Tag: Herbal medicine safety

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), comfrey is likely unsafe when taken by mouth, prompting a market removal of oral products containing this herb due to serious safety concerns. Therefore, understanding the health risks behind the question, "Can comfrey be eaten raw?", is essential for anyone considering its use.

Despite its reputation as a powerful natural remedy, oregano oil is not safe for everyone. Its potent compounds and potential to interfere with certain bodily functions and medications make it crucial for some individuals to exercise extreme caution or avoid it entirely.

While cultivated for its edible fruit in many regions, the safety of consuming *Phyllanthus acidus* depends significantly on which part of the plant you use. The sweet and sour star gooseberry fruit is a pantry staple in some countries, but the root bark contains compounds that are mildly toxic.

Cases of liver injury have been reported in people using high-dose turmeric supplements, particularly those with enhanced absorption. While moderate amounts in food are generally safe, prolonged use of concentrated supplements carries specific risks that consumers must be aware of.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), passion flower tea is considered possibly safe for short-term use, such as seven consecutive nights. This information prompts many to question the long-term effects: is it safe to drink passion flower tea every night, or does consistent nightly use carry different considerations for your health?

Native to China and Siberia, the herb corydalis has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its analgesic properties. While it has medicinal history, you should never assume a plant's traditional use means a definitive answer to, 'is corydalis edible?' without careful research due to its toxic alkaloids.

Historically, dandelions have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, but like any powerful herb, consuming dandy superfoods is not without potential risks. While celebrated for their nutritional profile, from their roots to their flowers, it is vital to understand the potential adverse effects before incorporating them into your daily regimen.

According to the National Institutes of Health, raw or unripe elderberries contain cyanide-producing compounds that are toxic if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. While processed and cooked elderberry products are generally considered safe for short-term use, daily consumption can carry certain side effects and risks, especially when taken long-term.

According to scientific research, the oxalate content in Chinese medicinal herbs varies significantly, with some containing much higher levels than common foods. This raises important questions for those on a low-oxalate diet or at risk of kidney stones, and whether certain Chinese herbs are high in oxalates.

Despite its cooling and calming benefits, the term 'khus' can be confusing as it refers to two different plants—vetiver grass (Khus) and poppy seeds (Khus Khus)—both with distinct side effects. It is crucial to understand which plant is being used to correctly assess potential health risks.