Nerve Root

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Nerve root is a plant that many people recognize as “lady's slipper.” But don't confuse nerve root with Calypso bulbosa (Cypripedium bulbosum) or Cypripedium parviflorum, related species that are also known as lady's slipper.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use the root and rhizome (underground stem) of nerve root to make medicine. It is used for heavy menstrual periods and diarrhea. Nerve root is also used for trouble sleeping (insomnia) and related anxiety, emotional tension, hysteria, anxiety states, agitation, and nervousness.

Nerve root is sometimes applied to the affected area to treat vaginal itching.

How does it work?

Nerve root might act as a drying agent to help shrink blood vessels.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Menstrual problems.
• Diarrhea.
• Sleeping disorders.
• Anxiety.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Vaginal itching, when applied to the affected area.
• Other conditions.

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).

Nerve root is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people when taken by mouth. It can cause hallucinations, giddiness, restlessness, headache, skin irritation, and other side effects.

The appropriate dose of nerve root 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 nerve root. 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.