Country Mallow: Side Effects and Complications

Country mallow* is a plant commonly used to treat asthma, tuberculosis, the common cold, swine flu and many other illnesses. Some people claim it can also help people lose weight, although these claims have not been clinically proven.

Since 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of country mallow because it contains ephedrine, a potentially dangerous stimulant. According to WebMD.com, this plant is not safe for any use.

Side Effects of Country Mallow

Country mallow's most common side effects include:

- High blood pressure

- Irregular heartbeat

- Dizziness

- Restlessness

- Irritability

- Insomnia

- Headache

- Loss of appetite (anorexia)

- Nausea, vomiting

- Tingling on the face

People who already suffer from high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, anxiety disorders or anorexia nervosa should not take country mallow. It can worsen these conditions.

Complications of Country Mallow

Several severe complications have been associated with country mallow. You are at a higher likelihood of developing these problems if you have a previous history of heart, thyroid and kidney problems.

Country mallow's complications include:

- Chest pain (angina): Ephedrine stimulates the heart, which can cause chest pain. Do not use if you have a history of chest pain.

- Heart attack: Ephedrine can affect how your heart works, which can lead to a heart attack. If you are at risk for a heart attack or have a family history of heart attacks, do not use.

- Stroke: Ephedrine has been linked to an increased stroke risk.

- Seizures: Regular use of ephedrine may increase your risk for seizures. Do not use if you have a history of seizures.

- Worsened heart function: This supplement can stimulate your heart, causing changes in the way your heart beats and its muscle tone. If you are at risk for any heart problems, this supplement is not safe.

- Increased anxiety, tremors: Country mallow stimulates the nervous system, which can worsen anxiety. People with any anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, cannot take this supplement safely.

- Stimulation of the thyroid: Country mallow can stimulate the thyroid, which can be unsafe for people with certain thyroid problems.

- Kidney stones: There is some evidence ephedrine can increase the risk for kidney stones.

- Birth defects: Country mallow can transfer to the fetus and into breast milk, which can be dangerous.

Note: Ephedrine can lead to death regardless of how long or how much you use it. Country mallow is not recommended for any medical condition, unless recommended by a licensed medical professional.

Country mallow can also interfere with your ability to control your blood sugar. It has also been shown to worsen circulatory problems in diabetics. Diabetics should consult their doctor before using this plant.

*This guide is not a recommendation for any treatment, supplement, herb or drug. Not all of country mallow's side effects and complications are listed here. Speak with your doctor for additional information.

Sources:
"Country Mallow" (WebMD.com; accessed December 31, 2010)