Herbal Medicines Can Harm Your Liver — Beware of Herbal Induced DILI
Expert Advice by Dr. Chetan Kalal — First DM Hepatologist of Maharashtra
What is Herbal Induced DILI?
Not all that is natural is safe — especially when it comes to your liver.
DILI stands for Drug-Induced Liver Injury. When liver damage happens due to herbal or Ayurvedic medicines — it is called Herbal Induced DILI.
"As a liver specialist, I am seeing a rising number of patients with liver damage due to over-the-counter herbal products, weight loss supplements, and immunity boosters," says Dr. Chetan Kalal, Maharashtra's First DM Hepatologist.
Why Does Herbal Medicine Damage The Liver?
Many herbal medicines contain:
Unknown or untested ingredients
Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury)
Steroids mixed with herbs
Excessive iron or copper
Hepatotoxic alkaloids (plant toxins)
"The liver works like a filter — when overloaded with toxins from herbal products, it gets inflamed, swollen, and sometimes permanently damaged," warns Dr. Kalal.
Symptoms of Herbal Induced Liver Injury
→ Yellow eyes (Jaundice)
→ Fatigue & weakness
→ Loss of appetite
→ Itchy skin
→ Abdominal pain
→ Dark urine or pale stools
Common Herbal Products Implicated
Dr. Chetan Kalal highlights common culprits seen in his practice:
| Herbal Product | Possible Risk |
|---|---|
| Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) | Autoimmune Hepatitis, DILI |
| Ayurvedic Kadhas | Unknown toxins |
| Weight Loss Teas | Liver inflammation |
| Herbal Supplements for Immunity | Heavy metal contamination |
| Traditional Chinese Medicines | Liver fibrosis, DILI |
How is Herbal DILI Diagnosed?
Liver function tests (LFT)
Ultrasound or Fibroscan
Excluding other causes of hepatitis
Liver biopsy in select cases
"Early diagnosis is critical — timely withdrawal of the herbal product can reverse liver damage in many cases," reassures Dr. Kalal.
Prevention is Always Better
Dr. Chetan Kalal advises:
Avoid self-medication with herbs
Consult a liver specialist before using long-term supplements
Buy only licensed and standardised herbal products
Report any side effects early
Why Dr. Chetan Kalal?
First DM Hepatologist of Maharashtra
Liver Injury & Transplant Specialist
Expert in managing Herbal & Drug-Induced Liver Damage
Patient-Centric, Ethical Care
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Final Word
"Natural does not always mean safe — especially for your liver. Always use herbal medicines responsibly. Liver damage is preventable if detected early."
— Dr. Chetan Kalal
