Herbals in India: What Works, What Doesn't, and What to Avoid

When people talk about herbals, natural plant-based remedies used for health and wellness, often rooted in traditional systems like Ayurveda. Also known as herbal supplements, they're everywhere—in chai, in capsules, in grandma’s medicine cabinet. But not all herbals are safe, and not all claims are true. In India, where Ayurveda has been practiced for thousands of years, herbals aren’t just alternatives—they’re part of daily life. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Some can help. Others can hurt. And a lot of what’s sold as "natural" is anything but.

Take St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal supplement used for mild depression. Also known as hypericum, it’s widely available in India as a mood booster. But it can interfere with birth control, antidepressants, and even heart meds. Then there’s yohimbe, an herb often marketed for energy or libido. It’s linked to panic attacks, high blood pressure, and anxiety—exactly what some people are trying to avoid. Even green tea extract, seen as a healthy antioxidant, can trigger anxiety in sensitive people when taken in concentrated doses. These aren’t outliers. They’re common examples of how "natural" doesn’t mean "safe."

And then there’s the big one: herbals and liver health. Apple cider vinegar gets all the hype, but it’s not doing your liver any favors. What actually helps? Cutting sugar, losing weight, and skipping alcohol. Meanwhile, many herbal blends sold as "liver cleansers" are just loaded with unregulated compounds that can damage your liver over time. The same goes for weight-loss herbals—some contain hidden stimulants or banned substances that show up in blood tests. You’re not getting purity. You’re getting guesswork.

Ayurveda isn’t the enemy. The 80/20 rule in Ayurveda—doing the right thing 80% of the time and letting go the rest—is smart, practical, and human. But when herbals are sold as magic pills, they stop being part of a balanced system and become risky shortcuts. The truth? Your body doesn’t need a cleanse. It needs support. And sometimes, that means avoiding the very herbs you think are helping.

What you’ll find below are real stories, real science, and real warnings about what herbals can—and can’t—do. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know before you swallow another capsule, brew another tea, or trust another "ancient remedy."