Herb & supplement monograph

Premorse Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Premorse

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

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Premorse. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

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 Premorse combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Premorse: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Premorse (devil's-bit scabious) is a traditional European herb used for coughs, colds, and skin problems, but there is very little modern scientific research to confirm it works or is safe. Because evidence is so limited, it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, and to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Premorse
Scientific name
Succisa pratensis
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Part used
Roots, leaves, and flowering tops
Common forms
Tea, tincture, dried herb, topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Coughs and respiratory complaints
  • Common cold and sore throat
  • Skin conditions
  • Digestive upset
  • Mild calming aid

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 reliable human safety data for this herb.

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

Premorse is a common name for Succisa pratensis, also widely known as devil's-bit or devil's-bit scabious. It is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of western Asia, where it grows in damp meadows, marshes, and woodlands. The plant produces rounded clusters of small, violet-blue to purple flowers in late summer and autumn.

The unusual name "devil's-bit" comes from old folklore: the plant's root looks short and cut off at the end, which people once imagined had been bitten away by the devil. In traditional herbal practice, the roots, leaves, and flowering tops have been brewed into teas or made into other preparations.

Historically, people have used Premorse for coughs, colds, sore throats, skin problems, and minor digestive complaints. Today it is not a mainstream supplement and is found mainly through specialty herbal suppliers.

Uses & effectiveness

Premorse has a long history of traditional use, but it has not been well studied in modern clinical research. Most of what is said about it comes from folk medicine rather than controlled human trials.

People have traditionally used it for:

  • Coughs, colds, and respiratory irritation
  • Sore throats
  • Skin conditions and minor wounds (applied externally)
  • Digestive upset
  • As a mild calming or "tonic" herb

For all of these uses, the scientific evidence is very limited or absent. There are no large, high-quality human studies showing that Premorse is effective for any health condition. Any benefits people report are anecdotal. If you are considering it, keep your expectations modest and do not use it in place of proven treatments.

How it works

Premorse contains a mix of natural plant compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. Tannins have an astringent (tightening) effect that may explain its traditional use for sore throats and minor skin irritation. Flavonoids are antioxidants found in many plants, and saponins can have soothing or mild irritant effects depending on the dose.

It is important to understand that these proposed actions are mostly based on laboratory studies of plant chemistry or on how similar compounds behave in other plants. There is little direct research showing what these compounds actually do in the human body when Premorse is taken. So the "how it works" story is largely theoretical.

Safety & precautions

Because Premorse has not been carefully studied in people, its overall safety is not well known. The absence of reported problems is not the same as proof that it is safe.

People who should be especially cautious include those with allergies to related plants, people taking prescription medicines, older adults, and anyone with a chronic health condition. Children should not take it without medical advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough information to consider Premorse safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, avoid it during these times. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting any herbal product, and be cautious about products that are not tested for purity, since herbal supplements can be contaminated or mislabeled.

Side effects

Specific side effects of Premorse have not been well documented because it has not been formally studied. As with many herbs, possible reactions could include stomach upset, nausea, or allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, especially in people sensitive to related plants.

Herbs high in tannins can sometimes cause stomach irritation or nausea when taken in large amounts. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, trouble breathing, or a spreading rash, stop using it and seek medical care right away.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose for Premorse. Because it has not been studied in proper clinical trials, no reliable safe and effective amount has been determined.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not take more than recommended. It is a good idea to review the product with a pharmacist first, since strength and quality can vary a lot between brands. When trying any new herb, starting low and watching for any reaction is a sensible approach.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Premorse & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Premorse & 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 3 sources that drive our Premorse monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Herbs at a Glance — NIH NCCIH Source
  2. Herbal Supplements — MedlinePlus Source
  3. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely — NIH NCCIH Source
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.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Premorse: Common Questions

Does Premorse interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Premorse. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Premorse 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 Premorse 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 Premorse 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 Premorse used for?
It has traditionally been used for coughs, colds, sore throats, skin conditions, and mild digestive upset. However, there is little modern scientific evidence that it works for any of these.
Is Premorse safe to take?
Its safety is not well known because it has not been carefully studied in people. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
Can I use Premorse during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No reliable safety information exists for these situations, so it is best to avoid Premorse during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How is Premorse usually taken?
It is most often used as a tea, tincture, or dried herb, and sometimes applied to the skin. There is no standardized dose, so follow the product label and check with a pharmacist.

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

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