5 Most Dangerous Herbs and Vitamins

November 07, 2009, 10:00 PM Post Comments

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In general, vitamin supplements are good for us. They replace essential nutrients we're missing in food. But some vitamins and herbs, while they sound as if they can work miracles, can actually be harmful to your health. Five vitamins and herbs can be particularly dangerous if not taken in the right doses and with your doctor's knowledge. "A lot of people think herbs are safe because they come from nature, and they are safe if used properly," Dr. Roberta Lee, vice chairwoman of the Department of Integrative Medicine at the Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan, told CNN. "But you can still get into trouble with them." Too many people think if a little is good, then more must be better. The problem is that more can be toxic.

Here is a scary warning for men who take multivitamin supplements.

Five herbs and supplements that can be dangerous if taken in high doses or in combination with certain drugs or taken before surgery:
1. St. John's wort
Taken to relieve depression, St. John's wort can cause serious side effects, as well as increase or decrease the potency of many prescription medications. If you take antidepressants, anti-blood-clotting drugs, certain asthma drugs, immune-suppressing medications or steroids, you should avoid taking St. John's wort.

2. Kava
Even when taken for just a short time, this sedative herb has been linked to serious liver problems and is especially risky if you're also taking drugs to lower cholesterol.

3. Fish oil
Taken in the correct dose, this is a safe supplement that will boost your intake of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids; however, if you take too much, it can cause excessive and prolonged bleeding. You should take less than 5 grams (5,000 micrograms) a day.

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4. Artemisinin
This herb has a very odd side effect documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: It can cause hepatitis.

5. Various herbs when taken before surgery
You may think the herbs and vitamins you take are harmless, but if you're having surgery, you must tell your surgeon exactly what and how much you're taking. Many common herbs, such as garlic, ginseng and Echinacea, should be avoided before surgery since they can increase bleeding, affect the heart or interfere with anesthesia or other drugs.
(Source: CNN)

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