What! Hold the Herbal Tea?

What! Hold the Herbal Tea? This is Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, Speaking of Health.

Most herbal teas are generally safe to consume. But others, in great quantity, or in susceptible individuals, can create problems. One area where herbal teas have been know to cause problems is in the bloodstream. Naturally occurring anticoagulating agents are present in many common plants, with some species containing enugh anticoagulating agents to cause bleeding in bulnerable patients. People suffering from bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulating drugs, in particular, should avoid herbal teas which contain anticoagulating agents.

Certain herbal teas can also create problems for the liver. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid compounds may be found in herbal teas containing groundsel, gordolobo and comfrey. These compounds can cause blockage in the veins of the liver, prompting some experts to suggest that comfrey, in particular, should be avoided altogether.

Yet other herbal teas can cause severe diarrhea. Senna, buck-horn, and pokeroot can cause so much diarrhea that those affected become weak, dizzy or severly dehydrated.

Herbal teas: for many they’re simply pleasant; for others though, the problems they create are puzzling until someone asks, “Are you drinking any herbal teas?” Speaking of Health, I’m Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.