no effect.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-WebMD-180">
Available research has mixed results on whether red clover reduces menopausal symptoms.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179">
Available research has mixed results on whether red clover reduces LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, and leans toward no effect.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179">
Researchers theorize that red clover may help to prevent cancers that estrogen helps to prevent, and help to cause cancers that estrogen helps to cause.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179">
Harmful effects:
Do not put onto wounds without a doctor's advice.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178">
Generally safe in food and drink.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178">
May increase risk of excessive bleeding.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-WebMD-180"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-181">
May cause headaches, nausea, and rashes.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-UMMRedclover-179">
Women with estrogen-sensitive cancers (such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer) or other estrogen-sensitive (such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids) should not take red clover.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-WebMD-180"><wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-182">
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take red clover.<wiki/List_of_medicinal_plants#cite_note-CancerRedclover-178">
