Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and is widely believed to be a safe and natural alternative to conventional medicine. However, the combination of alcohol and herbal medicine can have detrimental effects on the liver and kidneys.
In our previous post, we discussed the effect of herbal medicine on the kidney and liver. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and well-being. Some herbs have potent (powerful) ingredients and should be taken with the same level of caution as pharmaceutical medications. However, we emphasized that just because medicine is “natural’’ does not mean it is without risk.
Alcoholic herbal medicine is a type of herbal medicine that is made by soaking medicinal herbs in alcohol. The resulting mixture is then consumed orally as a tincture or applied topically as an ointment. While alcohol is a natural preservative that can help preserve the active compounds in herbal medicines, excessive consumption of alcoholic herbal medicine can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
The liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating toxins from the body. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, and when combined with herbal medicine, the risk of liver damage increases. Certain herbs, such as kava and comfrey, have been linked to liver damage when consumed in large amounts or in combination with alcohol. In addition, many herbs used in alcoholic herbal medicine have not been extensively studied, and their potential effects on the liver are not well understood; however, it’s known to be dangerous.
The kidneys are also at risk when consuming excessive amounts of alcoholic herbal medicine. The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and eliminating them from the body. When alcohol and specific herbs are consumed in excess, they can cause damage to the kidneys and impair their ability to function properly. The risk of kidney damage is increased in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease and those who consume large amounts of alcoholic herbal medicine on a regular basis.
In addition to the potential damage to the liver and kidneys, the consumption of alcoholic herbal medicine can also interact with other medications. Certain herbs, such as St. John’s Wort and ginkgo biloba, can interact with prescription medications and cause adverse effects. When consumed with alcohol, the risk of drug interactions is further increased.
In conclusion, while herbal medicine can be an effective and natural treatment option, the combination of alcohol and herbal medicine can have detrimental effects on the liver and kidneys. It is important to use non-alcoholic herbal medicine that is efficient and free from any side effects in the long run if taken in the right dosage. The RIDA-Herbal Bitters is a non-alcoholic herbal medicine that is NAFDAC and ISO approved. You can purchase the product on this site and follow the prescription as instructed. With careful use and monitoring, herbal medicine can be a safe and effective alternative to conventional medicine.
