Do you ever use supplements to give your health a big boost? Then be careful with a number of species, warns the health institute RIVM. They say that – even if you use it correctly – it can be harmful to your health.
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RIVM warning for herbs in supplements
Dietary supplements can have several health benefits, but apparently they can also work against you. The RIVM has warned about dangerous herbs in various nutritional supplements. This concerns Huperzia serrata, Tabernanthe iboga or Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Deadly
Tabernanthe iboga is a mind-expanding drug and is used during so-called iboga ceremonies. It has been found that it can disrupt the heart rhythm and can even be fatal to you. “Dozens of deaths have been reported worldwide after the use of this herb, including a few cases in the Netherlands,” the RIVM says. Fiercely!
In the Netherlands, three deaths have occurred due to the herb, but the institute cannot say when this was. Less severe, but still terrible side effects of Tabernanthe iboga include nausea, acute psychoses, seizures and hallucinations.
Poisons
Poisoning and damage to the liver have also been reported by doctors in our country when using Ashwagandha (against stress and insomnia). However, too little scientific research has been done into the danger of this herb. We do know that in China and India Ashwagandha was previously used to induce miscarriages… In addition, Ashwagandha tea is no longer recommended.
Pregnancy
Huperzia serrata (for concentration and memory) is also classified as dangerous by the RIVM. Pregnant women in particular should not take this herb, the institute emphasizes. Reported symptoms include muscle weakness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, increased saliva production, blurred vision, watery eyes and paralysis.
Sale
It is impossible to say how many people use these herbs, so it is also difficult to estimate how great the danger ultimately is on a large scale. We know that several drugstores sell Ashwagandha. The other two, Huperzia serrata and Tabernanthe iboga, are currently only sold online. And it sounds like these won’t end up in physical stores anytime soon. In any case, be careful!
