Herbal Supplements Reviews

As a patient with chronic renal failure (CRF), may have considered using herbal products for various health problems. This fact sheet will provide information that will make decisions regarding the use of herbs.

The use of herbal supplements may not be safe for patients with CRF, since the body is unable to eliminate waste products as in the case of healthy people. There are some facts about herbs that all patients with CKD should know:

Very few herbs have been studied in patients with CRF. What may be safe for healthy people, may not be for someone with IRC, and in fact, could be dangerous. Therefore, you should be careful with the use of these products.

The government does not regulate herbal supplements, so do not know exactly what they contain. As there are no regulations, no requirements and then tested for purity, safety and efficacy of the products are unknown. Herbal preparations are subject to contamination (may contain toxic heavy metals like lead or mercury). The products may contain harmful minerals for patients with CKD, such as: Potassium.

Some herbs that can act as diuretics can also cause “kidney irritation” or kidney damage. These include crop leaves and juniper berries. Uva Ursi capsules and celery can also have negative side effects.

Many herbs can interact with prescription drugs. Examples include St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger and blue cohosh. The risk is especially important in transplant patients, as any interaction between herbs and drugs could create the potential risk of rejection or loss of the kidney. It is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist about any herbs or medication you want to take to avoid potential problems.

Herbs that may be toxic to the kidneys

• Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) periwinkle
• Sassafras Saffron
• Chuifong tuokuwan (Black Pearl) Tung Shueh
• Horse Chestnut Vandelia cordifolia

Herbs that may be harmful in chronic renal failure

• Alfalfa Cambrón Verbena Ginger Nettle
• Pepper Ginseng Aloe Noni Juice
• Shell laurel berry Panax Horsetail
• Licorice Coltsfoot Caulophyllum Rhubarb
• Dandelion Hiniesta Sen Yerba Mate

Herbs that are known are not safe for everyone

• Governor Poleo
• Pokeweed Comfrey
• Ephedra (Ma Huang) Sassafras
• Sen Indian Snuff
• Yohimbe Mandrake

These lists are not necessarily complete. Over time there will be more information on using herbs. We encourage you to proceed carefully with all herbal preparations and use them only under the guidance of your healthcare team.

With all these precautions, you may wonder if using herbs is a good idea. The use of common herbs for cooking, in normal amounts, is not a problem and is generally recommended to enhance the flavor of foods that are low in sodium.

So, before taking any herbal supplement, we recommend the following:

1. Consult your doctor, dietitian, pharmacist or the manufacturer of the product on the safety, dose, duration of use, interactions with prescription drugs, etc..
2. Use only standardized herbal extracts manufactured by reputable companies.
3. Never take more than the recommended dose or for longer than recommended.
4. Do not use herbal remedies for serious illnesses.
5. Do not use herbs if you are thinking about getting pregnant.

Remember, natural does not mean safe, especially for patients with CKD. Be smart and ask questions before using any herbal products.

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