Herbal supplements are commonly used to promote health, but for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), caution is necessary. Some herbal products can be harmful, worsening kidney function or interfering with medications. Understanding the risks and benefits of herbal supplements is essential before considering their use when you have CKD.*

Herbal Supplements and Safety Concerns 

Using herbal supplements can be unsafe for individuals with kidney disease. Some herbs may:

• Impair kidney function, 
• Interfere with medications, or 
• Lead to a buildup of harmful substances in the body. 

While friends or family may suggest herbal remedies that have worked for them, these may not be safe for people with kidney disease. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Addition safety concerns include:

• The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements for dose, content, or purity. 
• Some supplements contain aristolochic acid, which can damage the kidneys. 
• Herbal products from certain countries may contain heavy metals. 

Research on the effectiveness of herbal supplements is scarce, especially for kidney patients, and some herbs may alter the effectiveness of prescription drugs.

Herbal Supplements Containing Potassium and Phosphorus

People with CKD must often limit their intake of potassium and phosphorus, especially in the later stages of the disease. Some herbal supplements are high in these minerals.

High-potassium herbs include:

• Alfalfa 
• American Ginseng 
• Dandelion (root, leaf) 
• Kelp 
• Noni 
• Turmeric (rhizome) 
• Water Lotus

Phosphorus restriction is often particularly important for people on dialysis. High-phosphorus herbs include:

• American Ginseng 
• Flaxseed (seed) 
• Milk Thistle
• Onion (leaf) 
• Sunflower (seed) 
• Turmeric (rhizome) 
• Yellow Dock

Excess phosphorus can contribute to bone and cardiovascular issues in individuals with kidney disease.

Other Herbal Supplements to Avoid 

Certain herbs can be particularly harmful for individuals with kidney disease and should be avoided. Herbs that are harmful to kidney function include Astragalus, Barberry, Cat’s Claw, Goldenrod, Horsetail, Java Tea Leaf, Licorice Root, Stinging Nettle, Oregon Grape Root, Parsley Root, and Uva Ursi. 

Some herbs that affect blood pressure or heart function are:

• Apium Graveolens, 
• Ruta Graveolens, and 
• Yohimbe.

Pennyroyal, Huperzine A, and creatine can also cause complications.

Herbal Supplements and Medication Interactions

Many herbal supplements interact with prescription medications, altering their effects. Common interactions include:

• St. John’s Wort, which can interfere with kidney transplant medications, and 
• Echinacea, which may overstimulate the immune system, also causing complications for transplant patients. 

Herbs like ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger, and blue cohosh can affect blood clotting and increase bleeding risks. 

Always consult your healthcare providers about any herbal supplements you’re considering using, to ensure safe treatment.

*National Kidney Foundation. (2019). Herbal supplements and kidney disease. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/herbal-supplements-and-kidney-disease 

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