W
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Watercress) — Class 2b, 2d (AHP).“Haz-
ards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). KOM and PH2 report
contraindications: peptic ulcer, and nephrosis; not to be used by children younger than 4 years;
adverse effects: GI complaints (rarely). Since it is viewed as an emmenagogue and uterocon-
tractant, it is contraindicated in pregnancy. Irritation of gastric mucosa may develop following
chronic ingestion of large quantities (AEH). I suspect that much of what is said here could be
said about horseradish, wasabi, and even the milder crucifers, such as the wholesome broccoli,
etc. (JAD). Plants become bitter in flowering, better for medicine, worse for food (JFM).
Watercress is the richest source of phenethylisothiocyanate (PEITC), which also occurs in bok
choy, turnips, and turnip greens (JNU).
WATER DOCK (Rumex aquaticus L.) ++Activities (Water Dock) — Alterative (f; EFS; PNC); Analgesic (f; DEM); Antiaggregant (f; EFS);
Antiscrofulous (f; EFS); Antiscorbutic (f; EFS); Astringent (f; CEB); Decongestant (f; EFS);
Dentifrice (f; PH2); Deobstruent (f; EFS; PNC); Depurative (f; PH2); Detergent (f; EFS); Dia-
phoretic (f; CEB); Digestive (f; EFS; PH2); Laxative (f; DEM); Tonic (f; CEB).
Indications (Water Dock) — Arteriocongestion (f; EFS); Boil (f; DEM); Cancer (f; CEB; JLH);
Congestion (f; EFS); Constipation (f; DEM; PH2); Dysentery (f; CEB); Fever (f; CEB); Gastrosis
(f; DEM); Pain (f; DEM); Rheumatism (f; DEM); Scirrhus (f; JLH); Scrofula (f; EFS); Scurvy (1;
EFS; PH2); Sore (f; CEB; EFS; PH2); Stomachache (f; DEM); Stomatosis (f; CEB; PH2); Swelling
(f; DEM); Syphilis (f; CEB); Ulcer (f; PH2); Wound (f; DEM).
Dosages (Water Dock) — 4–8 ml liquid root extract (PNC).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Water Dock) — Not covered (AHP; KOM).
Food, but oxalate poisoning is a remote possibility (PH2). Eaten as a vegetable.
WATER DROPWORT (Oenanthe crocata L.) XActivities (Water Dropwort) — Cardiotoxic (f; PH2); Emmenagogue (f; MAD); Litholytic (f;
MAD); Narcotic (f; JLH); Poison (1; USA); Toxic (1; EFS).
Indications (Water Dropwort) — Apoplexy (f; MAD); Asthma (f; MAD); Bronchosis (f; MAD);
Cancer (f; JLH); Catarrh (f; MAD); Cerebrosis (f; PH2); Convulsion (f; MAD; PH2); Cramp (f;
MAD); Delirium (f; MAD); Dermatosis (f; DEM); Enuresis (f; MAD); Epilepsy (f; EFS; FEL);
Leprosy (f; MAD); Meningosis (f; MAD); Paralysis (f; MAD); Pertussis (f; MAD); Psoriasis (f;
MAD); Stone (f; MAD); Tic (f; MAD); Uremia (f; MAD); Whitlow (f; JLH).
Dosages (Water Dropwort) — Don’t take it (JAD).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Water Dropwort) — Not covered (AHP;
KOM). Responsible for many poisonings (PNC). Early symptoms include burning sensations, chills,
debility, dizziness, dysphonia, twitching, colonic spasms, unconsciousness, and death (PH2). As
little as five drops in a tincture can cause serious headache (FEL). 650 g root can kill a cow and
horse, 2 g a guinea pig (HH2).
WATER FENNEL (Oenanthe aquatica (L.) Poir.) XSynonym: Oenanthe phellandrium Lam.
Activities (Water Fennel) — Alterative (f; CRC; FEL; PNC); Antitussive (1; PH2); Carminative
(f; CRC; EFS; PH2); Diaphoretic (f; CRC); Digestive (f; CRC); Diuretic (f; CRC; FEL; PH2);