10 Supplements to Always Avoid

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Health And Fitness Skills

These supplements carry significant risks, including organ damage, toxicity, and other severe health effects. Risks increase with higher doses and prolonged use.


1. Chaparral

  • Also Called: Creosote bush, greasewood, Larrea tridentata.
  • Claims: Weight loss, reduces inflammation, treats infections, cancer.
  • Risks: Kidney problems, severe liver damage.

2. Coltsfoot

  • Also Called: Coughwort, Tussilago farfara.
  • Claims: Eases cough, bronchitis, asthma.
  • Risks: Liver damage, possible carcinogenic effects.

3. Comfrey

  • Also Called: Blackwort, bruisewort, Symphytum officinale.
  • Claims: Relieves cough, menstrual issues, chest pain, cancer.
  • Risks: Liver damage, increased cancer risk.

4. Germander

  • Also Called: Teucrium chamaedrys.
  • Claims: Weight loss, alleviates arthritis, gout, fever.
  • Risks: Liver damage, hepatitis.

5. Greater Celandine

  • Also Called: Chelidonium majus.
  • Claims: Relieves stomachaches.
  • Risks: Liver damage.

6. Kava

  • Also Called: Ava pepper, Piper methysticum.
  • Claims: Reduces anxiety, aids sleep.
  • Risks: Liver damage, worsens Parkinson’s disease and depression, impairs driving.

7. Lobelia

  • Also Called: Asthma weed, wild tobacco.
  • Claims: Helps respiratory issues, aids smoking cessation.
  • Risks: Nausea, vomiting, tremors, rapid heartbeat, seizures, coma.

8. Pennyroyal Oil

  • Also Called: Mentha pulegium.
  • Claims: Improves breathing, digestion.
  • Risks: Liver and kidney failure, nerve damage, convulsions.

9. Usnic Acid

  • Also Called: Beard moss, tree moss.
  • Claims: Weight loss, pain relief.
  • Risks: Severe liver injury.

10. Yohimbe

  • Also Called: Pausinystalia yohimbe.
  • Claims: Treats erectile dysfunction, low libido, depression.
  • Risks: High blood pressure, rapid heart rate, seizures, panic attacks, liver and kidney damage.

Summing it up

  • Always consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements.
  • Avoid products with unapproved or illegal drug ingredients (e.g., tianeptine, phenibut).
  • Watch for side effects: Organ damage, toxicity, and neurological harm are common with these supplements.

Stay safe and prioritize proven health measures!


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