Night-blooming cereus

Uses

What is night blooming cereus used for?

Night blooming cereus is an herb. People use the flower, stem, and young shoots for medicine. Cereus is used for:

Night blooming cereus is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain.

Night blooming cereus may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How does it work?

There are not enough studies about how this herbal supplement works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies showing cereus contains chemicals, which can stimulate and strengthen the heart.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using night blooming cereus?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
• You have allergy with any substances of night blooming cereus or other medications or other herbals.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions, such as heart conditions. There is some concern that cereus may harm people with existing heart conditions or interfere with heart treatment.
• You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

The regulations for an herbal supplement are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herbal supplement must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is night blooming cereus?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Not enough is known about the use of cereus during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Side effects

What kind of side effects may I have from night blooming cereus?

Cereus seems safe for most people, when used for conditions other than heart disease. However, the fresh juice may cause burning of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can cause itching and skin blisters when applied to the skin.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Interactions

What interactions may I have with night blooming cereus?

This herbal supplement may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbal healer or doctor before using.

Medications that may interact with your herbal, including:

Digoxin

Taking cereus along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects.

Medications for depression (MAOIs)

Large amounts of tyramine in cereus can cause high blood pressure. Normally, human body naturally breaks down tyramine to get rid of it and prevents the tyramine from causing high blood pressure.

However, there are some medications used for depression stop the body from breaking down tyramine and lead to dangerously high blood pressure. Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.

What is the usual dose for night blooming cereus?

Fresh Liquid Extract:

1-15 drops 1-3 times per day in a little water is often recommended by many herbalists.

The dose for this herbal supplement may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.

What form does night blooming cereus come in?

This herbal supplement may be available in the following dosage forms:

• Liquid extract
• Tincture