Negative Side Effects of Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has become a popular way to treat health conditions naturally without the use of pharmaceutical medications. Although many herbal medicines are harmless, there are many herbal medicines that can have negative side effects and can be dangerous if not taken in the right way.

Interactions With Medications

• Some herbal medicines can interact negatively with a medication you are already taking, making them inactive or too active. Check with your doctor before combining herbal medicines with medications.

Overdose

• Some herbals can have the potential of overdose and should be taken only in small, regulated amounts.

Organ Problems

• Sometimes when herbal medicines are taken over a long period of time, they can cause problems with the functioning of certain organs, especially the kidneys and the liver, where substances are filtered in your body.

Mental Confusion

• Taking certain herbal medicines can cause problems with cognitive functioning and may cause mental confusion.

Heart Problems

• Some herbal medications can cause heart problems, such as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. If you already have a heart condition, this could be dangerous.