Self-Heal: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Self-heal is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Self-heal is used for inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, problems in the stomach and intestines, sore throat, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Be careful not to confuse self-heal with another plant called sanicle. Sanicle is sometimes referred to as self-heal, but it's different.

Self-heal contains chemicals that act as antioxidants. Other chemicals called tannins might help reduce skin swelling (inflammation).

How does it work ?

Self-heal contains chemicals that act as antioxidants. Other chemicals called tannins might help reduce skin swelling (inflammation).

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Bruises.
Crohn disease.
Disorders of the female reproductive system (gynecological disorders).
HIV/AIDS.
Internal bleeding.
Mouth and throat ulcers.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Stomach pain.
Ulcerative colitis.
Wound healing.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of self-heal for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe. It might cause upset stomach and diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Self-Heal overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of self-heal 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 self-heal. 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.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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