Forget-me-not Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Forget-me-not refers to small flowering plants in the genus Myosotis, best known for their delicate blue flowers. They grow in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, often in damp meadows, along streams, and in gardens.

While forget-me-nots are mostly grown as ornamental garden flowers, some species have a history of folk use. In traditional practice, the aerial parts were sometimes made into teas or topical preparations for coughs, minor bleeding, and skin issues. Today it is not a common or well-studied dietary supplement.

Forget-me-not has been used in folk medicine for a handful of complaints, including coughs and chest congestion, nosebleeds and minor bleeding, and skin or wound problems when applied to the skin. Some traditions also used it as a general tonic.

The scientific evidence for any of these uses is very limited. There are few, if any, quality human studies on forget-me-not. Most information comes from traditional use rather than clinical research. Because of this, we cannot say it is effective for any health condition. If you are considering it, talk with a pharmacist or doctor first.

The way forget-me-not might work in the body is not well understood. Like many plants, it contains a mix of natural compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which in laboratory studies can have mild antioxidant or astringent effects. These findings come mostly from test-tube research, not from studies in people.

Plants in the borage family (Boraginaceae) are also known for sometimes containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that can be toxic to the liver. It is not always clear how much, if any, these compounds are present in forget-me-not, which is one reason caution is advised.

There is little reliable safety information about taking forget-me-not as a medicine or supplement. Because it belongs to a plant family that can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may harm the liver when taken in large amounts or over long periods, it should be used with caution.

People with liver disease should be especially careful and avoid it unless cleared by their doctor. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid forget-me-not because its safety has not been established and any liver-toxic compounds could pose a risk. Do not give it to children. If you grow forget-me-nots in your garden, do not assume the plant is safe to eat just because it is pretty.

Because forget-me-not has not been well studied, its full side-effect profile is unknown. Possible reactions include stomach upset or allergic skin reactions, especially with topical use.

The most important theoretical concern is liver injury from pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may be present in plants of this family, particularly with high doses or long-term use. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, or unusual tiredness.

There is no established or standardized dose for forget-me-not. It has not been studied enough to know a safe and effective amount.

If you choose to use a product that contains it, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because quality and content can vary widely between products, and because of the safety concerns noted above, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.