Herb & supplement monograph

Spiny Restharrow Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Spiny Restharrow 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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Spiny Restharrow 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 Spiny Restharrow drug interaction appears low for most people. Only one interaction is on record, it is rated moderate rather than major, and it rests on theoretical evidence rather than documented effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one combination worth knowing about involves lithium, a mood medication with a narrow safety margin where even small changes in blood levels can matter. Spiny Restharrow is thought to act as a mild diuretic, and in theory a diuretic effect could slow how the body clears lithium, nudging levels upward. That said, this diuretic activity has been suggested only in animal research and has not been shown in humans, so the concern remains unproven. Anyone taking lithium should still mention this supplement to their prescriber so levels can be watched as usual.

What the rest of the list means

Beyond lithium, no other medication interactions have been reported for Spiny Restharrow. Keep in mind that the single concern on record is theoretical, based on a predicted effect on how the kidneys handle lithium, and no meaningful change has actually been demonstrated in people. A short interaction list also does not guarantee safety with every medicine, since this plant simply has not been studied with many drugs.

Check your medications against Spiny Restharrow

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Spiny Restharrow

1 medication has a known interaction with Spiny Restharrow, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3›
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 Spiny Restharrow 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 Spiny Restharrow affects

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

All 1 drug category Spiny Restharrow interacts with
Lithium
Lithium

Theoretically, spiny restharrow might increase the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
Spiny restharrow is thought to have diuretic properties. Although animal studies suggest that spiny restharrow reduces edema, diuretic activity has not been reported or evaluated in humans. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, spiny restharrow might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Spiny Restharrow: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Spiny Restharrow is a traditional European herb whose root has long been used as a mild diuretic to help flush the urinary tract. Solid human evidence for its benefits is very limited, so any effect remains unproven. If you want to try it, talk with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have kidney, heart, or fluid-balance concerns.

Scientific name
Ononis spinosa
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Root (and sometimes the aerial/flowering parts)
Common forms
Tea (dried root), tinctures, liquid extracts, capsules
People commonly use it for
  • Increasing urine flow (mild diuretic)
  • Flushing the urinary tract
  • Mild bladder and kidney complaints
  • Fluid retention
  • Traditional support for skin and joint complaints

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally regarded as traditionally used, but human safety data are limited.

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.

Jump to a section

Overview

Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa) is a small, spiny, flowering plant in the pea family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia, and it often grows in dry fields, grasslands, and along roadsides. The plant produces pink to purple pea-like flowers.

The part most often used in herbal products is the root. In traditional European herbal medicine, restharrow root has mainly been used as a mild diuretic — meaning it was thought to increase urine flow and help "flush out" the urinary tract.

Today you may find it as a dried root for making tea, or in tinctures, liquid extracts, and some combination herbal products aimed at urinary or bladder comfort.

How it works

Restharrow root contains a mix of natural compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and small amounts of an essential oil. These substances are thought to be behind its proposed mild diuretic and water-flushing effects.

The idea is that increasing urine output may help rinse the urinary tract. However, much of this reasoning is based on laboratory and animal research rather than well-designed human trials, so the exact mechanism and how meaningful it is in people are not clearly established.

Effectiveness

Does Spiny Restharrow work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated
4 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Spiny Restharrow, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral spiny restharrow has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gastritis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral spiny restharrow for gastritis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of spiny restharrow for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral spiny restharrow for kidney stones, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of spiny restharrow for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral spiny restharrow has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

For most healthy adults, Spiny Restharrow has a long history of traditional use, but modern safety data are limited. Because it may act as a diuretic, people with kidney disease, heart conditions, or problems with fluid and electrolyte balance should be especially cautious and check with a doctor first.

When using any diuretic herb, it is important to drink enough fluids. Do not use it to manage swelling (edema) caused by heart or kidney problems without medical supervision.

People with allergies to plants in the pea/legume family should be cautious. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid using Spiny Restharrow, because there is not enough information to confirm it is safe. Do not give it to children unless directed by a healthcare provider. Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any herbal products you take.

Side effects

Spiny Restharrow is generally well tolerated in traditional use, and reported side effects are not well documented. Possible effects could include mild stomach upset or increased urination.

As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you develop a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. Because human safety studies are limited, the full range of possible side effects is not fully known.

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for Spiny Restharrow. Traditional use mainly involves a tea made from the dried root, but exact amounts vary widely between products and references.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Because formulations differ and reliable dosing data are lacking, check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, and make sure to drink plenty of water if you use it as a diuretic.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Spiny Restharrow & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Spiny Restharrow & 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 2 references that drive our Spiny Restharrow 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. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Spiny Restharrow

6 brands in our database make a supplement containing Spiny Restharrow.

Product directory

Supplement products with Spiny Restharrow

17 products in our database contain Spiny Restharrow. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

A.Vogel Kidney Bladder Complex by Bioforce Liquid 1.7 fl. Oz. · 50 mL View ingredients & interactions Bucco by Nestmann Liquid 1.69 fl. Oz. · 50 mL View ingredients & interactions Bucco by Nestmann Liquid 3.38 fl. Oz. · 100 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow 450 mg by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Mint Flavor by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Non-Alcohol by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 1 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 4 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Strawberry Flavor by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Restharrow Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Viscum by Nestmann Liquid 1.69 fl. Oz. · 50 mL View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Spiny Restharrow: Common Questions

What is Spiny Restharrow used for, and does it work?
People use Spiny Restharrow for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Spiny Restharrow interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 1 medication with a known interaction with Spiny Restharrow. Use the checker above to see how Spiny Restharrow interacts with a specific drug.
How are Spiny Restharrow 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 Spiny Restharrow 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 Spiny Restharrow 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 Spiny Restharrow used for?
It is most often used in traditional herbal medicine as a mild diuretic to increase urine flow and help flush the urinary tract. Strong human evidence to confirm these uses is lacking.
Is Spiny Restharrow safe to take?
For most healthy adults it has a history of traditional use, but modern safety data are limited. People with kidney, heart, or fluid-balance problems should check with a doctor first.
Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. Because there is not enough safety information, it is best to avoid Spiny Restharrow during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How do people usually take it?
It is most commonly taken as a tea made from the dried root, and is also available in tinctures, extracts, and capsules. Follow the product label since there is no standardized dose.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Spiny Restharrow

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Spiny Restharrow — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 17 products with Spiny Restharrow →
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