Experts Warn of Dangerous Herbal Remedies

Health professionals in Kenya are increasingly cautioning the public about the risks posed by unregulated herbal remedies. According to nutritionists and clinical experts, many herbal products—often marketed as natural or safe —can, in fact, cause serious side effects, interact dangerously with prescription drugs, or contain harmful contaminants.
A key concern is kidney damage. A hospital‑based study of 306 inpatients in Kenya found that up to 39% could be suffering from chronic kidney disease, with herbal medicine use identified as a significant risk factor. Researchers say some herbal concoctions may be directly toxic to the kidneys or contaminated; others may be misused in ways that amplify harm.
Microbial contamination is another serious issue. A survey by KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute) found that 90% of sampled herbal products—including powders, capsules, and oils—were contaminated with bacteria, some of which are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Experts warn that people using these products may end up contracting infections more dangerous than the conditions they were trying to treat.
Given these risks, calls for stronger regulation are growing louder. A new bill under consideration would impose strict quality controls, require clinical testing of traditional medicines, and penalize false health claims. Meanwhile, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board is also actively monitoring the herbal-product market to crack down on unregistered or unsafe dispensing.