Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a plant widely grown as a vegetable. The spears are commonly eaten. The root and seeds are used to make medicine.
Asparagus can increase urine production and is also a good source of dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and several minerals.
People use asparagus for high blood pressure, obesity, kidney stones, constipation, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using asparagus for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as food. Eating asparagus can make the urine have a pungent smell. There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus is safe to use. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as a food. But asparagus extracts are possibly unsafe to use when pregnant. Asparagus extracts have been used for birth control, so they might harm hormone balances during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as a food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus extracts are safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Allergy to onions, leeks, and related plants: Asparagus might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other members of the Liliaceae family including onions, leeks, garlic, and chives.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Asparagus might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking asparagus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Asparagus can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking asparagus along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Asparagus spears are commonly eaten as food. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of asparagus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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