Toxic Herbal Remedies and Their Effects

Calamus

Indian type most toxic; contains varying amounts of carcinogenic cis-isoasarone; documented cases of kidney damage and seizures with oral preparations.

Chaparral

Used for bronchitis in traditional healing systems (Native American and Hispanic folk medicine); found in 'natural' weight-loss products; induces severe liver toxicity in some cases; severe uterine contractions; no proven efficacy.

Coltsfoot

Antitussive; contains carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; hepatotoxic.

Comfrey

Used for wound healing and acute injuries; used for anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; may induce venoocclusive disease; hepatotoxic; contains carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Ephedra (ma huang)

Central nervous system stimulant; bronchodilator; cardiac stimulation; weight loss; unsafe for people with hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid disease; avoid consumption with caffeine.

Life root

Menstrual flow stimulant; hepatotoxic.

Pokeweed

Antirheumatic; anticancer; do not use with children, but many websites state that it is safe with observation and monitoring as well as proper dosing; often used with folk remedies and in Native American healing.