Herb & supplement monograph

Arrach Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Arrach interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Arrach is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Arrach is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Arrach Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Arrach drug interaction appears low for most people, since the only documented concern is theoretical. No interactions are rated major, and every listed medication falls under a single moderate concern that has not been confirmed in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one interaction worth knowing about involves photosensitizing medications, meaning drugs that can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Related Chenopodium plants have been linked to photosensitivity, so combining Arrach with these medicines could, in theory, raise the chance of sun-related skin reactions. Even here the evidence is weak, coming from reports about the plant family rather than studies of Arrach with specific drugs. Practical steps like sun protection matter more than avoiding the combination outright for most people.

What the rest of the list means

Although Arrach is linked to a long list of medications, that number reflects one theoretical concern applied across many drugs, not hundreds of separate proven problems. The photosensitivity effect has not been shown to cause meaningful harm in people taking these medicines with Arrach, so the size of the list overstates the real-world risk.

Check your medications against Arrach

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Arrach interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Arrach

335 medications have a known interaction with Arrach, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› AcetohexamideDymelor› AcitretinSoriatane› Alectinib HydrochlorideAlecensa› AlitretinoinPanretin› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Aminolevulinic Acid HydrochlorideAmeluz, Gleolan› AmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone› AmitriptylineElavil›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Arrach combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Arrach affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Arrach is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Arrach interacts with
Photosensitizing Drugs
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of arrach can increase risk of adverse effects, as unspecified Chenopodium species are associated with photosensitivity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Arrach: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Arrach (Chenopodium vulvaria) is a strong-smelling European herb that has been used in traditional folk medicine, mainly for menstrual and nervous complaints. There is very little modern scientific evidence to show that it works or is safe, so it is not recommended, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal product.

Arrach
Scientific name
Chenopodium vulvaria
Family
Amaranthaceae
Part used
Leaves and aerial (above-ground) parts
Common forms
Dried herb, tea/infusion, and topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Painful menstruation
  • Nervous complaints
  • Digestive upset
  • Wound care
  • Insect repellent

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallLimited data

There is very little modern safety data on Arrach, so use cannot be considered proven safe.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Arrach is a flowering plant whose botanical name is Chenopodium vulvaria. It belongs to the goosefoot group of plants (the Amaranthaceae family). It grows in parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia, often in waste ground, along roadsides, and near walls.

The plant is best known for its very strong, unpleasant smell, which many people describe as similar to rotten fish. This is why it has earned nicknames like "stinking goosefoot" and "Dog's Arrach." The odor comes from natural chemicals the plant releases, including amine compounds such as trimethylamine.

Historically, Arrach was used in folk medicine and as a household plant. People used the dried herb or teas made from it, and it was sometimes applied to the skin. Today it is rarely used and is not a common commercial supplement.

Uses & effectiveness

Arrach has a history of use in traditional medicine, but modern scientific evidence to support any use is very limited or missing. The uses below reflect tradition, not proof that the plant works.

People have traditionally used Arrach for:

  • Painful or irregular menstruation — used in folk remedies, but not proven in clinical studies.
  • Nervous or "hysterical" complaints — an old traditional use with no modern support.
  • Digestive upset — taken as a tea in some traditions.
  • Wound care — applied to the skin in some folk practices.
  • Insect repellent — the strong odor was thought to keep pests away.

Overall, there are no good-quality human studies showing that Arrach is effective for any health condition. If you are looking to treat a medical problem, safer and better-studied options are available.

How it works

Arrach contains aromatic amine compounds, including trimethylamine, which give the plant its strong fishy smell. It also contains the kinds of plant chemicals (such as flavonoids and saponins) commonly found in goosefoot-family plants.

How—or whether—these compounds produce any medical effect in people is not well understood. Most of what is suggested about the plant comes from traditional use rather than careful laboratory or animal research. There is no clear, proven mechanism behind its historic uses.

Safety & precautions

The safety of Arrach has not been well studied in people. Because of this, it should be used with caution, if at all.

Some goosefoot-family plants can build up natural substances such as oxalates and nitrates, which may be a concern in large amounts or for people with kidney problems. The strong amine content of Arrach also raises questions about safety when taken internally.

Pregnancy: Avoid Arrach. It has been traditionally linked to menstrual and uterine effects, which could be risky in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Avoid Arrach, since there is no safety information for nursing mothers or infants.

People with kidney disease, children, and anyone with a chronic health condition should not use this herb without medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before trying any herbal product.

Side effects

Because Arrach has not been carefully studied, its full side-effect profile is unknown. The strong odor itself may be unpleasant or cause nausea in some people.

As with other goosefoot plants, possible concerns include stomach upset and, in theory, problems related to oxalate or nitrate content if taken in large amounts. Skin contact could cause irritation or an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

Stop using Arrach and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose for Arrach. It is not a common commercial supplement, and reliable dosing information from modern sources does not exist.

If you ever come across a product containing Arrach, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because safety and effectiveness are not well known, it is best to speak with a pharmacist or doctor before using it at all.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Arrach & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Arrach & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Arrach monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Arrach: Common Questions

Does Arrach interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 335 medications with a known interaction with Arrach. Use the checker above to see how Arrach interacts with a specific drug.
How are Arrach interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Arrach with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Arrach interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Arrach used for?
Traditionally, Arrach has been used for painful menstruation, nervous complaints, digestive upset, wound care, and as an insect repellent. None of these uses are backed by strong modern scientific evidence.
Why does Arrach smell so bad?
Arrach gives off a strong, fishy odor caused by natural amine compounds in the plant, including trimethylamine. This is why it is nicknamed "stinking goosefoot."
Is Arrach safe to take?
Its safety has not been well studied in people, so it cannot be considered proven safe. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I use Arrach during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. It has traditional links to menstrual effects and has no safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it should be avoided in both situations.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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