These herbal blends contain ingredients such as senna, aloe, rhubarb root, buckthorn, cascara, and castor oil, all of which act as laxatives. When taken in excessive amounts thy can cause disruptions in potassium levels and disrupt the heart. They have caused excessive diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and fainting, as well as death in at least 4 young women. One young woman is known to have died after using pennyroyal to induce an abortion. It has been implicated in liver cancer in animals.
Flax seed can delay the absorption of medications.
Kava kava can increase the effects of alcohol and some drugs for psychiatric disorders. High doses of Vitamin E can cause bleeding in people on blood thinners. The same is true of bromelin, a product sold as a digestive aid. High doses during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Doses for the general populations of over 25,000 International Units a day have been linked to liver disease, joint pain, and headaches.