Overview

Canadian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) is a bushy shrub. Its tough bark has been used as a substitute for hemp.

Canadian hemp root contains chemicals that may slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, increase the strength of the heartbeat, and increase urine. It may work similarly to the prescription drug digoxin.

People sometimes use Canadian hemp for cough, heart failure, warts, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using Canadian hemp can also be unsafe.

Don't confuse Canadian hemp with hemp, hemp agrimony, gentian, ipecac, or German ipecac. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Canadian Hemp overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Canadian hemp is likely unsafe. It contains toxic chemicals that can harm the heart. Side effects might also include stomach irrigation, nausea, and vomiting.

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

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Canadian hemp is likely unsafe. It contains toxic chemicals that can harm the heart. Side effects might also include stomach irrigation, nausea, and vomiting.

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

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Canadian hemp is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It contains toxic chemicals that can harm the heart. Avoid use.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Canadian Hemp

    Digoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Canadian hemp also seems to affect the heart. Taking Canadian hemp along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Canadian Hemp

    Canadian hemp might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Canadian hemp 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.
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.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
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