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42 Making informed decisions about

herbal supplements

Because of the limited regulation of herbal supplements in the
United States, be cautious about using any herb Read reports on
clinical studies about safety and effectiveness, and tell your doctor
if you’re using herbal products
Avoid using these herbs:
• Borage, coltsfoot and comfrey
Toxic chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained in these
herbs may cause liver disease, lung problems and possibly even
cancer, especially with long-term use
• Chaparral

Use of this herb (also called creosote bush or greasewood) has been
linked to liver disease Chaparral has been touted to cure cancer,
slow aging, “cleanse” the blood and treat skin problems, but no
evidence supports these claims
• Ephedra (ma-huang) and other weight-loss herbs
This herb, once found in several weight-loss products, contains
ephedrine, which can stimulate your heart and nervous system to
dangerous levels, causing a heart attack, seizure, stroke or sudden
death The sale of ephedra has been banned in the U S since 2004
Some ephedra substitutes, including bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)
and aristolchia also have been linked to serious health risks
• Germanium
Evidence doesn’t support claims that this element, found in some
dietary supplements and herbal remedies, promotes good health,
fights AIDS, cancer and other illnesses, or helps treat heavy metal
(mercury) toxicity However, there have been numerous reports of
kidney failure, nerve damage and even some deaths linked to its use
• Kava

Also called kava kava, this herb is used for anxiety and insomnia
Reports of severe liver damage linked to its use have caused several
European countries to pull it off the market The FDA has issued
warnings but not banned sales Until more is known, don’t take
kava or products that contain it If you’ve been using it, ask your
doctor whether you need tests to check your liver function

50 Head-to-Toe Health Tips 39