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Butternut

Butternut is a plant that is also known as gray walnut, gray walnut and white walnut, and its bark is used to make medicine. Butternut is used for constipation, gallbladder problems, hemorrhoids and skin diseases. Other uses include the treatment of cancer and infections caused by bacteria and parasites. Some people use butternut as a tonic.

How does butternut bark work?

Butternut bark may act as a laxative and promote the movement of stool through the digestive tract.

How effective is butternut?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of butternut in treating gallbladder problems, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, constipation, cancer and infections. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of butternut in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Butternut appears to be safe and harmless for most people. Possible side effects include diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: The use of butternut in large quantities during pregnancy is not safe or safe to use as it may cause excessive stimulation of bowel movements.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using butternut in combination with the following medications:

Anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids)

Some anti-inflammatory drugs can lower potassium levels in the body. Butternut is a type of laxative that could also lower potassium levels in the body. Taking butternut in combination with some anti-inflammatory drugs could lower potassium levels in the body too much.

Medication taken orally

Butternut is a laxative. Laxatives can reduce the amount of active drug ingredient absorbed by the body. Reducing the amount of active ingredient absorbed in this way can reduce the effectiveness of medication.

Stimulant laxatives

Butternut is a type of laxative known as a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract. Taking butternut in combination with other stimulant laxatives could cause too strong a laxative effect and result in dehydration and low mineral levels in the body.

Diuretics

Butternut is a laxative. Some laxatives can lower potassium levels in the body. Diuretics can also lower potassium levels in the body. Taking butternut in combination with diuretics could lower potassium levels in the body too much.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of butternut depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for butternut. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc, 1998.
  4. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.