Holistic Health Herbal Medicine Herbal Medicine and Liver Damage By Charles Daniel Charles Daniel, MPH, CHES is an infectious disease epidemiologist, specializing in hepatitis. Learn about our editorial process Charles Daniel Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on February 23, 2021 facebook linkedin Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles. She helped co-author the first integrative geriatrics textbook, "Integrative Geriatric Medicine." Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Bull, ND Updated on February 27, 2021 Print Herbs are a popular alternative treatment for many conditions, including types of liver disease. However, just because a remedy comes from a plant and has been around for a long time doesn't make it safe. Here are some medicinal herbs, traditionally used around the world, that are known to cause, or may have potential to cause, liver damage. 1 Greater Celandine Masahiro Nakano/a.collectionRF / Getty Images Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, is a member of the poppy family. It has many medicinal uses, including treatment for biliary disorders and dyspepsia (poor digestion). Ironically, though herbalists have used it to treat hepatitis, it has been known to cause cholestatic hepatitis when taken orally. In addition to its traditional digestive uses, it has also been used as a sedative. 2 Chaparral W. Wayne Lockwood, M.D./Corbis/VCG/Getty Images Larrea tridentata, commonly known as chaparral, is traditionally used to treat various bacterial and viral infections. As such, it's a popular folk remedy for people with HIV. Very severe cases of liver disease (including massive liver failure) have been documented from people using this seemingly harmless plant as a medicine. 3 Pennyroyal Valter Jacinto / Getty Images Mentha pulegium, commonly known as pennyroyal, has a long history as a useful plant. Its edible leaves produce an essential oil used in soap making. It has a strong mint smell and is used as a flavoring for teas. As a medicine, it has been used as a digestive tonic to relieve colic and flatulence. It has also been used to induce abortions since it can stimulate uterine muscles and trigger menstruation. Despite its inviting aroma, it's actually very toxic and causes damage to both the liver and the central nervous system. 4 Kava Kava Joshua McCullough / Getty Images Piper methysticum, commonly known as kava kava, is a shrub from the South Pacific. In the United States, dietary supplements containing kava kava root have been used as an herbal treatment to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, stress, and premenstrual syndrome. Since 2002, the FDA has warned that kava kava can cause liver damage. 5 Wall Germander Michelle Ross / Getty Images Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly known as wall germander, is an herb that's used to treat gout and a variety of other illnesses. Because of its diuretic properties, it has also been taken to help lose weight. Unfortunately, the herb can be very toxic and there are documented cases of liver damage from its use (even with taking the recommended amount). 6 Mistletoe Jurg Waldmeier / Getty Images Viscum album, commonly known as mistletoe, is probably best known as the holiday adornment that encourages a kiss. However, it has a very different use as a medicinal herb. Mistletoe is used to reduce anxiety by lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and is being studied for use in treating cancer and side effects of conventional cancer treatment. However, there is at least one published report that suggests mistletoe is responsible for causing hepatitis. 7 Atractylis gummifera The leaves of this plant produce a sweet resin that can be made into chewing gum (hence, the scientific name "gummifera"). In Mediterranean countries, it's also used to treat fever, induce vomiting and increase urination. However, this plant has toxins that can lead to acute liver failure. It is important to work with someone knowledgeable in herbal use, such as a registered herbalist or licensed naturopathic doctor, to ensure safe and proper use of herbs for treatment purposes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit