White hellebore (Veratrum album) is a plant with green-yellow flowers that grows up to 5 feet tall. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
White hellebore contains several toxic chemicals that can cause slow heart rate, low blood pressure, paralysis, and seizures.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use white hellebore in homeopathic products, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Don't confuse white hellebore with American hellebore, black hellebore, or pheasant's eye. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using white hellebore 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: White hellebore is likely unsafe. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause vomiting, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, blindness, loss of consciousness, paralysis, seizures, and death.
When applied to the skin: White hellebore is likely unsafe. The poisonous chemicals in white hellebore can be absorbed through the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: White hellebore is likely unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition to being poisonous, white hellebore might also cause birth defects. Avoid use.
It is not known if White Hellebore interacts with any medicines. Before taking White Hellebore, 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.
All parts of the white hellebore plant are considered poisonous. Speak with a healthcare provider before using any products containing white hellebore.
Ballestera, Ballestera Blanca, Eléboro Blanco, Ellébore Blanc, European Hellebore, European White Hellebore, Hellébore Blanc, Hierba de Ballesteros, Langwort, Rizoma de Veratro, Surbia, Varaire, Varaire Blanc, Vedegambre, Vératre Blanc, Veratrum album, Veratrum lobelianum, White Hellibore.
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