The myth of \u201cnatural equals safe\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nDr. Philips explained that the biggest misconception among people is assuming that anything herbal or plant-based cannot cause harm. \u201cNatural doesn\u2019t mean safe,\u201d he said. Unlike approved pharmaceutical drugs, many Ayurvedic and herbal supplements do not go through rigorous clinical testing or standardized dosage trials. \u201cThey are often sold without sufficient scientific validation, and many contain untested herbal blends or proprietary compounds,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n
While Ayurveda is an ancient system with proven remedies when used correctly and prescribed by trained practitioners, the problem, according to Dr. Philips, lies in the unregulated market of over-the-counter Ayurvedic supplements and powders sold without proper certification or dosage clarity. These products often blend herbs, minerals, and chemicals in unknown proportions. Without strict quality checks, the risk of contamination, adulteration, or incorrect dosage increases sharply.<\/p>\n
The hidden danger: liver damage<\/strong><\/p>\nThe liver acts as the body\u2019s detox centre, filtering chemicals and toxins. However, when people consume unregulated supplements, especially in large quantities or for prolonged periods, the liver struggles to process them. Dr. Philips noted that certain herbs and minerals used in some commercial \u201cAyurvedic\u201d formulations can trigger inflammation, leading to a condition known as drug-induced liver injury (DILI).<\/p>\n
\u201cPatients come with symptoms like fatigue, yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes,\u201d he said. \u201cIn many cases, it begins as mild hepatitis but can progress to severe liver failure. Some even end up needing transplants.\u201d<\/p>\n
He cited instances where patients, unaware that their liver problems were linked to these supplements, continued taking them, worsening their condition. \u201cBy the time they reach a doctor, it\u2019s often too late,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The problem with unregulated supplements<\/strong><\/p>\nUnlike modern medicines, herbal and Ayurvedic products in India are not uniformly regulated. Many are sold under the \u201cfood supplement\u201d category, which exempts them from the same level of clinical scrutiny that pharmaceutical drugs face. This means they can enter the market without rigorous safety trials or purity checks.<\/p>\n
Dr. Philips pointed out that several such products have been found to contain harmful substances, including heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. \u201cThere is no clear labelling, and often the composition printed on the bottle doesn\u2019t match what\u2019s actually inside,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A recent study by the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also noted that herbal-induced liver injury accounts for a growing number of liver failure cases worldwide. In India, where self-medication using herbal mixtures is common, the risk is even higher.<\/p>\n
Why social media is making it worse<\/strong><\/p>\nThe doctor also expressed concern about the aggressive marketing of such supplements online. \u201cPeople are influenced by Instagram and YouTube videos that show celebrities and influencers promoting these so-called miracle remedies,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are marketed as solutions for everything \u2014 from hair fall to diabetes \u2014 with no proof or long-term safety data.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Philips believes this trend has made it easy for misleading claims to spread faster than medical facts. He urged people to rely on qualified medical professionals and authentic Ayurvedic practitioners instead of falling for glossy advertisements.<\/p>\n
What doctors recommend instead<\/strong><\/p>\nExperts suggest that people should always consult a physician before starting any supplement \u2014 Ayurvedic or otherwise. \u201cIf you really want to use herbal remedies, do it under medical supervision,\u201d Dr. Philips said. He emphasized that authentic Ayurveda, when practiced traditionally with proper diagnosis, dosage, and follow-up, is not the problem \u2014 it\u2019s the misuse of its name in unregulated products that\u2019s causing harm.<\/p>\n
Doctors also advise regular liver function tests for individuals who take supplements frequently, especially those that claim detox or fat-burning effects. Additionally, people should be cautious about mixing multiple supplements, as the combination may amplify toxicity risks.<\/p>\n
The rise of \u201cnatural wellness\u201d culture has blurred the line between traditional medicine and commercial marketing. While Ayurveda remains a respected science, the unchecked sale of mass-produced herbal supplements poses real dangers. As Dr. Philips warns, \u201cIt\u2019s good to understand that these products, even if marketed as natural or safe, can pose serious health risks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The message is simple: don\u2019t assume that what comes from nature can\u2019t harm you. Whether it\u2019s Ayurvedic, herbal, or homeopathic \u2014 safety depends on science, not slogans. Before buying that next bottle of \u201cnatural\u201d capsules, remember what The Liver Doc says \u2014 your liver may not forgive what your heart believes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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