Most medicinal herbs are reasonably safe when used as directed, under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. However, people with personal or family history of liver disease should use caution when using any herbal medicine. Many may also increase the risk of serious damage to the liver from other products, such as alcohol or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Avoid all of the following popular herbs if you have liver disease or take medication that is metabolized by the liver. All these medicinal herbs can damage your liver and cause serious problems like hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Black cohosh is a popular herbal remedy for menopause-related discomforts, and millions of women have removed it without harm. . However, a few women have developed hepatitis and other liver and kidney problems while taking the herb, and health care providers suspect it may play a role in these diseases. they can act. No liver diseases have been directly linked to black cohosh, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that this herb can harm the liver. However, people with liver disease should avoid black cohosh until more studies evaluate its safety.
Comfrey
The broaf-leaved herb has been used for centuries to treat broken bones, sprains, pulled muscles and arthritis. While herbalists have historically recommended consuming the tea or capsule, it is no longer considered safe for internal use. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) – toxic compounds that can cause hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and terminal liver failure. Comfrey ointments are safer than oral preparations, but people with liver disease should avoid them altogether.
Butterbur
Several studies have shown that butter is superior to various pharmaceutical treatments for hay fever and seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, unprocessed butter contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids similar to those found in comfrey. Several manufacturers offer “PA-free” butterbur supplements, which are processed to remove all compounds that can harm the liver. People with liver disease can safely use PA-free butterbur under the care of a health care provider, but undiluted butter is not safe for internal use.
Pennyroyal
In very low doses, this member of the mint family may be safe for occasional use. However, cod liver oil and cod liver oil both caused liver damage in women who used it during menstruation. . In addition to causing significant damage to the liver, puly is toxic to the heart, kidneys and central nervous system.
Kava
Kava-kava treatment is very effective for anxiety and can be more effective than some pharmaceutical interventions. Compounds in kava supplements can cause liver problems such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Most kava-related liver problems have involved ethanol-based extracts instead of traditional water formulas, but people with liver disease should avoid all forms of the herb. Do not take kava with other products that are metabolized by the liver.
Links and resources:
University of Maryland Medical Center: Comfrey
Mayo Clinic: Haya Fever- Alternative Medicine
National Institutes of Health: Pennyroyal
National Institute of Health: Black Cohosh
National Institutes of Health: Kava
