Botanical Index No. 1138

Wormgrass

spigelia anthelmia

Medicinal Actions

Antifeedant, Cardiotonic, Hypertensive, Positive Inotropic, Narcotic, Sedative, Soporific, Tonic, Toxic, Ascaride

Primary Conditions Treated

Cardiac Poison Vermifuge Angina Cardiopathy Cough Endocardosis Gout Headache Inflammation Insomnia Low Blood Pressure Migraine Myocardosis Nervousness Neuralgia Neurosis Pain Palpitation Pericardosis Photophobia Pinworm Rheumatism Roundworm Scrofula Tachycardia Tapeworm Tophus Worm

General Dosage

Don’t take it.

Safety & Contraindications

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects — Not covered. Large quantities of the drug may induce dyspnea, myositis, spasms, and vomiting. Wormgrass has been used for poisoning humans; the toxic effects are similar to those of strychnine. Side effects of S. marilandica include increased heart action, vertigo, convulsions, and possibly death.