Taking care of one’s health through herbal remedies is a commendable approach. However, the digestive and renal systems are the first to be exposed to these active ingredients. When these organs are inflamed or weakened by a medical condition, certain common practices in herbal medicine can prove to be harsh. In this context, how can you use plants without irritating your stomach, overloading your liver or damaging your kidneys? This guide details the essential precautions to take.
What are the risks of herbal medicine for the stomach and colon?
The gastrointestinal tract is the gateway for natural remedies. In the event of inflammation of the digestive lining, it is advisable to avoid ingesting plants with irritant or purgative properties. This is important to avoid exacerbating lesions or worsening pain.
Gastritis and ulcers: why avoid appetising and bitter herbs?
Gastritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. It is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, stress, alcohol or corticosteroid treatments. If left untreated, it can develop into a peptic ulcer. This ulcer is a sore on the stomach wall that does not heal spontaneously.
If you have stomach acidity or these conditions, you must absolutely avoid medicinal plants that increase the secretion of gastric juices. This includes appetite-stimulating and bitter plants such as gentian or mugwort. Similarly, strictly avoid substances that irritate the mucous membrane, such as coffee, tea, maté, ginger, pepper or mustard. Furthermore, when treating gastritis with herbal remedies, medical support (antacid medicines, targeted antibiotics) remains the absolute priority.
Colitis and irritable bowel syndrome: the pitfall of stimulant laxatives
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon with various causes (ischaemic, infectious such as Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis, or chronic such as Crohn’s disease). A very common form is spastic colitis, better known as irritable bowel syndrome. This syndrome involves alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation. In particular, this occurs in people with anxiety.
The main pitfall in cases of colon inflammation is the use of chemical laxatives or stimulating herbal laxatives containing anthraquinones (such as senna or buckthorn). These plants cause a rush of blood to the pelvic region. They therefore increase intestinal irritation, which exacerbates abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
How can herbal medicine weaken the liver and bile ducts?
The gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the liver, a process essential for digesting fats. If this system is blocked or infected, stimulating bile production poses an immediate risk.
Gallstones and obstruction: why are turmeric and harpagophytum not recommended?
The formation of gallbladder sludge or cholesterol stones (lithiasis) can obstruct the bile ducts. It can also cause attacks of hepatic colic, cholecystitis or cholangitis. This retention of bile (cholestasis) leads to a backflow of its components into the blood. Consequently, it causes jaundice (icterus) and intense itching (pruritus).
Choleretic plants (which stimulate bile production by the liver) and cholagogue plants (which facilitate its flow) are excellent preventative measures in a healthy system. However, taking turmeric when gallstones are present poses a real risk. ANSES strongly advises against turmeric-based supplements for people suffering from liver or biliary disorders. Similarly, harpagophytum should be avoided in cases of obstruction. Indeed, forcing the excretion of bile through a duct blocked by a stone can trigger an acute attack. This then requires emergency surgery.
Viral hepatitis: protecting an already inflamed liver
Hepatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver, most often of viral origin (types A, B, C, D and E). The viruses damage liver cells, causing extreme fatigue, nausea and dark urine. Chronic forms of hepatitis B and C carry a high risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
When the liver is attacked in this way, its ability to metabolise and eliminate substances is severely reduced. Introducing dietary supplements or medicinal plants without medical supervision increases the risk of liver toxicity.
Why do the kidneys and the prostate require caution in herbal medicine?
The kidneys constantly filter the blood. The introduction of unsuitable plant compounds can cause kidney inflammation, stones or severe kidney failure.
Warning regarding nephrotoxicity (aristolochic acid, fucus)
The uncontrolled consumption of supplements and herbal remedies poses serious risks to the urinary system. The most critical example is that of plants containing aristolochic acid (Aristolochiaceae family). This compound is a recognised major toxin. It is directly responsible for endemic nephritis in the Balkans, severe kidney failure and genetic mutations leading to urinary cancers. Although banned, it remains available online.
Similarly, nephrotoxic plants are sometimes hidden in online “miracle diets”, such as fucus, or in the excessive consumption of vitamin C supplements (which promote kidney stones). The Kidney Foundation and France Rein remind us that one should not undertake any prolonged self-medication without having kidney function tested.
Pyelonephritis and prostatitis: why limit diuretics?
Upper urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis (a bacterial infection of the renal pelvis and kidney, often caused by Escherichia coli) or nephritis (an autoimmune, infectious or diabetic inflammation), result in fever, lower back pain or blood in the urine. In the lower urinary tract, prostatitis is a painful inflammation of the prostate caused by urine reflux or perineal trauma (cycling, horse riding).
In the event of an acute attack of pyelonephritis or nephritis, the use of juniper is strongly discouraged. Similarly, to combat prostate problems and painful urination, one should avoid straining the urinary system with medicinal plants that have overly potent diuretic properties (sandwort, horsetail, dandelion, corn silk). It is also advisable to avoid eating raw onions. This helps to avoid putting mechanical strain on tissues that are already congested and infected.
Concerned about your heart health? Blood balance is just as sensitive to plant-based active ingredients. Discover the contraindications of plants for blood pressure and circulation.
Phytotherapy therefore offers valuable solutions, but one must never forget that plants contain powerful active ingredients. Thus, in the face of an inflamed digestive system, a blocked biliary tract or weakened kidneys, blind self-medication poses a real risk of aggravating the condition. To safely enjoy the benefits of plants, listening to your body, respecting contraindications and seeking the advice of a healthcare professional remain your best allies.
Sources:
- ANSES (Opinion on Turmeric): Official warning from ANSES regarding turmeric-based supplements in cases of liver or biliary disorders.
- URPS: Recommendations for caution regarding self-medication, fucus-based diets and the risks of renal toxicity.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) / EMA (Aristolochic acid): International safety report on aristolochic acid.
FAQ: How can herbal medicine be used without risking digestive or kidney problems?
Which plants are not recommended in cases of gastritis or stomach ulcers?
In cases of gastritis or peptic ulcer, you should avoid all plants that stimulate acidity or gastric juice secretion. Avoid appetite-stimulating and bitter plants such as gentian and mugwort, as well as irritating plants such as ginger, pepper, coffee, tea or maté.
Why is turmeric contraindicated in cases of gallstones?
Turmeric has powerful choleretic and cholagogue properties, meaning it strongly stimulates the production and flow of bile. If you suffer from gallstones, this overproduction may cause a stone to block the bile ducts. Consequently, this can trigger an attack of hepatic colic or acute cholecystitis.
What is the risk of using laxative herbs if you have irritable bowel syndrome or colitis?
Stimulating laxative plants containing anthraquinones (such as senna or buckthorn) cause irritation of the intestinal lining and increased blood flow to the pelvic region. In cases of colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, their use immediately exacerbates inflammation, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Which plants are considered nephrotoxic to the kidneys?
Plants in the Aristolochia family are the most dangerous as they contain aristolochic acid, a major toxin that causes kidney failure and urinary tract cancers. In cases of kidney weakness, one should also be wary of juniper, bladderwrack and overdoses of vitamin C or D supplements.
