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English Adder's Tongue

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

Christs Spear, Christ's Spear, English Adders Tongue, Érythrone Anglais, Green Oil of Charity, Herbe aux Cent Miracles, Herbe sans Couture, Langue de Chien, Langue de Serpent, Lengua de Serpiente Inglesa, Ophioglosse, Ophioglosse des Alpes, Ophioglosse Commun, Ophioglosse Langue-de-Serpent, Ophioglosse Vulgaire, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Serpent's Tongue, Serpents Tongue.

Overview

English adder's tongue is an herb. The root and leaf are used to make medicine.

People apply English adder's tongue directly to the skin to treat ulcers.

Don't confuse English adder's tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) with American adder's tongue (Erythronium americanum).

How does it work?

There isn't enough information to know how English adder's tongue might work as a medicine.

QUESTION

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

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Skin ulcers.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate English adder's tongue 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 to know whether English adder's tongue is safe or what the side effects might be.

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 English adder's tongue during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of English adder's tongue 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 English adder's tongue. 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

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.