Dangers of taking herbal remedies

Herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine, has been used for millennia in different cultures to treat all kinds of illnesses and ailments. In Nigeria, people turn to alternative medicine, partly due to its perceived potency and the high cost of conventional medical care.

From “agbo-jedi”- used for treating pile to “agbo-iba” – used for malaria, at one time or another we have all taken one form of herbal medicine or the other. With all the testimonies from those who have solved their medical problems with plant extracts and its ability to boost bodily functions, it is ludicrous to tell users, their trusted herbal concoctions are detrimental to their health.

The general assumption is that, herbs are harmless because they are natural- after all, we use them in the preparation of our foods. However, some herbal remedies can be potentially dangerous, especially when combined with other medication due to drug interaction.


Unlike conventional medicine, herbal medication has not undergone any clinical trial, no formula has been drawn to decide the proper safe dosage and consumers’ risk organ damage and other problems when they take them.

The lax attitude around herbal supplements has caused a few people their organs and lives. Any substance that can reduce temperature or boost bodily function, has the presence of chemical in it.

The sad case of former N.B.A star and estranged husband of Khloé Kardashian Lamar Odom, is a cautionary tale on how sneaky the humble herb can be. The player remains in critical condition after an alleged drug overdose, which reportedly involved up to ten pills of herbal viagra called “Reload” during a three-day period at a Nevada brothel.

“He was taking herbal viagra and he was taking a lot of it” the brothel owner, Dennis Hof told NBC.

For a while now, health officials have warned about the dangers of herbal viagra. From US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to UK National Health Service (NHS) and the Ministry of Health in Nigeria.



Difference between herbal and conventional viagra

Viagra is a prescription medication that has been rigorously tested and used to treat erectile dysfunction. According to the Mayo Clinic, viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you become sexually aroused.  Due to drug interaction, viagra cannot be taken with some medication particularly, any medication used in treating heart condition neither can those with heart problems take viagra.

Herbal viagra on the other hand is cheaper, not regulated and is easily accessible. Even those without the need for it take it to get a kinky boost, to aid their sexual prowess. Though herbal viagra improve blood flow by relaxing the walls of blood vessels, it does not focus specifically on blood vessels in the penis. As a result, it causes low blood pressure in some men.

Herbal viagra is particularly dangerous because it contains unstated and unidentified ingredients.



Harmful herbals

Strophanthus hispidus, also known locally as “osisi Kaguru,”- used as part of the key ingredient for malaria concoction, contains chemical that can stimulate the heart and is unsafe to use without the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. It can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, disturbance of colour vision, vomiting and heart problems. Pregnant women should not use it as it can cause miscarriage by contracting the uterus. It is also not suitable for breast feeding mothers. Strophanthus also interacts with other medications. (WebMD)

Azadirachta indica (neem) contains chemicals that might help reduce blood sugar levels, prevent conception, kill bacteria, prevent plaque from forming in the mouth, and heal ulcers in the digestive tract. Taking neem for a long period of time might harm the kidney and liver. It is unsafe for children and can lead to blood disorder, seizures, coma, brain disorders and death.

Citrus aurantium (bitter orange)   has many purported health claims. It is used for weight loss, heartburn, nasal congestion, fungal infection and loss of appetite. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims rather, it has been found, to contain chemicals that affect the nervous system. The concentration and effect of these chemicals can change depending on the part of the plant and the method used for preparation. These chemicals can squeeze blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and cause the heart to beat faster. Bitter orange is safe when taken in the amount found in food but not when taken as medicine or supplement.

Knowing the chemical composition of any substance is vital in preventing complications and drug interactions with deadly consequences. However, herbal medication does not have a full list of all its ingredients even the popular ones.

Consumers take the words of the producers and throw caution to the winds. For instance, the research and development manager of Alomo Bitter, Mr. Steven Osafo-Mensah claims their products had gone through clinical researches.

“There are clinical researches to back these claims. These were tested on animals and its scientific basis established. So, Alomo Bitters has gone through scientific evidence,”

Since the ingredients in Alomo Bitters are a closely guarded secret, consumers can either accept their claims as credible or do without the product.

Herbal products coming from other countries are becoming household names in Nigeria and since we have a more trusting disposition towards foreign goods and the government lax regulations on chemical substances, ingredients that are banned in other countries are readily available.

Chinese herbal products have been reported to contain Arsenic, which causes nausea, vomiting, heart rhythm problems, convulsions and paralysis. It also contains Mercury-causes severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Kidney damage and diarrhea. Lead on the other hand causes coma, convulsions. Abdominal pain, and kidney damage. However these product could be purchased at most street corner kiosks.

This is not to say there are no benefits from using herbs for medicinal purposes. It however highlights the need for intensive research to determine their chemical component and the safe dosage for consumption.