Evidence supporting the use of: Hellebore
For the health condition: Gout

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Hellebore, referring generally to plants in the Helleborus genus (such as Helleborus niger or Helleborus viridis), has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine. Ancient Greek and Roman sources, including Hippocrates and Dioscorides, mention hellebore as a treatment for a variety of ailments, sometimes including joint pain and conditions that may now be recognized as gout. The rationale for its use was largely based on its strong purgative and emetic properties, as hellebore was believed to "cleanse" the body of harmful humors thought to cause diseases like gout. However, hellebore is highly toxic, and its use often resulted in severe side effects or poisoning.

There is no reliable modern scientific evidence to support hellebore's efficacy or safety in treating gout. No clinical studies or pharmacological research have demonstrated benefit for this condition. The use of hellebore in gout today is considered obsolete and potentially dangerous. Any historical use was based on the prevailing humoral theories of medicine, not on an understanding of the disease's underlying mechanisms. As a result, hellebore is not recommended for gout and is not found in reputable modern herbal practice for this purpose.

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Products containing Hellebore

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