If you have ever sipped a calming tea for digestion or reached for a familiar herb your family swears by, you are not alone. Many of us assume that plant-based means gentle and safe, especially when a remedy is woven into cultural traditions. New evidence is challenging that comfort. A study published in Nutrients, led by Dr. Noura Abou Zeinab of Beirut Arab University, suggests that long-term use of certain traditional botanicals may strain the liver and kidneys. The takeaway is not to abandon tradition, but to approach daily, prolonged use with informed caution.
What the new study found
Communities across the Middle East have long relied on home remedies for digestive issues and general wellness. Many of these plants have not been rigorously tested for long-term effects. Dr. Abou Zeinab’s team set out to evaluate how commonly used traditional plants might influence liver and kidney function over time. The researchers reported measurable changes in organ tissues and shifts in biochemical markers that signal stress on the liver and kidneys. The findings highlight a simple reality. Bioactive compounds in herbs can be powerful enough to burden the body’s detoxification and filtration systems when used chronically.
How the research was designed
The study used adult male rats as the model and administered plant extracts over an extended period to mimic chronic exposure. The team examined liver and kidney tissues under the microscope to spot structural alterations. They also tracked biochemical markers linked to organ function, such as liver enzymes and renal function indicators. Together, these measures provide a snapshot of how repeated exposure might affect key organs. While animal studies cannot fully predict human outcomes, they are an important early step when long-term human data are limited.
Why “natural” still feels synonymous with safe
Longstanding use often gets equated with harmlessness, especially when remedies are passed down through families and communities. Compared with pharmaceuticals, herbal products typically undergo fewer toxicity studies and less stringent pre-market testing. The result is a large data gap on chronic use that encourages assumptions of safety without proof. It also helps explain why global interest persists. In the United States alone, more than half of adults report taking at least one dietary supplement, which underscores the need for clear, evidence-based guidance.
Risks beyond the plant itself
Safety concerns extend well past the biology of a single herb. Product quality can vary, and some supplements are contaminated or adulterated during manufacturing or along the supply chain. Self-prescribing and exceeding suggested doses raise the likelihood of problems, especially with daily, long-term use. Prescription medications can also interact with botanicals in additive, synergistic, or antagonistic ways. Many patients do not routinely disclose supplement use to their clinicians, which makes it harder to spot risks early.
Practical guidance for consumers
If you use herbal products, make your clinician part of the conversation. Discuss everything you take, including dosage and duration, so that potential interactions and risks can be reviewed. Be cautious about daily, long-term use and avoid high or unverified doses. Choose products from brands that use third-party testing, provide clear sourcing information, and share quality results. Stay alert to symptoms that may signal liver or kidney stress, including unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or swelling, and seek medical advice promptly.
What clinicians and pharmacists can do
A systematic approach helps. Ask about herbal and dietary supplements during medication reviews and include product names, doses, and frequency in the record. Screen for plausible interactions or duplicated effects, then adjust treatment plans or monitoring as needed. Provide balanced education that acknowledges potential benefits for symptoms like mild digestive discomfort while explaining uncertainties about long-term safety. This shared decision-making approach respects tradition and protects patients.
Where research needs to go next
Human clinical studies are needed to define safe dosage ranges and durations, especially for populations at higher risk of organ stress. Dose-response and time-course analyses can identify thresholds where benefits give way to harm. Comparative studies should examine whole herbs, concentrated extracts, and teas to capture the effects of preparation and processing. Chemical profiling can help isolate active constituents and clarify mechanisms that burden the liver and kidneys. Research into formulations or dosing strategies that minimize hepatic and renal load would support safer use.
Policy, labeling, and industry’s role
Stronger oversight can improve purity, authenticity, and consistency across herbal products. Standardized labeling that discloses known risks, potential interactions, and evidence-based dosing guidance would help consumers and clinicians make informed choices. Post-market surveillance systems should capture adverse events linked to herbal use to improve safety signals over time. Industry can build trust by investing in robust toxicology and interaction studies, and by being transparent about sourcing, manufacturing practices, and testing results.
Respecting tradition while protecting health
Traditional knowledge and modern science both have a place in safe self-care. The Nutrients study from Beirut Arab University underscores that “natural” is not the same as risk-free, particularly with daily, long-term use. Integrating careful research with cultural practice can guide smarter choices for families and communities. Until more evidence is available, discuss supplements with a healthcare professional, use quality products, and be cautious about chronic use. Thoughtful habits today can preserve the benefits of herbal remedies while reducing avoidable harm.