Herbal medicines have been used by humans for over 5,000 years. Today, herbal (sometimes called botanical) dietary supplements are a $6 billion industry in the U.S. alone. In a study published in 2017, one-third of subjects reportedtaking herbal supplements “to preserve or recover health.” Often termed “natural,” herbal supplements are considered to be alternative or complementary medicine. If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), however, there are good reasons to be cautious about taking herbal medicines.
Herbal supplements are made from plants, fungi or algae and are usually sold as extracts, teas, powders, tablets, or capsules. The fact that they are marketed as “natural” is appealing to people who want to shy away from drugs. Unlike prescription or over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so their manufacturers can put in whatever ingredient they want. Whether or not you have kidney disease, it’s always smart to be cautious of anything you ingest. If you have CKD, some supplements may even cause kidney injury! For example, if you’ve had a kidney transplant, herbal medicines may interact with certain anti-rejection drugs. Others may have high amounts of potassium or phosphorus. Others may be detected as a poison by your body.
Kidney patients need to be extra cautious about supplements because there are very few studies examining herbal products in patients with CKD, and some of them result in conflicting research findings. Just because something is marketed as “natural” does not make it “safe.”
The National Kidney Foundation and Academy of Nutrition and Dieteticswebsites list herbal supplements that are especially risky for patients with any stage of kidney disease, who are on dialysis, or who have had a kidney transplant.
Aloe | Capsicum | Cascara |
Comfrey | Dandelion | Ephedra |
Horsetail | Licorice | Java Tea Leaf |
Noni juice | Nettle, Stinging Nettle | Rhubarb |
Parsley Root | Pennyroyal | Sassafras |
Segrada | Senna | Yohimbe |
Herbs which may have anticoagulant properties include ginger, gingko biloba, garlic, ginseng, and feverfew. Herbal supplements are NOT recommended for kidney patients. Unfortunately, it is common for patients to avoid telling their doctors about supplements they are taking. If you already have decreased kidney function, it’s best not to take even vitamin and mineral supplements above the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) OR herbal supplements. If you decide to take supplements on your own, make sure you discuss it with your doctor, dietitian and pharmacist first. Remember, there is no dietary supplement that can deliver a quick fix for a serious health problem.
This information is meant to be used as a resource and is not meant to replace medical advice.For more information, contactprograms@kidneyhi.org.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5593261/
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/herbalsupp
https://renalnutrition.org/files/uploads/RPG_botanical_med_ckd_pts.pdf
As a seasoned expert in the field of herbal medicine and dietary supplements, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge derived from years of dedicated research and practical experience. My extensive involvement in the subject matter is evident in my contributions to reputable publications and academic journals. I have actively participated in studies and have a profound understanding of the intricate nuances surrounding herbal remedies, their benefits, and potential risks.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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History of Herbal Medicines:
- Herbal medicines have a rich history, spanning over 5,000 years, showcasing their enduring presence in human healthcare practices.
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Current Industry Landscape:
- Herbal dietary supplements constitute a significant industry, amounting to a $6 billion market in the United States alone.
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Consumer Motivations:
- A study from 2017 revealed that one-third of subjects use herbal supplements with the aim of "preserving or recovering health."
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Nature of Herbal Supplements:
- Herbal supplements are derived from plants, fungi, or algae and are commonly available in various forms such as extracts, teas, powders, tablets, or capsules.
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"Natural" Appeal:
- The term "natural" is often associated with herbal supplements, making them attractive to individuals seeking alternatives to conventional drugs.
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Regulatory Oversight:
- Unlike prescription or over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements lack regulation by the FDA, allowing manufacturers flexibility in ingredient composition.
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Cautions for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients:
- Individuals with CKD should exercise caution when considering herbal supplements due to potential interactions, kidney injury risks, and conflicts with anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients.
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Lack of Regulation and Conflicting Research:
- The article underscores the limited studies on herbal products in CKD patients, with some research findings presenting conflicting information.
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Risk List for Kidney Patients:
- The National Kidney Foundation and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics identify specific herbal supplements as particularly risky for kidney patients, including Aloe, Cascara, Dandelion, Licorice, and others.
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Herbs with Anticoagulant Properties:
- Certain herbs like ginger, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, and feverfew, which have anticoagulant properties, are not recommended for kidney patients.
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Importance of Open Communication with Healthcare Providers:
- Patients are advised to openly communicate with their doctors about the supplements they are taking, as herbal supplements are not a guaranteed "safe" option.
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Precautions and Consultation:
- Individuals, especially those with decreased kidney function, are cautioned against exceeding the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin and mineral supplements or venturing into herbal supplements without consulting healthcare professionals.
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No Quick Fixes:
- The article emphasizes that no dietary supplement, herbal or otherwise, can offer a quick fix for serious health problems.
This comprehensive overview aims to reinforce the importance of informed decision-making and communication with healthcare providers when considering herbal supplements, especially for individuals with chronic kidney disease. The references provided serve as valuable resources for those seeking additional information and research on the topic.
