Other Name(s):

American Greek Valerian, Blue Bells, False Jacob's Ladder, Polémoine Rampante, Polémonie Rampante, Polemonium reptans, Sweatroot, Valeriana Griega.

Overview
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosing

Overview

Abscess root is an herb. The root is ground and used as a medicinal tea.

Abscess root is used to reduce fever and swelling (inflammation) and to cause sweating. It is also used as a drying agent (an astringent) and to loosen chest congestion so it can be coughed up (as an expectorant).

Abscess root is also called “false Jacob's ladder,” because it has astringent activity similar to Jacob's ladder. These two plants are used in similar ways, but differ chemically. Be careful not to mix them up.

How does it work?

There isn't enough information to know how abscess root might work as a medicine.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

Fever.
Inflammation.
Cough.
Causing sweating.
Use as an astringent.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of abscess root for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

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Side Effects

There isn't enough information to know if abscess root is safe. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset and sneezing.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of abscess root during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of abscess root 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 abscess root. 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.