Dogbane Cautions

Cautions:

"With the exception of the feebler Milkweeds (Asclepias), Dogbane is the only
recognized cardiac stimulant of the West. Traditionally, Dogbane is the name
applied to A. androsaemifolium and Canadian Hemp to A. cannabinum.
Dogbane is the more common and the safer for herb use. The two should not be
interchanged indiscriminately, since the latter has distinctly different and more
dangerous effects on cardiac function and, considering the various varieties and
probable variations in strength, is not appropriate for herbal or crude drug use.
Both plants have similarities in pharmacology and use to Strophathus, a drug plant
used like digitalis and preferred to it in European medical practice. Dogbane must
be used with caution, since it has definite toxic potential, but it is safe in doses of a
(00) capsule or less. The active substances in Dogbane are apocynin,
apocynamarin (stropanthidin), and traces of cymarin, androsin, and several sterols.
Small doses of this witches´brew act as a vasoconstrictor, slowing and
strengthening the heartbeat and raising the blood pressure. It is a strong diuretic,
useful in cardiac dropsy and the like, but authorities differ as to whether it
increases urine by irritation of the kidneys or dilation of the renal artery, or both.
In fact, one of the reasons preventing its more fequent use in medicine is the
variability of absorption, metabolization, effects, and pharmacology. A safe and
reliable dose is a single (0) capsule of the powdered root a day, this acting as a
mild cardiac tonic, diuretic, and antirheumatic. A gram or more will cause vomiting
and several grams act as a strong irritant ot the mucous and serous membranes.
It has been used with success by homepaths for alcoholism; a total of one-fourth
to one-half teaspoon of the powdered root is drunk in tea during the course of a
day in small, frequent doses. This is supposed to aid in the withdrawal symptoms
but should not be continued for more than a week or so.". Ref. C p.71