10 Herbs That Aren’t Friendly to Your Kidneys & Liver

Herbs and spices have been used for ages in homeopathy. Their purported health benefits are considered useful in healing a wide range of health maladies. Medicinal herbs have actions and properties that help the body fight pathogens and recover from illnesses. Dietary supplements are often used to promote good health and well-being or help with weight loss problems.

With their potent actions, many of these herbs underwent thorough research and developed into food supplements. Numerous studies were conducted on medicinal herbs using the same standards as conventional medicines but it does not cover all. Over time, some of them were accepted as herbal remedies for certain health issues. Their market and uses grew dramatically and many people began consuming herbal supplements and vitamins along with prescription drugs.

However, there are potential dangers when conventional and alternative medicines are used together. Most of them interact with the drugs that either boost or cancel their effect. Other herbs can cause bleeding problems, elevated blood pressure and other adverse side effects.

Although labeled natural products, plants possess potent properties even when used alone. Depending on the method of preparation, their effect and strength vary. The kidneys and liver are the two organs most affected by excessive and improper intake of herbal medicines.

How Herbs Affect the Kidneys and Liver

Plant alkaloids and compounds can cause kidney and liver toxicity, especially when the herb is taken in unusual doses. Medicines, both prescribed and homeopathic, are mostly filtered in the kidneys. Oxalates or crystals found in herbs and spices can bind with calcium and create kidney stones. The complex compounds of some herbs are known to cause nephrotoxicity or chronic kidney damage. Herbal treatments also worsen the condition of patients with existing renal problems.

Severe toxicity also affects the liver and causes hepatotoxicity. Like the kidneys, the liver is also a filter that clears out chemicals, alcohol and drugs from the blood. The toxic chemicals in some herbs can cause inflammation and eventually damage the liver. Herbal medicine toxicity is the second most common drug-induced liver injury (DILI). It is prevalent in individuals using herbal dietary supplements for body-building and weight loss.

Herbs That Are Not Good for Kidneys and Liver

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a globally popular herb with a long tradition of medicinal use. It is valued in modern medicine for promoting hair and skin health and wound healing. It has widespread use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Despite its promising health benefits, aloe vera is not advisable for patients with renal and liver diseases. It disrupts the electrolyte balance and interacts with diuretic pills. The latex in Aloe can also lead to serious kidney disease. Likewise, its overconsumption and prolonged intake can affect liver function, blood flow and tissue elasticity.

Cascara

Cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana) is a shrub whose dried bark was commonly used in some OTC laxatives. It was previously approved by the US FDA as an OTC drug for constipation, but this approval was revoked in 2002 due to a lack of evidence. Cascara sagrada is now available as a dietary supplement, but not as a pharmaceutical.

It is known as the “holy bark” with its unique compound anthraquinones that stimulates bowel movements. It is taken as an infusion to treat constipation and prevent the formation of gallstones.

Anthraquinones are potent compounds that irritate the colon and trigger a bowel movement. But, taking cascara for more than two weeks is harmful to the kidneys and liver. It interacts with medication and other herbs and causes loss of electrolytes. The herb also has a carcinogenic effect increasing the likelihood of developing cancer.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant from the ginger family known as the root that can cure all health issues including idiopathic conditions. It is highly valued for its active nutrient curcumin which possesses a range of active medicinal properties. Turmeric can treat almost all health problems internally and externally. It is claimed to be effective against inflammations and for promoting overall health.

Curcumin is high in oxalates that bind to calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Thus, excessive intake of the spice increases the predisposition to kidney stones. Likewise, turmeric supplements may also harm the liver in prolonged consumption. The problem with turmeric is that it is fat-soluble, meaning it does not dissolve in water but in fat. It gets absorbed in the bloodstream and processed by the liver. People with genetic liver dysfunction may fail to metabolize curcumin and additives and the liver processes it into a toxic form.

Wormwood

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is an herbaceous plant often used as an ingredient in the alcoholic beverage absinthe. It is a bitter herb traditionally used for treating digestive disorders, fever and intestinal parasites. The plant receives mixed opinions as an herbal medicine since it is a hallucinogen and a potential poison due to its thujone content.

The FDA still has restrictions on the thujone content of wormwood teas and supplements to be legal. More than its hallucinogenic properties, wormwood is also a potential risk for kidneys and liver. It is toxic for the kidneys to process, thereby increasing the risk of renal failure. Thujone is also toxic for the liver cells and worsens the condition in people with liver disorders.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a valued plant for treating female reproductive problems. It is a good herbal treatment for menstrual problems, menopause, ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis. It is also used to prevent miscarriage and promote estrogenic balance. Black cohosh is also effective against osteoporosis and arthritis.

However, the compounds found in black cohosh can cause adverse effects. It is associated with diseases in the breast and uterus as well as increases the possibility of liver damage. Taking black cohosh increases the susceptibility to autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver and liver necrosis. Its effect on the kidneys and its excretion is unknown so patients with renal failure should take it with caution.

Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an ancient plant from the prehistoric era that still lives today. For a thousand years, horsetail has also been widely used in many forms as an herbal remedy. It is especially beneficial for supporting bone health and promoting wound healing. Horsetail is also used as a diuretic that flushes out excess body fluid. So, how is a diuretic harmful to the kidneys?

Kidney disease patients are not advised to take horsetail since it has the possibility of increasing the potassium to a dangerous level. It also interacts with diuretics to get rid of extra fluid which could dehydrate the body and damage the kidneys. Liver damage may also happen when horsetail extract is not properly manufactured which destroys its thiamine content.

Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an adaptogenic root that enhances the effect of other herbs when taken concomitantly. This sweet root is used in several health issues like the common cold, acid reflux and skin problems. It is also used for maintaining a normal body mass index. But, do not mistake licorice root for licorice candy since the latter contains anise and is not a true licorice root.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice is used as liver protection in patients undergoing therapy. Contrarywise, the herb is harmful to individuals with existing liver diseases like liver cirrhosis. Even in small doses, licorice can interfere with liver medications and worsen the condition. It also interacts with diuretics in people with kidney diseases and causes the buildup of potassium in the body.

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Nettle

A stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a weed covered with tiny hairs that can cause painful welts when in contact with the skin. But for many years, it was used as an herbal remedy for many health problems. Despite its stinging hairs, nettle is an effective remedy against allergies, hay fever and hives. It is also valued for its action in the prostate cells as well as a trophorestorative herb for the kidneys. Nettle leaves are also used as a detox drink for the liver.

But while it prevents damage to healthy kidneys, nettle worsens existing kidney problems. Thus, it is not an ideal herbal medication for severe kidney failure, fluid retention and patients on dialysis. Mature nettle leaves are also high in oxalate which can irritate the kidneys. It is likewise harmful to liver disease patients since a malfunctioning liver cannot effectively cleanse the toxins and compounds in the nettle.

Comfrey

Comfrey species are toxic but Symphytum officinale is considered the least noxious and used in medicinal preparations. It is an almost “cure-all” herb where every plant part is utilized for a wide variety of illnesses. It is widely used for treating wounds and inflammations and is claimed to mend fractures and stupor blood loss.

But, oral ingestion of comfrey is prohibited because of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in it. It can cause severe liver damage and cancer. Even fetuses can get affected by it when consumed by pregnant moms. People with kidney and vascular disease are also not advised to consume comfrey. Its toxic substances are so potent that they get absorbed into the skin. Comfrey’s topical use is allowed only for a short period.

Ephedra

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) of Ma huang is a controversial herb. Its consumption was linked to many cases of stroke, heart arrhythmia and death. It is a highly potent herb that can induce mental problems and cause addiction. Ephedra teas are still available in regulated form and herbal prescription remedies in Chinese medicine. However, the FDA banned dietary supplements that contain ephedra and its substances.

The active substances in ephedra can trigger adverse side effects when taken with other herbs and medications. Its substance ephedrine can cause kidney stones and can also cause hepatotoxicity or liver injury.

Takeaway

Herbs contain natural substances that are highly effective in treating many illnesses. But being natural does not exempt it from having adverse side effects like synthetic drugs. Their ingredients vary in potency depending on their form and preparations. Without proper regulation, its strength and purity are compromised which may result in excessive intake.

Although natural, herbal plants are not harmless. They can interact with other medicines and worsen your condition. It also puts a toll on the kidneys and liver. These organs function as the body’s filters for the toxins and substances from the herbs taken.

The best way of consuming herbal remedies is to consult a doctor who can determine their possible reactions and effectiveness. Some of the botanical products have met the standards of the FDA and are safe for consumption. However, the FDA provides that manufacturers display supplement facts on the label and the appropriate amount to be used.

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