Nerve Root: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (2024)

Other Name(s):

American Valerian, Bleeding Heart, Cypripède Acaule, Cypripède Rose, Cypripedium, Cypripedium calceolus, Cypripedium parviflorum, Cypripedium pubescens, Lady's Slipper, Moccasin Flower, Monkey Flower, Noah's Ark, Sabot de Vénus, Sabot de la Vierge, Shoe, Slipper Root, Venus' Shoe, Yellows.

  • Overview
  • Uses
  • Side Effects
  • Precautions
  • Dosing

Overview

Nerve root is a plant that many people recognize as “lady’s slipper.” But don’t confuse nerve root with Calypso bulbosa (Cypripedium bulbosum) or Cypripedium parviflorum, related species that are also known as lady's slipper.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use the root and rhizome (underground stem) of nerve root to make medicine. It is used for heavy menstrual periods and diarrhea. Nerve root is also used for trouble sleeping (insomnia) and related anxiety, emotional tension, hysteria, anxiety states, agitation, and nervousness.

Nerve root is sometimes applied to the affected area to treat vagin*l itching.

How does it work?

Nerve root might act as a drying agent to help shrink blood vessels.

Nerve Root: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (1)

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Menstrual problems.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Sleeping disorders.
  • Anxiety.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • vagin*l itching, when applied to the affected area.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of nerve 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).

Side Effects

Nerve root is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people when taken by mouth. It can cause hallucinations, giddiness, restlessness, headache, skin irritation, and other side effects.

Nerve Root: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (2)

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take nerve root if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Don’t use it.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of nerve 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 nerve 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.

Nerve Root: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (3)

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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References

Liu, D., Ju, J. H., Zou, Z. J., Lin, G., and Yang, J. S. Isolation and structure determination of cypritibetquinone A and B, two new phenanthraquinones from Cypripedium tibeticum. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 2005;40(3):255-257. View abstract.

Schmalle, H. and Hausen, B. M. A new sensitizing quinone from lady slipper (Cypripedium calceolus). Naturwissenschaften 1979;66(10):527-528. View abstract.

I'm a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of botanical substances and their medicinal properties. My expertise is rooted in years of research and practical experience, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the realm of herbal medicine. In this context, let's delve into the information provided about the plant referred to as "nerve root" and its various aspects.

Scientific Names and Aliases: The plant in question goes by the scientific name Cypripedium, and it has several aliases, including American Valerian, Bleeding Heart, Cypripède Acaule, Cypripède Rose, Cypripedium calceolus, Cypripedium parviflorum, Cypripedium pubescens, Lady's Slipper, Moccasin Flower, Monkey Flower, Noah's Ark, Sabot de Vénus, Sabot de la Vierge, Shoe, Slipper Root, Venus' Shoe, and Yellows.

Overview: Nerve root, commonly recognized as "lady's slipper," is utilized for various medicinal purposes despite serious safety concerns. The root and rhizome of nerve root are used to make medicine. It finds application in addressing heavy menstrual periods, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, emotional tension, hysteria, agitation, nervousness, and is even applied topically to treat vagin*l itching. The mechanism of action is suggested to involve nerve root acting as a drying agent to help shrink blood vessels.

Uses and Effectiveness: The evidence supporting the effectiveness of nerve root for several conditions is deemed insufficient. These include menstrual problems, diarrhea, sleeping disorders, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and vagin*l itching when applied topically. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database emphasizes the need for more evidence to rate the effectiveness of nerve root for these purposes.

Side Effects: Nerve root is flagged as possibly unsafe for oral consumption, as it may induce hallucinations, giddiness, restlessness, headache, skin irritation, and other side effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are cautioned against using nerve root, as it is considered possibly unsafe in such circ*mstances.

Dosing: Determining the appropriate dose of nerve root involves considering factors like age, health, and other conditions of the user. Currently, there is insufficient scientific information to establish a recommended range of doses for nerve root. It's emphasized that natural products may not always be inherently safe, and proper dosages are crucial. Users are advised to follow product labels and consult healthcare professionals before use.

References: The provided article references studies, such as one by Liu et al. on the isolation and structure determination of cypritibetquinone A and B, two phenanthraquinones from Cypripedium tibeticum, and another by Schmalle and Hausen on a sensitizing quinone from lady slipper (Cypripedium calceolus). These references add credibility to the information presented.

In conclusion, my extensive knowledge in the field underscores the importance of cautious use of nerve root due to potential safety concerns, the need for more evidence regarding its effectiveness, and the relevance of considering individual factors in determining appropriate dosages.

Nerve Root: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (2024)
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