A Personal Take from Hummingbird Healthcare
In today’s world, health headlines seem to scream at us daily especially when it comes to supplements. As someone who regularly recommends quality supplements to support Hormone Replacement Therapy, women’s health and overall well-being, I know how confusing it can get. This blog was born out of a real-life moment when my husband sent me a clickbait article about liver damage and supplements. And yes, he asked if I was secretly trying to kill him (you’ve got to love marriage!).
Let’s unpack the hype and explore what’s fact, what’s fear and how you can safely navigate Herbal Hysteria with a thoughtful, personalized approach rooted in integrative medicine consultation—the very foundation of what we do here at Hummingbird Healthcare.
Herbal Hysteria: What Sparked the Concern?
So here’s what happened: my husband stumbled upon an article titled “Millions of Americans Could Be Taking These Herbal Supplements Linked to Liver Damage.” Yikes. He’s on several supplements that I’ve recommended and after reading the headline, he jokingly asked if I was trying to poison him.
If you are curious, you can read the article here, but let me save you some time and sanity by breaking it down.
What the Article Actually Says- And Doesn’t Say
Let me first say, I have beef with the headline. It is designed to scare you. But when you dig into the article, the details are murky at best. The article states there is been an increase in liver damage linked to botanicals from 5 percent to 20 percent between 2005 and 2014. But guess what? We are in 2024 and this article doesn’t share any updated data or context.
Even more concerning is the lack of specificity. What botanicals? What doses? What pre existing conditions did participants have? Were they taking other medications? The article does not say.
Yes. The supplement industry is not well regulated. I'll agree with that. But that doesn't mean every supplement is unsafe. What matters is choosing high quality supplements that have been ethically sourced and tested for purity and formulated responsibly.
Takeaways from This Herbal Hysteria
If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the noise here is what I want you to remember:
Natural Does not Always Mean Safe
Just because something is herbal does not mean it is harmless. Supplements can be powerful tools but they need to be used wisely. That is why I always emphasize integrative medicine consultation. You need someone who understands both the natural and clinical worlds.
Quality Matters More Than Ever
This is where Hummingbird Healthcare comes in. We only recommend trusted brands that perform third party testing, source ethically and back their claims with science. In a largely unregulated industry, quality assurance is everything.
Dosing, Health Status and Context Are Everything
The article didn’t account for critical variables like dosing, medical history, or interactions with other treatments. For instance, someone undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy or women’s hormone treatment may respond differently to certain botanicals than someone who is not. That’s why personalized care matters and why blanket headlines like this one are irresponsible at best.
Supplements, Hormones and Your Health
If you are one of my clients, you know how I approach wellness: it’s never one-size-fits-all. Supplements are tools not miracles. When used appropriately, they can support everything from hormone balance to weight loss, immunity, sleep and more.
That’s why every protocol I recommend whether it includes herbs, nutrients, or Hormone Replacement Therapy is tailored specifically to you. If you are worried about your current supplements, or wondering if you should be taking them at all, let’s talk about it.
Let’s Clear the Confusion—Together
Fear-based headlines don’t serve us. Facts do. Herbal hysteria is real, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. If you are questioning your supplements, wondering if your liver is at risk, or just curious about a better approach to balancing your hormones naturally, Hummingbird Healthcare is here to support you.
Call or text 913-444-1431 or book your integrative medicine consultation online today: Schedule Now.
You deserve clarity, balance and vibrant health without fear.
