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Asparagus is used along with lots of fluids as "irrigation therapy" to increase urine output. It is also used to treat bladder infections (urinary tract infections) and other conditions of the bladder or urinary tract that cause pain and swelling. Asparagus is sometimes used to help with weight loss and to reduce high blood pressure.
Other uses include treatment of joint pain (rheumatism), hormone imbalances in women, dryness in the lungs and throat, constipation, nerve pain (neuritis), AIDS, cancer, and diseases caused by parasites.
Asparagus is also used for preventing stones in the kidney and bladder and preventing anemia due to folic acid deficiency.
Some people apply asparagus directly to the skin for cleaning the face, drying sores, and treating acne.
In foods, asparagus spears are eaten as a vegetable. This can produce a pungent odor in the urine in some people.
The seed and root extracts of asparagus are used in alcoholic beverages.
The appropriate dose of asparagus depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for asparagus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Lithium interacts with ASPARAGUS
Asparagus might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking asparaus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
The Mayo Clinic notes that vitamin B6 may affect blood sugar levels and advises caution for people who have diabetes or low blood sugar.
"There are no life-threatening side effects of eating too much asparagus," said Flores, "but there may be some uncomfortable side effects such as gas, and a noticeable smell to the urine."
It is also possible to have an asparagus allergy, in which case you should not eat it, she said. People who are allergic to other members of the lily family, such as onions, garlic, and chives, are more likely to be allergic to asparagus. Symptoms include a runny nose, hives, trouble breathing, and puffiness or swelling around the mouth and lips.