Side Effects of Medicinal Herbs: What You Need to Know Before Using Them

When people think of medicinal herbs, natural plant-based remedies used for health benefits, often rooted in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani. Also known as herbal medicine, these remedies are widely trusted across India—but they aren’t risk-free. Just because something comes from a plant doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Many people assume herbs are gentle and safe, but that’s a dangerous myth. The truth? Medicinal herbs can cause serious side effects, interact with prescription drugs, and even harm your liver or kidneys if used the wrong way.

Take licorice root, a common herb in Ayurvedic formulations used for digestion and stress. It might help with acid reflux, but taking it for more than a few weeks can spike your blood pressure and drop your potassium levels—leading to muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. Then there’s ephedra, a stimulant herb once used in weight-loss teas, which was banned in many countries because it triggered heart attacks and strokes. Even popular herbs like turmeric and ashwagandha aren’t harmless. Turmeric can thin your blood, which is risky if you’re on warfarin. Ashwagandha might lower thyroid hormone levels, messing with your metabolism if you already have an underactive thyroid.

Herbs don’t just act alone—they play well with other medicines. A woman in Pune was taking blood pressure pills and started drinking tulsi tea daily. Within weeks, her blood pressure dropped so low she passed out. Her doctor found the tulsi was boosting the effect of her medication. This isn’t rare. In India, where herbal remedies mix freely with allopathic drugs, these interactions happen every day. Many patients don’t tell their doctors they’re taking ashwagandha, shilajit, or guggul because they think it’s "just a supplement." But your doctor needs to know. What’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe in your body’s chemistry.

And it’s not just about what you take—it’s about how much, how long, and who you are. A healthy 30-year-old might handle a daily dose of brahmi without issue. But someone over 60 with kidney problems? That same dose could be toxic. Pregnant women, people on chemotherapy, or those with autoimmune diseases should be especially careful. Many herbal products sold online aren’t tested for purity. Some contain heavy metals, pesticides, or even hidden prescription drugs. A 2022 study in a Delhi hospital found one in five Ayurvedic supplements had undeclared steroids or diuretics.

There’s no magic bullet in herbal medicine. The same herb that helps one person might hurt another. The key isn’t avoiding herbs altogether—it’s using them wisely. Know what you’re taking. Check the source. Talk to your doctor. Don’t assume "natural" means "safe." The posts below show real cases: which herbs raise blood pressure, which ones mess with liver enzymes, how long side effects last, and what to do if you feel off after starting a new herbal remedy. These aren’t theory—they’re experiences from people who lived through it. You don’t need to guess. Learn what actually happens when herbs meet your body.