the herb "Lou Lu" (echinops latifolius)

[aelward]

Does anyone know about the toxicity of the herb "Lou Lu" (echinops latifolius)? It is on the FDA list as a poisonous plant, yet it is used to promote lactation...

[vikinggoddess]

I think this herb must not be so popular in Chinese medicine nowadays. I found it in a Chinese herb book, but I didn't learn it in school. It's in the category of herbs that Clear Heat and Toxicity. We were taught 14 other herbs in this category though. I think more popular to promote lactation and clear heat for patients with mastitis is Dandelion AKA Pu Gong Ying. This herb is also in the Clear heat and toxicity category.

http://chinesetherapeutics.org/pugongying.html