Dispensed Herbal Products
How to use & precautions
Updated December 2018
General considerations
Herbs can be used for culinary purposes such as in herbal teas
or with food as well as for therapeutic purposes in the form of
herbal medicine. When used correctly, herbal medicine can
have a beneficial effect on health and well being. The correct
herbs at the right dose can help with prevention, well-being
and support a wide number of symptoms and illnesses. Herbs
have a physiological effect on the body and should be used
with care and respect. Individual responses to herbs can vary
so it’s best to start at a lower dose to assess how you react to
each herb.
In general, it is advisable to seek help from a qualified
herbalist or healthcare professional before embarking on
a course of herbal treatment. If you are already taking
prescribed medication it is essential to seek professional
advice before taking herbs. This is because some herbs have
an effect on the way medication is metabolised in your body.
Overall it is not recommended to use a combination of herbs
or a single herb in therapeutic doses for long periods unless
prescribed. This is because the body may build up a degree of
adaptation to the herbal remedy with prolonged use and some
herbs are not suitable for long-term use.
You can book a consultation with a qualified herbalist in many
of our store therapy rooms. For further details ask in-store,
look on our website www.nealsyardremedies.com or contact
our Customer Care team on 01747834634. Alternatively
the National Institute of Medical Herbalists can help you
locate a practitioner close to you. They can be reached on
01392426022 or at www.nimh.org.uk
Keep herbal tinctures, dried herbs and remedies out of the
reach of children.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
For allergen information see page 7.
How to use herbs
A trained herbalist will provide you with a prescription and
dosage following a thorough consultation. Generally herbal
remedies such as tinctures, herbal teas, creams and balms are
used 2-3 times daily but this will vary depending upon your
symptoms and the herbal remedies prescribed. Recommended
dosage stated in a reliable medical herbalist textbook or
literature source is always a guideline only. Generally a usual
adult dose varies between 1-5ml of tincture 2-3 times daily.
1ml is equivalent to approximately 20 drops. The elderly,
those that are weakened or sensitive people require a lower
dose however your herbalist will advise you on your specific
needs. There are many ways to use herbs, however here are
three common ways to take herbs internally purposes – as an
infusion, decoction or tincture.
1. Herbal infusions
An infusion is made like a tea and uses the soft parts of
herbs like flowers, leaves and small berries or seeds. It can
be made in a teapot, cafetière, tea ball and so on. A standard
infusion is a teaspoon of a single herb or two teaspoons of a
combination, per cup. Add boiling water - preferably cover
to avoid the loss of volatile oils - leave to infuse for 5-10
minutes, strain and enjoy.
2. Herbal decoctions
Decoctions are used for solid or woodier parts of the plant, like
roots, bark and tough seeds or large berries, where an infusion
will not extract the therapeutic properties fully. Simmer in a
covered pan for 10-15 minutes, strain and enjoy. A standard
decoction is 1 teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of water.
Tip: you can make 3 cups at a time and keep in a sealed
insulated container or drink cold (3 teaspoons of herbs and
3 cups of water). Do not store for longer than one day to
avoid bacterial growth.
3. Herbal tinctures
A tincture is a concentrated extract of a herb, using (usually)
water and alcohol. They offer a convenient way of using herbs
because you simply add a measure of the tincture to water.
Herbal tinctures vary in strength and so the dose is specific
to each tincture, and can vary significantly.
Always check the recommended dose for each individual
herbal tincture.
Seeking advice on using herbs
Whilst herbs can beneficially be used in culinary doses
with food, tisanes and teas when you are looking to treat
an ailment or set of symptoms we would always advise
you to consult a trained herbalist particularly under the
following circumstances:
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant do not use
herbs medicinally or herbal remedies without consultation
with a qualified herbalist or your medical practitioner. Many
herbs should be avoided during pregnancy and any herb taken
in a therapeutic dose must be checked for safety and use
whilst pregnant.
Breastfeeding
There are herbs which should be avoided during breastfeeding.
Do not use herbs while breastfeeding unless prescribed by a
qualified herbalist or your medical practitioner. Any herb taken
in a therapeutic dose must be checked for safety and use
whilst breastfeeding.
Children
Seek advice from a qualified herbalist in consultation. Herbal
remedies have traditionally been used to treat children and
adults and may offer a milder alternative to some conventional
medicine. However, some herbs are too strong for children so
getting the correct dosage requires expert advice.
Taking prescribed medication
Using herbs may offer considerable benefits for a range of
conditions but professional advice must be sought from a
qualified herbalist and/or medical practitioner when using
herbs medicinally whilst taking prescribed medication in case
of drug-herb interactions. Your qualified herbalist will be able
to liaise with your medical practitioner if required.
The most common health conditions qualified herbalists
generally advise NOT to use herbs medicinally are:
During the first 3 months of pregnancy.
In babies under 6 months old.
In individuals with symptoms of liver and/or kidney failure.
In individuals with known hyper-sensitivity or who have
suffered a previous allergic reaction to herbs.
2 weeks prior and post surgery.
Pregnancy: Herbs to avoid
ANY MEDICINAL HERB TAKEN IN THERAPEUTIC DOSAGES SHOULD SPECIFICALLY BE CHECKED FOR SAFETY AND USE DURING
PREGNANCY WITH A QUALIFIED HERBALIST.
The following herbs should not be used internally during pregnancy unless prescribed by a qualified herbalist trained in
the appropriate use of these substances. This list is not exhaustive and only covers species sold by Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Common name Latin name Common name Latin name

Agnus castus / Chaste berry Vitex agnus-castus Juniper berry* Juniperus communis
Aloe vera Aloe barbadensis Kola nut Cola nitida
Angelica root Angelica archangelica Lemon grass* Cymbopogon citratus
Aniseed* Pimpinella anisum Liquorice root* Glycyrrhiza glabra
Ashwaghanda Withania somnifera Marigold Calendula officinalis
Avens Geum urbanum Marjoram* Origanum majorana
Barberry Berberis vulgaris Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Basil* Ocimum basilicum Mugwort Artemesia vulgaris
Bayberry Myrica cerifera Myrrh Commiphora molmol
Beth root Trillium erectum Oregano* Origanum vulgare
Black cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa Oregon grape root Mahonia aquifolium
Bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus Parsley* Petroselinum crispum
Blue cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Pau d’Arco Tabebuia impetiginosa
Blue flag Iris versicolor Pilewort Ranunculus ficaria
Boldo leaf Peumus boldus Poke root Phytolacca decandra
Borage Borago officinalis Prickly ash Zanthoxylum americanum
Buchu Barosma betulina Quassia chips Picrasma excelsa
Bugleweed Ajuga reptans L Red clover Trifolium pratense
Calamus root Acorus calamus Rhubarb root Rheum palmatum
California poppy Eschscholzia californica Rosemary* Rosmarinus officinalis
Cascara sagrada Rhamnus purshiana Sage / Red sage* Salvia spp.
Catnip / Catmint Nepeta cataria Schisandra berry Schisandra chinensis
Celery seed Apium graveolens Senna leaf/pod Cassia angustifolia
Chinese angelica (Dang gui) Angelica sinensis Shepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Cinnamon* Cinnamomum zeylanicum Southernwood Artemesia abrotanum
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum
Comfrey Symphytum officinale Tansy Tanacetum vulgare
Cramp bark Viburnum opulus Thuja Thuja occidentalis
Damiana Turnera diffusa Thyme* Thymus vulgaris
Elecampane Inula helenium Turmeric* Curcuma longa
Fenugreek* Trigonella foenum-graecum Uva ursi / Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium Vervain Verbena officinalis
Ginseng Panax notoginseng White willow Salix alba
Golden seal Hydrastis canadensis Wild lettuce Lactuca virosa
Gotu kola Centella asiatica Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Ground ivy Glechoma hederacea Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Gravel root Eupatorium purpureum Yellow dock root Rumex crispus
Holy thistle Cnicus benedictus
Horehound (white) Marrubium vulgare
Horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum
Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis
*Food doses of these culinary herbs and spices is acceptable;
Jamaican dogwood Piscidia erythrina avoid in larger therapeutic doses.
Breastfeeding: Herbs to avoid
ANY MEDICINAL HERB TAKEN IN THERAPEUTIC DOSAGES SHOULD BE SPECIFICALLY CHECKED FOR SAFETY AND USE WHEN
BREASTFEEDING IN CONSULTATION WITH A QUALIFIED HERBALIST.
The following herbs should not be used internally by breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by a qualified herbalist trained
in the appropriate use of these substances. This list is not exhaustive and only covers species sold by Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Common name Latin name Common name Latin name

Aloe vera Aloe barbadensis Horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum
Angelica root Angelica archangelica Juniper berry* Juniperus communis
Basil* Ocimum basilicum Jamaica dogwood Piscidia erythrina
Bayberry Myrica cerifera Liquorice root* Glycyrrhiza glabra
Beth root Trillium erectum Myrrh Commiphora molmol
Black cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa Oregon grape root Mahonia aquifolium
Bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosis Poke root Phytolacca decandra
Blue cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Rhubarb root Rheum palmatum
Boldo leaf Peumus boldus Sage / Red sage* Salvia spp.
Borage Borago officinalis Senna Cassia angustifolia
Buchu Barosma betulina St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum
Bugleweed Ajuga reptans L Tansy Tanacetum vulgare
Calamus root Acorus calamus Thuja Thuja occidentalis
California poppy Eschscholzia californica Uva ursi / Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Cascara sagrada Rhamnus purshiana White willow Salix alba
Catnip / Catmint Nepeta cataria Wild lettuce Lactuca virosa
Cinnamon* Cinnamomum zeylanicum Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Comfrey Symphytum officinale Yellow dock root Rumex crispus
Elecampane Inula helenium
Garlic* Allium sativum
Golden seal Hydrastis canadensis
Gravel root Eupatorium purpureum
*Food doses of these culinary herbs and spices is acceptable;
Holy thistle Cnicus benedictus avoid in larger therapeutic doses.
Specific medical conditions: herbs to avoid
Before using the following herbs special care should be taken to ensure that they do not conflict with any medication that you are
taking or health issues that you are experiencing and that the recommended dosage is adhered to. A qualified Herbalist or your health
practitioner will be able to advise you further on this. This list is not exhaustive and only covers species sold by Neal’s Yard Remedies.
Please ensure that you refer to your practitioner if you are on any medication, going to be undergoing a medical procedure
or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common name Latin name Part of herb used Precautions

Agnus castus/ Vitex agnus-castus Fruit - Do not use if you have a pituitary gland disorder, are
Chaste berry pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid using if you are taking progestogenic drugs, the
contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.
- Not for use in those under 18 years unless prescribed
by qualified herbalist
- Do not take more than 40 drops a day.
Alfalfa Medicago sativa Herb - Avoid using if you have oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
Angelica Angelica archangelica Root - Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight when taking angelica
as it may cause photosensitivity.
- Use cautiously if you have peptic ulcers or acid regurgitation.
- Do not use when taking medication to thin the blood or
for diabetes.
Aniseed* Pimpinella anisum Seed - Use cautiously if you have gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Ashwaghanda Withania somnifera Root - Do not use if you are suffering from congestion or acute
upper respiratory infection.
Astragalus Astragalus membranicus Root - Avoid using if you have an acute infection, such as colds,
coughs and flu.
- Use cautiously if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs.
Bee Pollen N/A -A naphylactic shock can be triggered by many different
foods, medicines, materials so avoid using if you have
an allergy to bees, honey or bee derivative products.
- Always test for allergy by ingesting one pellet first.
Black cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa Root - If you become unwell (yellowing eyes/skin, nausea,
vomiting, dark urine, abdominal pain, unusual tiredness)
stop taking immediately and seek medical advice.
- Not suitable for people with a previous history of
liver disease.
Bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus Thallus - Take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose
if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Blue cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Root - Use in late pregnancy should only be undertaken
by a qualified herbalist experienced with its use for
this application.
- Due to the content of saponins in this plant, it is
contraindicated with Coeliacs, fat malabsorption,
vitamin A,D,E,K deficiency and some upper digestive
system irritations.
Blue flag Iris versicolor Root - Use cautiously when taking in order to reduce the
possibility of exacerbating chronic skin conditions.
- Gastrointestinal upsets may occur in people who have
a sensitivity to high doses.
Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata Leaf - Excessive doses may irritate the gastrointestinal tract,
causing diarrhoea, griping pains, nausea and/or vomiting.
Boldo Peumus boldus Leaf - Do not use if you have an obstruction of bile ducts or
severe liver disease.
- Only for short-term use - no longer than 4 weeks.
- Only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.
Borage Borago officinalis Herb - Only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.
- Not recommended for longer than 4-6 weeks.
Bugleweed Ajuga reptans L Herb -D o not use if you have a hypoactive thyroid or enlargement
of the thyroid without functional disorders
- Do not take in conjunction with thyroid treatments.

Cacao Theobroma cacao Fruit - Use cautiously if you have a known sensitivity to caffeine
as cacao contains theobromine which has a similar action.
Calamus root Acorus calamus Root - Take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Not for long-term use.
- Only use in consultation with a qualified herbalist.
Common name Latin name Part of herb used Precautions
Cayenne pepper Capsicum annuum Fruit - Do not use in or near the eyes.
- Avoid applying topically to broken skin.
- Use cautiously if you have peptic ulcers.
- May cause gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Celery seed Apium graveolens Seed - Allergen
- Use cautiously if you have an kidney disorder, especially
inflammation of the kidneys.
Chia Salvia hispanica Seed - Use cautiously if you are constipated and make sure you
drink plenty of water when using.
Chinese angelica Angelica sinensis Root -A  void using if you have an acute infection e.g. a brief cold,
dang gui cough or the flu.
- Avoid using if you are experiencing a heavy menstruation.
- Avoid using if you have purpura or peri-menopausal flooding.
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara Leaf - Take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Do not use for longer than 4 - 6 weeks per year.
Comfrey Symphytum officinale Leaf -T aken in large doses, comfrey is linked to possible
liver toxicity.
- Take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Do not use for longer than 4 – 6 weeks per year.
- Best used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Root - Use cautiously if you have gallstones.
Devil’s claw Harpagophytum procumbens Root - Avoid using if you have gastric and/or duodenal ulcers.
- If you have gallstones, only use under supervision with
a qualified herbalist.
Echinacea Echinacea spp. Root and herb - Only suitable for adults and those over the age of 12 only.
- Do not use if you are taking immunosuppressant medication.
- Allergic reactions extremely rare but possible when using
echinacea.
Eyebright Euphrasia officinalis Herb -U
 se only one drop of tincture per eyebath of cool,
sterile water for eyewash.
Fenugreek* Trigonella foenum-greacum Seed -H
 igh doses are not recommended if you have low thyroid
activity.
Figwort Scrophularia spp. Herb - Avoid using with of ventricular tachycardia.
Gentian Gentiana lutea Root - Avoid using if you have gastric and/or duodenal ulcers.
- Avoid using if you have hyperacidity or gastric
inflammation.
- We only dispense this in combination tinctures at a
maximum of 7.5ml per 150ml

Ginger Zingiber officinale Rhizome - Use cautiously if you have peptic ulceration or gallstones.

Ginseng Panax ginseng Root - Doses greater than 1g/day may cause overstimulation.
- Avoid if you have acute asthma, signs of heat, excessive
menstruation, nose bleeds, acute infections, or high blood
pressure (hypertension).
Goat’s rue Galega officinalis Root - Only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.
Goji berries Lycium barbarum Fruit - Use cautiously if you have diarrhoea or weak digestion.
Golden seal Hydrastis canadensis Root -D  O NOT USE FOR MORE THAN 3 WEEKS - this is a
very strong herb and can cause stress to the liver due
to potential toxicity of alkaloids naturally present in
the plant.
- Do not use if you have raised blood pressure.
- Golden seal reduces friendly flora in the gut and depletes
vitamin B in the body with long term use.
- We only dispense this in combination tinctures at a
maximum of 15ml per 100ml or 22.5 per 150ml
Gotu kola Hydrocotyle asiatica Herb - Avoid if you have epilepsy.
- Due to its saponin content, gotu kola may not be suitable
to use if you have Coeliac disease, fat malabsorption,
Vitamin A,D,E,K deficiency, some upper gastrointestinal
irritations or topically on open wounds.
Green tea Camellia sinensis Leaf - Use cautiously if you have a known sensitivity to caffeine.
Common name Latin name Part of herb used Precautions
Hawthorn Crataegus spp Fruit -D
 o not use alongside heart and/or blood pressure
medication unless under the supervision of a qualified
herbalist or medical practitioner.
Hops Humulus lupulus Strobile - Avoid using if you have depression.
- Avoid using if you have oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
Horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Fruit - Due to its saponin content, horse chestnut can cause
or aggravate gastro-oesophageal reflux.
- Should not be applied directly to unbroken or
ulcerated skin.
- Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.
Horsetail Equisetum arvense Herb -D ue to its abrasive action, horsetail is best combined with
demulcent herbs, such as cornsilk or marshmallow.
- Do not use for more than 3 months maximum.
Hydrangea Hydrangea aborescens Root - Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.
Jamaican Piscidia erythrina Bark -D o not use if you have a weakened heart condition,
dogwood bradycardia or cardiac insufficiency.
- Only use in consultation with a qualified herbalist.
Juniper berry* Juniperus communis Berry - Do not use if you have an inflammation of the kidneys.
Kelp Laminaria digitata Thallus -D o not use if you have an overactive thyroid
(hyperthyroidism).
- Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.
Kola nut Cola nitida Fruit - Do not use if you have a sleep disorder.
- Do not use if you suffer from nervous restlessness
or overexcitability.
Liquorice root* Glycyrrhiza glabra Root -D  o not use if you have a cholestatic liver disorder or
cirrhosis of the liver.
- Do not use if you have hypokalemia or severe kidney
insufficiency.
- Do not use if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Maca Lepidium meyenii Root - Avoid using if you have a hormone related cancer.
- Avoid using if you have a thyroid issue.
Marjoram* Origanum marjorana Leaf - Not suitable for extended use.
Matcha Camellia sinensis Leaf -U
 se cautiously if you have a known sensitivity
to caffeine.
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Herb -D
 o not use if you have a hypersensitivity to salicylates
(e.g. aspirin).
Mistletoe Viscum album Herb - Do not use if you have a protein hypersensitivity.
- Do not use if you have gastric ulcers.
- Do not use if you have a chronic progressive infection
e.g. tuberculosis.
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris Herb - Allergic reactions are possible when using mugwort.
- Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.

Mulberries Morus spp. Fruit - Use cautiously if you have diarrhoea or a weak digestion.
Myrrh Commiphora molmol Resin - Do not use if you have an inflammatory kidney condition.

Oat seed Avena sativa Seed - Allergen.

Olive Olea europaea Leaf -U
 se cautiously if you have low blood pressure
(hypotension).
Peppermint Mentha piperita Leaf - Do not use if you have gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Parsley* Petroselinum crispum Leaf - Do not use if you have an inflammatory kidney condition.
Poke root Phytolacca decandra Root - Do not use if you suffer from gut irritations.
- Avoid using if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs.
- Only use in consultation with a qualified herbalist.
- Exceeding the recommended therapeutic dose causes
pokeroot to work as an emetic and purgative.
Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea Root -D  o not use for children.
- Due to its stimulating properties, rhodiola is not suitable
for use with high blood pressure (hypertension), nervous
excitability or Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants.
Common name Latin name Part of herb used Precautions
Sage* Salvia officinalis Leaf - Do not take over a prolonged period of time.
- Take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose.
Sarsaparilla Smilax ornata Root -C
 an cause or aggravate gastro-oesophageal reflux due
to saponin content.
Shepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastoris Herb - Do not use if you have a history of kidney disease.
Spirulina Spirulina platensis Micro-algae -D
 o not use if you have Phenylketonuria (PKU), due to
phenylalanine content in spirulina.
St John’s wort Hypericum perforatum Herb -P  lease check with your medical practitioner or qualified
herbalist if you are taking any prescribed medications
(including the contraceptive pill) as St John’s wort may
affect the way they work.
- Do not use if you have severe depression.
- Avoid in known photosensitivity, avoid excessive exposure
to full sun or UVA.
- Seek alternative treatment if no significant response
in 6 weeks.
Tansy Tanacetum vulgare Herb - Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.
Thuja Thuja occidentalis Leaf - Used in small doses for no longer than 4-6 weeks.
Turmeric* Curcuma longa Rhizome -U
 se cautiously if taking alongside blood thinning herbs
or medication as it may potentise the effects.
Uva ursi / Arctostaphylos uva ursi Leaf -D  o not use for prolonged periods without consultation
Bearberry with a qualified herbalist.
- May cause cramping, nausea, vomiting and constipation
due to high tannin content.
Valerian Valeriana officinalis Root - Avoid with depression.
White willow Salix alba Bark -D
 o not use if you have a hypersensitivity to salicylates
(e.g. aspirin).
Wild cherry Prunus serotina Bark - Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Not for long-term use.
Wild lettuce Lactuca virosa Herb - Avoid with depression.
- Not for long-term use.
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium Herb - Do not use if you have hyperacidity.
- Take care not to exceed the recommended dose.

*Food doses of these culinary herbs and spices is acceptable; avoid in larger therapeutic doses.

Allergen information:
1. Celery Seed (Apium graveolens seed) if you have a sensitivity or known allergy to celery do not use this product.
2. Oat (Avena sativa) is a cereal that contains gluten if you have a sensitivity or known allergy to cereals containing gluten do not
use this product.
Our tinctures are made using organic grain alcohol - fermented wheat. The supplier of the alcohol has made a statement that the
alcohol is free from:
• Sources of Gluten (not tested) Wheat, Corn, Rye, Barley, Oat.
NYR Eco Factory processes the following allergens:
• Sources of Gluten (Wheat, Corn, Rye, Barley, Oat)
• Soy and/or soy products
• Sesame seeds and/or sesame seeds products
• Mustard and/or mustard products
• Celery and/or celery products
• Lupin and products of thereof
• Tree nuts and/or tree nut products Almond, Brazil nut, Cashew, Hazelnut, Macadamia nut, Pecan, Pistachio, Queensland nut, Walnut

If you require any further information, please visit our website nealsyardremedies.com or contact Customer Care on 01747 834 634
For general food allergy advice please visit www.gov.uk or www.food.gov.uk
Herbal bulk laxatives
Herbal bulk laxatives must be taken with adequate amounts of fluid, otherwise they may swell and block the throat or
oesophagus, which could lead to choking.
You should avoid using them if you have problems with swallowing or conditions likely to lead to intestinal obstruction (ileus).
Avoid if you have abdominal pain of unknown origin.
Absorption of other medications taken at same time may be delayed – take herbal bulk laxatives at least one hour after other
medication. If you are diabetic, there may be a potential delay in glucose absorption when taking herbal bulk laxatives.
Treatment using herbal bulk laxatives should be continued for 2-3 days. However, if you see no improvement, please discontinue
and seek medical advice.
This list is not exhaustive and only covers species sold by Neal’s Yard Remedies.
How to use: Take with plenty of liquid (e.g. 5g with 150ml cool water), stir briskly and swallow quickly. Maintain increased fluid
intake throughout the day. Take at mealtimes, not before going to bed.

Common name Latin name Part of herb used

Linseed / Flax Linum usitatissimum Seed
Psyllium Plantago psyllium Seed and / or husks

Herbal stimulant laxatives

Herbal stimulant laxatives must not be used over an extended period of time (1-2 weeks) without consulting a medical
practitioner and are not an acceptable alternative to changes in diet.
They must not be used in cases of intestinal obstruction, Crohn’s disease, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin,
children under 12 years of age, pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
Stimulant laxatives stimulate greater contractions of the muscular walls of the large intestine. This occurs 8-12 hours after
taking the remedy and may cause gripping pain in the abdomen.
Interaction with other drugs: with chronic abuse, loss of potassium is possible especially if either thiazide diuretics,
corticosteroids or liquorice root is taken simultaneously.

Common name Latin name Part of herb used

Cascara sagrada Rhamnus purshiana Bark
Rhubarb root Rheum palmatum Root
Senna Cassia angustifolia Pods and / or leaf
Yellow dock Rumex crispus Root

Herb refills in-store

Bring your own container and we’d be delighted to refill it for you. Please ensure your container is clean. We cannot take
responsibility for any contamination that occurs as a result of using your own container. When at home, decant herbs in
a glass jar and store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Peacemarsh Gillingham Dorset SP8 4EU

Customer Care 01747 834 634 nealsyardremedies.com
PLU 9213 December 2018