The liver is an important organ, performing hundreds of vital functions, including breaking down and eliminating harmful toxins from the body that arise from certain chemicals and substances. Overusing prescription medications, supplements and even herbal remedies can overtax the liver and cause serious inflammation and damage known as toxic hepatitis. Using herbs such as cascara, comfrey, ephedra and kava kava can lead to serious liver damage; therefore, consult a doctor before using.
Cascara
Cascara is an herb made from the bark of the cascara sagrada plant. It has the ability to stimulate the large intestines and bowel and has often been used as a laxative for chronic constipation, states The Mayo Clinic. However, long-term usage of this herb can have serious side effects, including electrolyte imbalances, urinalysis interference, extreme diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and severe liver injury and damage. This herb may also be carcinogenic. If you are pregnant, nursing or using diuretics or heart medications, you should avoid using cascara. Before using this herb, it is imperative to consult a doctor.
Comfrey
Comfrey, also known as symphytum officinale, is an herb used topically to reduce inflammation and treat broken bones, sprains, pulled muscles, ligaments and bruises. It contains the active substance allantoin that helps the skin regenerate but also holds poisonous compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Due to these toxic substances, use topical forms of comfrey with caution, have your doctor monitor your situation and never take topical comfrey orally. It could lead to severe liver damage or even death. If you have cancer, alcoholism, liver disease or are pregnant and breast-feeding, avoid this herb.
Ephedra
Ephedra, most often referred to as ma huang, contains alkaloids that can cause central nervous system stimulation. Ephedra combined with caffeine appears to cause significant weight loss and has been used as a popular fat burner, according to The Mayo Clinic. However, this herb is very dangerous to the body, causing serious adverse reactions that could lead to death. Some of these side effects include chest tightness, high blood pressure, inflammation of the heart, fluid retention in the lungs, irregular heart rhythms, thrombosis and cardiac arrest. It can also cause kidney stones, increased urine production, contractions of the uterus and irreversible liver damage. Anyone suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, hypoglycemia or liver disease should not use ephedra. It is imperative to consult a doctor before using this herb.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an herb that comes from the piper methysticum family. It has been used to treat asthma, insomnia, menopausal issues, urinary tract infections, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, long-term use of this herb has serious ramifications, including drowsiness; scaly, yellowed skin; dystonia or abnormal muscle spasms; and liver damage leading to hepatitis, liver failure and death. Kava kava should not be used before or after surgical procedures, if you have liver disease, are pregnant or breast-feeding or suffer from severe depression. Consult a doctor before using kava kava.
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