The teas are linked to diarrhea, vomiting, chronic constipation and fainting, and the FDA knows of four young women who died after excessive consumption. Spurred by California law, some manufacturers are adopting warning labels. A member of the mint family, it induces abortion. The FDA knows of one woman who died of cardiac arrest in 1994 while attempting a pennyroyal abortion. Once a flavoring for root beer, the oil is banned as a U.S. food additive.
Flax seed can delay absorption of medicines.
Kava kava can increase the effects of alcohol and certain psychological drugs. High doses of Vitamin E cause bleeding in people taking blood thinners. So can bromelain, a pineapple enzyme used as a digestive aid. Also, doses of 25,000 International Units a day can cause severe liver injury, headaches and joint pain. Consuming for several months doses 10 times the daily recommended allotment of 10 micrograms can cause dangerously high calcium levels and lead to kidney damage.