Warning: These Five Herbal Supplements May Be Harmful to Your Health

Many people in Mansfield use herbal supplements to either to treat a health condition or to increase their overall wellness. Although most herbal supplements are not FDA approved for the treatment or prevention of any diseases, and have not undergone rigorous, controlled peer-reviewed testing, most are benign; however, there are some supplements that could actually hurt you. There are five herbal supplements that may actually be harmful to your health and you may want to avoid if you’re interested in exploring alternative treatments like herbs and other supplements. 

#1: Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver consists of particles of silver suspended in a liquid solution. In the early 20^th century colloidal silver was sometimes used for antibiotic purposes, but by the 1940s it had been supplanted by newer, safer antibiotics. However, in the 1990s colloidal silver experienced a resurgence as an alternative remedy. No one has yet produced any evidence that silver has any health benefits, although much evidence of its adverse effects has been produced. A 2012 study indicated that when applied topically to a wound, silver may actually worsen healing time. Silver is essentially toxic. Silver does not play any role in the human body, and can accumulate to toxic levels over time. The chronic use of silver-containing products can cause a condition called argyria, in which silver or silver sulfide particles accumulate in the skin and can cause cosmetic disfigurement. Because no one has found colloidal silver or other silver-containing supplement products to be effective, and because they can actually harm your health or even cause an allergic reaction, you’re much better off using a clinically proven antibiotic instead. 

#2: Aconite

Aconite is derived from a poisonous plant called monkshood (Aconitum napellus). It has been used traditionally in both Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat pain-related conditions such as arthritis; however, no supporting evidence of any anesthetic or analgesic effects has ever been produced via scientific study. In fact, it has been shown to be toxic to animals, including humans. Aconite can cause nausea, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias, as well as muscle weakness and dizziness. Since this poisonous substance has no proven health benefits, it’s best avoided. 

#3: Greater Celandine

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is used as a mild sedative, as well as a treatment for liver ailments and gallstones. However, little evidence has been produced for these benefits, while evidence does suggest that this plant may be hepatotoxic and cause liver disease. This plant is best avoided. 

#4: Germanium

Germanium—not to be confused with geranium, the flower—is a trace element; #32 on the periodic table. It has been promoted as a treatment for a variety of disparate ailments, including leukemia, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, fatigue, hepatitis, and Parkinson’s disease. None of these claims has been verified with scientific evidence, but germanium has been linked to liver and kidney damage. Germanium really doesn’t belong in your body and has no proven health benefits, so health-conscious Mansfield residents may want to avoid this one. 

#5: Comfrey

Comfrey is the common English name for plants in the genus Symphytum. Although this family of plants has a history of use in herbal medicine, it may not be good for your health. Although some evidence of the benefits of topical use has been produced, comfrey should not be ingested. This plant contains large amounts of a substance known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic. Ingestion of comfrey can lead to veno-occlusive disease (VOD), a condition in which small veins in the liver become obstructed. Although topical solutions containing comfrey might be beneficial, you should never ingest it. 

Most herbal supplements you’ll find are helpful at best and benign at worst; however, there are a few traditional medicinal herbs and supplements that have actually been shown to have negative health effects. These include silver, aconite, greater celandine, germanium, and comfrey. To preserve your liver and heart health, you should steer clear of supplements containing these ingredients, and find scientifically verified alternatives instead.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN BOSTON