Dodder

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Atermoyer, Beggarweed, Chinese Dodder, Cuscuta, Cuscuta chinensis, Cuscuta epithymum, Cuscutae, Cuscute, Cuscute Chinoise, Cuscute à Petites Fleurs, Cuscute du Thym, Devil's Guts, Dodder of Thyme, Hellweed, Japanese Dedder, Lesser Dodder, Petite Cuscute, Scaldweed, Semen Cuscutae, Strangle Tare, Tu Si Zi, Tu Sizi.

Overview

Dodder is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground to make medicine.

Dodder is used to treat urinary tract, spleen, and hepatic disorders.

How does it work?

Dodder might have laxative effects.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Bladder problems.
  • Liver problems.
  • Spleen problems.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of dodder for these uses.

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).

Side Effects

There isn't enough information available to know if dodder is safe. Dodder might cause stomach pain in some people.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of dodder during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of dodder 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 dodder. 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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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

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