Exclusive Student Offer

Prime for Young Adults

Get a 6-month trial with premium college perks & fast delivery.

Start Free Trial
Listen Anywhere

Audible Standard Trial

Get 30 days of audiobooks free. Cancel anytime, keep your books.

Claim Free Books
Herbal Self-Medication, Poisoning

Published: 19.07.2026 at 17:30,
Editorial Team boerse-global.de

Recent cases highlight serious poisonings and organ failures due to uncontrolled herbal intake. Medical experts warn of the dangers.

Herbal Self-Medication: Deadly Risks due to Plant Decoctions
Close-up of dried herbs and plant extracts in jars on a dark wooden surface, with an out-of-focus hand reaching for them. AI-generated illustration provided by boerse-global.de

Recent events in July 2026 emphasize: Uncontrolled self-medication can have fatal outcomes.

Child in Intensive Care after Herbal Brew

A case reported from Phu Tho province in Vietnam underscores the dangers. In mid-July, a child suffered severe poisoning after consuming a decoction made from Lagerstroemia leaves, intended to treat constipation.

The medical team diagnosed hemolysis, the destruction of red blood cells, resulting in severe anemia and blood coagulation disorders. The child required blood transfusions for stabilization. Medical professionals caution: “Perceived naturalness does not equate to safety.”

Cancer Patient Wastes Precious Time

Another risk is that reliance on herbal remedies often delays necessary medical treatment. A 59-year-old female patient with a history of liver cancer ignored signs of recurrence. Rather than opting for conventional therapy, she turned to homemade herbal mixtures.

As a result, the tumor grew to 3.5 kg and measured 20 by 30 centimeters. Only on July 13, 2026, could it be surgically removed. Experts stress the importance of regular follow-ups every three to six months. Relying on home remedies can be life-threatening.

Online Commerce: Deadly Pills from the Internet

B?ch-Mai Hospital reported multiple cases of organ failure this July. A 72-year-old patient fell into a coma after taking a substance purchased online, experiencing acute kidney failure.

The active ingredient: phenylbutazone, prohibited for human use in Vietnam since 2001. These patients showed extremely low hemoglobin levels. Professionals observe a rise in such poisonings; these products are often labeled as “completely herbal.”

Herbal Remedies: Only Ten Percent Researched

Despite the rise in popularity of herbal remedies, the science behind them remains shaky. It’s estimated that only 10-20% of the 300,000 plant species worldwide have been pharmacologically studied. Even common remedies often lack solid clinical evidence.

Birch leaves, bearberry leaves, or goldenrod are recommended for bladder infections, but their effectiveness is not sufficiently clinically proven. Medical professionals recommend seeing a doctor for persistent ailments and critically evaluating self-medication, particularly for chronic conditions.

Our current cases of poisoning via herbal self-medication illustrate that something appearing natural can be life-threatening. Our guide can help you distinguish between safe and risky remedies and ensure you consult a doctor promptly.
Request your free safety guide now

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice or offers for buying or selling. All market data and mentions of companies are without guarantee; changes may occur at any time. Trading in stocks can lead to high losses. Our contributions are created and reviewed fully or in part with the assistance of AI.

de | science | 69806145 |

Get Audible 30-Day Free Trial

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.