Arnica
Arnica Montana
Claim: Relieves aches; an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Toxic if it gets inside the body. Taken orally, it’s poisonous unless extremely diluted in homeopathic pill form; applied topically, on unbroken skin, it is generally considered safe. It can cause miscarriages, allergic reactions, paralysis, heart palpitations and death.
Aconite
Aconitum napellus
Claim: Eases joint inflammation, gout, RA
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: It's a strong, fast-acting poison that affects the heart and central nervous system.
Adrenal, spleen, thymus extracts
Claim: Helps fatigue, and relives stress and inflammation
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Derived from raw animal organs. The FDA warns those organs could possibly be contaminated.
Autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Claim: Lessens gout attacks and eases general arthritis
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: It's a potential poison and should be taken only as a prescription drug (colchicine) under a doctor’s supervision.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytrytophan
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and depression.
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Associated with esosinophilia myalgia, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.
GBL
Gamma-butyrolactone
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep problems, depression, claims to “improve sexual and athletic performance and health”
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Linked to death, coma and seizures.
L-tryptophan
Claim: Eases sleep disorders and depression
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Has been associated with esosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.
Chaparral
Claim: Reduces inflammation
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: May cause hepatitis and kidney and liver damage.
Kombucha tea
Claim: Helps “rheumatism” and eases pain
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Has a high risk of contamination with anthrax and other bacteria.
Nine Supplements to Avoid
All supplements should be used carefully, but some should not be used at all. Here are nine supplements you shouldn't take.
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Claim: Relieves aches; an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Toxic if it gets inside the body. Taken orally, it’s poisonous unless extremely diluted in homeopathic pill form; applied topically, on unbroken skin, it is generally considered safe. It can cause miscarriages, allergic reactions, paralysis, heart palpitations and death.
Aconite
Aconitum napellus
Claim: Eases joint inflammation, gout, RA
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: It's a strong, fast-acting poison that affects the heart and central nervous system.
Adrenal, spleen, thymus extracts
Claim: Helps fatigue, and relives stress and inflammation
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Derived from raw animal organs. The FDA warns those organs could possibly be contaminated.
Autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Claim: Lessens gout attacks and eases general arthritis
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: It's a potential poison and should be taken only as a prescription drug (colchicine) under a doctor’s supervision.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytrytophan
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and depression.
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Associated with esosinophilia myalgia, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.
GBL
Gamma-butyrolactone
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep problems, depression, claims to “improve sexual and athletic performance and health”
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Linked to death, coma and seizures.
L-tryptophan
Claim: Eases sleep disorders and depression
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Has been associated with esosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.
Chaparral
Claim: Reduces inflammation
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: May cause hepatitis and kidney and liver damage.
Kombucha tea
Claim: Helps “rheumatism” and eases pain
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Has a high risk of contamination with anthrax and other bacteria.
