Allspice (Jamaican Pepper, Clove Pepper)

BASIC INFORMATION

Biological name (genus and species):
Pimenta dioica
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Berries/fruits
Chemicals this herb contains:
Acid-fixed oil
Eugenol
Resin (See Glossary)
Tannic acid
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Irritates mucous membranes including lining of gastrointestinal tract.

Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

Miscellaneous information:

Active chemicals are in allspice BERRIES.

Provides flavor in toothpaste and other products.

Is used as an aromatic spice in foods.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Aids in expelling gas from intestines to relieve colic or griping.

Relieves diarrhea.

Relieves fatigue.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:

Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:

Take any medicinal drugs or herbs, including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non- prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:

Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:

Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:

Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:

None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:

Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:

At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for
short periods of time.

For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms:	What to do:
Excess of 5 ml (about 1	Discontinue. Call doctor
teaspoon) of eugenol (a	immediately.
volatile oil found in
allspice) may cause
convulsions, nausea, vomiting