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Asparagus Uses and Side Effects

Asparagus is rich in vitamins A and E and contains folic acid. It has saponin components that act as mucous membrane irritants. The shoots have several sulfur-containing acids that can cause urine to become strong smelling.

Asparagus is available as cut rhizome or root, fresh stalks, root powder, and tea. Products containing asparagus include ClearLung (combination product), Hy-C (Bu Yin) , Tian Men Dong, and Ultimate Urinary Cleanse.

Benefits And Uses of Asparagus

Asparagus is used with large amounts of liquid as irrigation therapy. It can also be used to treat urinary tract infections and rheumatic joint pain and swelling, to prevent kidney or bladder stones, and to provide contraception.

The seeds and root extracts are used in the production of alcoholic beverages. The seeds are also used in coffee substitutes, diuretic preparations, laxatives, and remedies for neuritis and rheumatism. The seeds may relieve toothaches, stimulate hair growth, and treat cancer. Topical preparations may have drying effects on acne.

Despite the varied uses, irrigation therapy is the only use with clinical supporting evidence.

Administration

• Daily dose: 45 to 80 g by mouth every day .
• Root powder: 10 to 50 g mixed with milk and sugar by mouth twice a day .
• Tea: 40 to 60 g of cut rhizome or root steeped in 5 oz of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, then strained, by mouth every day.

Side Effects of Asparagus

Use of asparagus may be associated with mucous membrane irritation, malodorous urine, and contact dermatitis (with external use). Asparagus possibly increases the effects of diuretics.

Those with inflammatory kidney diseases should avoid use. Those with edema caused by heart or kidney disorders shouldn’t use asparagus as an irrigant. Pregnant patients should avoid medicinal use of asparagus because the effects on the developing fetus are unknown.

Clinical considerations

• Using asparagus as a urinary irrigant requires adequate fluid intake. Encourage patient to drink plenty of fluids while taking asparagus.
• Asparagus may also be applied topically; however, no guidelines for concentration or dosing exist.
• Inform patient that asparagus may cause urine to develop a strong odor and that the odor may be more pronounced after eating fresh asparagus as opposed to taking the rhizome or root as a tea.
• Advise a pregnant patient to avoid using asparagus medicinally, but assure her that consuming fresh asparagus should be safe.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Of the varied uses for asparagus, irrigation therapy is the only one with clinical supporting evidence.

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