Buttercup is a plant. People dry the parts that grow above the ground and use them for medicine. Fresh preparations are very irritating and should not be used.
Despite safety concerns, buttercup is used for arthritis, nerve pain, skin problems, and swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Arthritis.
- Blisters.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Ongoing (chronic) skin problems.
- Nerve pain.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of buttercup for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Buttercup contains toxins that are very irritating to the skin and the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. There is not enough information to know how buttercup might work for medicinal uses.
When taken by mouth: Fresh buttercup is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It may cause severe irritation of the digestive tract, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include irritation of the bladder and urinary tract, abnormal heartbeat, headache, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Some of the toxins in fresh buttercup might be destroyed when buttercup is dried. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if dried buttercup is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Fresh buttercup is LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. Skin contact can cause blisters and burns. Some are difficult to heal. It can also increase the risk of sunburn. Some of the toxins in fresh buttercup might be destroyed when buttercup is dried. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if dried buttercup is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use fresh buttercup, especially if you are pregnant. Buttercup might cause the uterus to contract, and that could cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dried buttercup is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Buttercup interacts with any medicines. Before taking Buttercup, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of buttercup depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for buttercup. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Acrid Crowfoot, Bachelor's Buttons, Blisterweed, Botón de Oro, Bouton d'Or, Burrwort, Globe Amaranth, Gold Cup, Meadow Buttercup, Meadowbloom, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus acris subsp. friesianus, Ranunculus friesianus, Renoncule Âcre, Tall Buttercup, Yellows, Yellowweed.
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