Herbs and supplements

Some herbs and supplements can harm the liver or make liver disease worse. In fact, in the United States, roughly 20% of drug-induced liver injury cases are caused by herbal products.

While not everyone taking herbs and supplements will have liver injury, the risk is higher — especially if you already have liver disease. Talk with your healthcare team before taking any new supplement or herbal remedy to be sure it's safe for you.

Watch out for these herbs and supplements:

• Aloe vera.
• Ayurvedic herbs.
• Black cohosh.
• Cascara.
• Cassia seed.
• Chaparral.
• Germander.
• Greater celandine.
• Kava kava.
• Kratom.
• Ma-Huang, also called ephedra.
• Mistletoe.
• Mentha, especially pennyroyal oil.
• Polygonum multiflorum.
• Skullcap.
• Valerian.
• Green tea extract.
• Turmeric supplements.