Which Herbs Can Harm Your Liver: A Guide To Liver Health

The American College of Gastroenterology has issued a warning about certain herbal teas that can potentially harm the liver. Five specific herbal teas have been identified as potentially liver-damaging:

1. Green Tea: While generally considered safe in moderate amounts, excessive consumption of green tea, especially in the form of supplements, may pose a risk to the liver.

2. Comfrey: Comfrey is known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver if consumed in large quantities or over an extended period.

3. Kava: Kava has been associated with cases of liver toxicity, and its use should be approached with caution.

4. Skullcap: There have been reports of liver damage linked to the use of skullcap, particularly when used in high doses or in combination with other substances.

5. Chaparral: Chaparral is known to contain a compound called nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), which may have adverse effects on the liver if ingested excessively.

This warning was issued on June 20, 2014, by the American College of Gastroenterology to raise awareness about the potential liver risks associated with these herbal teas. It is essential to use these herbs in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about their impact on your liver health.

What are the primary factors that pose the greatest risk to the health of your liver? These factors encompass a range of lifestyle and medical conditions that can significantly increase the likelihood of developing liver disease. Some of the key contributors to this risk include:

1. Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Excessive and prolonged alcohol use is a well-known factor that can harm the liver over time.

2. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can strain the liver and contribute to the development of liver diseases.

3. Type 2 Diabetes: Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of liver complications.

4. Tattoos or Body Piercings: While not a direct cause, improper tattoo or body piercing practices can potentially lead to infections that affect the liver.

5. Injecting Drugs with Shared Needles: Sharing needles when injecting drugs can introduce harmful infections and toxins into the bloodstream, posing a significant risk to the liver.

6. Blood Transfusion Before 1992: Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992 may have exposed individuals to hepatitis C, a virus that can affect the liver.

7. Exposure to Other People’s Blood and Body Fluids: Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids, such as in healthcare settings, can increase the risk of contracting bloodborne diseases that affect the liver.

8. Unprotected Sex: Engaging in unprotected sexual activity can potentially lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, some of which can harm the liver.

It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of liver disease, individual susceptibility can vary, and not everyone with these risk factors will develop liver problems. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice for managing these risks are essential steps to safeguarding liver health. (Updated: June 21, 2023)

• 1) Fo-ti. …
• 2) Cassia Cinnamon. …
• 3) Gotu Kola. …
• 4) High Doses of some Vitamins. …
• 5) Chaparral. …
• 6) Kava. …
• 7) Red clover. …
• 8) Greater Celandine.

• GREEN TEA.
• COMFREY.
• KAVA.
• SKULLCAP.
• CHAPARRAL.

• Heavy alcohol use.
• Obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Tattoos or body piercings.
• Injecting drugs using shared needles.
• Blood transfusion before 1992.
• Exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids.
• Unprotected sex.