Negative consequences of taking viper’s bugloss
- Dermatitis due to contact with the fresh plant.
- Allergy: the plant can cause allergy.
- Long treatments with the plant can cause adverse effects such as jaundice or liver damage. Long treatments should not be performed.
Precautions
– Possible toxicity in children: Cases of methemoglobinemia and disorders of the internal environment have been detected in children after the consumption of infusions of borage, which has the same active ingredient as viper’s bugloss.
The plant is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.
Pregnancy and lactation
The use of viper’s bugloss and its oil during pregnancy and lactation is totally contraindicated. Its toxic alkaloids can cross the placental and mammary barrier until reaching the fetus or baby.
The oil from the seeds can be substituted for other less toxic options such as evening primrose oil and blackcurrant oil, which have the same applications.
*More information: Plants and pregnancy
More information on viper's bugloss
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