Moneywort Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia), also called Creeping Jenny, is a low-growing perennial plant in the primrose family. It has round, coin-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers, which is why it is sometimes called "Herb Two-Pence." It is native to Europe and has spread to parts of North America, where it is often grown as a ground cover in gardens.

While the plant is best known as an ornamental, some European herbal traditions have used the leaves and stems for minor health complaints such as wounds, coughs, and stomach upset. It has been prepared as a tea, a tincture, or applied to the skin. Today it is not a common or well-studied supplement.

People have traditionally used Moneywort for a handful of reasons, including helping wounds heal, easing mild diarrhea, calming coughs, and soothing irritated skin. In old herbal texts it was also applied to minor cuts and used as a mouth rinse.

The evidence for these uses is very weak. There are no good quality human clinical trials showing that Moneywort works for any health condition. The few studies that exist are mostly laboratory tests looking at the plant's chemical makeup, not studies in people. Because of this, no health claim for Moneywort can be considered proven.

If you are considering Moneywort for a specific health problem, remember that there are usually better-studied options available. Speak with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Moneywort contains plant compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and other antioxidants. Tannins can have an astringent (tightening) effect, which is part of why the plant was traditionally used on wounds and for diarrhea. Flavonoids and related compounds may have mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

It is important to understand that these mechanisms are based mostly on test-tube research and general knowledge of similar plants. They have not been confirmed to produce meaningful effects in the human body, and we do not know how much of any active compound a typical tea or tincture provides.

There is not enough reliable information to say how safe Moneywort is when taken as a supplement. Because it has not been carefully studied in people, the safe dose, long-term effects, and possible risks are unknown.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no good safety data for these situations, so Moneywort should be avoided if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions or who take regular medications should be especially cautious and check with a healthcare professional first. Also be careful to correctly identify the plant, since misidentifying wild plants can be dangerous. Only use products from a trusted source.

Because Moneywort has not been well studied, its full side effect profile is unknown. The tannins it contains may cause stomach upset, nausea, or constipation in some people, especially in larger amounts.

As with any plant product, an allergic reaction is possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you experience any unusual or bothersome symptoms after taking Moneywort, stop using it and contact a healthcare provider.

There is no established or standardized dose for Moneywort. Because it has not been studied in well-designed human trials, experts cannot recommend a specific amount that is both safe and effective.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. A pharmacist can help you review the product and decide whether it is appropriate for you. When in doubt, less is safer, and always start with the smallest amount.