Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a weed found in moderate climates worldwide. It contains dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).
The PAs in groundsel can cause severe liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects.
Despite serious safety concerns, some people use groundsel for colic, menstrual cramps, epilepsy, parasite infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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