American Adder's Tongue

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

American adder's tongue is a plant. The leaves and fleshy roots (tubers) are used to make medicine. Don't confuse English adder's tongue with American adder's tongue.

People typically apply American adder's tongue as a poultice to treat skin ulcers. A poultice is a cloth containing a warm, moist preparation of the leaves that is applied directly to the skin.

How does it work?

When applied directly to the skin, the leaves of American adder's tongue help soothe and soften the skin.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Skin ulcers.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of American 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).

It is not known if American adder's tongue is safe.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of American adder's tongue during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Plant allergies: People who are allergic tulips, lilies, and related plants may also have an allergic reaction to American adder's tongue.

The appropriate dose of American 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 American 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.