Pimpinella

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Pimpinella is an herb. The root and the parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used as medicine.

People take pimpinella for upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder and kidney stones, and fluid retention (edema). Pimpinella is also used to help digestion.

Some people apply pimpinella directly to the affected area for sore mouth and throat or add it to bath water to treat poorly healing wounds and varicose veins.

There are reports that some makers of pimpinella root products “stretch” their product by secretly adding other herbs including Heracleum sphondylium (Masterwort), Heracleum mantegazzianum, and Pastinaca sativa (Parsnip).

How does it work?

There is interest in using pimpinella root for respiratory infections because it is thought to help loosen and move airway mucus. However, this effect hasn't been proven.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Respiratory infections.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Bladder and kidney stones.
• Fluid retention (edema).
• Stomach and intestinal disorders.
• Varicose veins, when added to bath water.
• Wounds, when added to bath water.
• 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).

There isn't enough information available to know if pimpinella is safe or what the possible side effects might be.

The appropriate dose of pimpinella 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 pimpinella. 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.