Overview

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a plant widely grown as a vegetable. The spears are commonly eaten. The root and seeds are used to make medicine.

Asparagus can increase urine production and is also a good source of dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and several minerals.

People use asparagus for high blood pressure, obesity, kidney stones, constipation, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

There is interest in using asparagus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as food. Eating asparagus can make the urine have a pungent smell. There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus is safe to use. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as food. Eating asparagus can make the urine have a pungent smell. There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus is safe to use. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Pregnancy: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as a food. But asparagus extracts are possibly unsafe to use when pregnant. Asparagus extracts have been used for birth control, so they might harm hormone balances during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: Asparagus spears are commonly consumed as a food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if asparagus extracts are safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to onions, leeks, and related plants: Asparagus might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other members of the Liliaceae family including onions, leeks, garlic, and chives.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with ASPARAGUS

    Asparagus might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking asparagus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with ASPARAGUS

    Asparagus can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking asparagus along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.

Dosing

Asparagus spears are commonly eaten as food. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of asparagus might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
Next
View References

You Might Also Like

Chronic Conditions Common in Minorities
Understanding Heartburn: The Basics
6 Good Food Sources of Zinc
What Vitamins Do You Need as You Age?
View More

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.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.