Canadian hazel grouse

Canadian hazelwort(Asarum canadense), also known as broad-leaved asarabacca, is a plant whose root is used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, hazel root is used to treat bronchitis, bronchial spasms and bronchial asthma. Hazel root is also used to treat coughs, pneumonia, chest pain, migraines, liver disorders and dehydration. Some people use hazel root as an emetic. Women use hazel root to start their menstrual period and induce abortion.

How does hazel root work?

The chemicals contained in hazel root have effects on the lungs. Other chemicals contained in this plant can cause vomiting.

How effective is hazel root?

There is insufficient scientific data to assess the effectiveness of hazel root for the treatment of asthma, chest pain, cough, pneumonia, migraine headaches, dehydration, liver disease or bronchitis, for inducing menstruation or when used as an emetic. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of hazel root in these applications.

Are there any safety concerns?

Hazelroot may be safe for short-term use if it is not contaminated with a chemical called aristolochic acid. This chemical can damage the kidneys and cause cancer. The problem is that there is no way of knowing if a hazel root product contains this chemical. For this reason, most experts do not consider hazel root to be safe or harmless and advise against its use. Large amounts of hazel root, even when free of contaminants, can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, belching, a burning sensation on the tongue, skin rashes and paralysis.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not safe to use hazelwort during pregnancy. It may start the menstrual period and cause contractions of the uterus. These effects could lead to miscarriage.

Since not enough is known about the effects of hazel root on breastfed children, it is best to avoid hazel root while breastfeeding.

Stomach and intestinal problems: Hazel root can irritate the digestive tract. For this reason, hazel root should not be used if you suffer from stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions between hazel root and medications or other supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of hazel root depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for different hazelwort. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

1. Jaspersen-Schib R, Theus L, Guirguis-Oeschger M, et al [Serious plant poisonings in Switzerland 1966-1994. Case analysis from the Swiss Toxicology Information Center]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1996;126:1085-98.
2. Lewis CJ, Alpert S. Letter to health care professionals -- FDA concerned about botanical products, including dietary supplements, containing aristolochic acid. Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, Dietary Supplements. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. May 31, 2000.