European Bitter Polygala, European Senega, Evergreen Snakeroot, Flowering Wintergreen, Little Pollom, Polygala amara, Polygala Amère, Polygale Amer, Snakeroot.
Bitter milkwort is a plant. The flowering plant and root are used to make medicine.
People take bitter milkwort for breathing problems, cough, and bronchitis.
Don't confuse bitter milkwort (Polygala amara) with asarabacca (Asarum europaeum) or senega (Polygala senega). All three plants are sometimes called snakeroot.
How does it work?
Bitter milkwort has chemicals that help to break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up (use as an expectorant).
QUESTION
See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Lung problems.
- Bronchitis.
- Cough.
- Other conditions.
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).
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowThe appropriate dose of bitter milkwort 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 bitter milkwort. 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.
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Lust J. The herb book. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1999.