In traditional naturopathy, waterweed (Eupatorium cannabinum), often called cunegone herb, has been used as a remedy for centuries. Nevertheless, its use is not without controversy today due to new findings about the ingredients.
Is waterweed poisonous?
Water cannabinum (Eupatorium cannabinum) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic and liver-damaging when taken in long-term and high doses. It is recommended to wear gloves when using and to use pharmacy preparations.
The use of water dost in natural medicine
Due to the characteristic shape of its leaves, the water hemp is often referred to as water hemp, which has also found its way into the Latin name for this plant species. However, there is actually no botanical relationship to the cannabis herb. The multitude of common names for waterhemp shows the importance the plant traditionally had in natural medicine. Possible effects of water dost teas and tinctures made from them are:
- Strengthening the immune system
- sweaty effect
- Relief from fever conditions
- Deswelling swollen feet
- Relieving inflammation of the ovaries
However, if you are unsure about the dosage, it is better to use appropriate preparations (€6.00 on Amazon) from the pharmacy.
On the toxicity of water dost
Recent research has shown that the pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained in water can have toxic and liver-damaging effects. Therefore, long-term and high-dose use is definitely not recommended. You should also wear gloves during all care procedures to avoid skin irritation.
Tips & Tricks
Even without being used as a medicinal plant, the waterweed, which blooms persistently in summer and thrives with little care in a sufficiently moist location, can be a grateful flowering plant with an almost magnetic effect on many species of butterflies.