In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleArnicaChaparralCat’s ClawSpirulinaKavaOther Tips

In This ArticleView All

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In This Article

Arnica

Chaparral

Cat’s Claw

Spirulina

Kava

Other Tips

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Photo:Abbey Littlejohn

a photo of two hands sorting through various supplements with a glass of water beside them

Abbey Littlejohn

Managing inflammation can be tricky. While taking supplements may seem like a natural solution, not all of them are beneficial. In fact, some supplements can worsen inflammation or lead to other health issues. While acute inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, arthritis and autoimmune disorders.If you’re looking to keep inflammation at bay, these are five supplements you should avoid, according to experts.5 Supplements You Shouldn’t Take for Arthritis, According to Experts1. Arnica (Oral Supplementation)Arnica, a flowering herb in the sunflower family, is popular in homeopathic medicine for treating bruises, muscle pain and soreness when applied topically.However, it’s a different story when ingested. “Oral arnica can pose serious health risks, particularly for those with inflammation,” saysMelissa Mitri, M.S., RD,a nutrition writer and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition. “While arnica is considered safe to apply topically to the skin, it shouldn’t be taken as an oral supplement for inflammation, as it can cause serious side effects, including heart damage, increased bleeding and vomiting.”7 Things You Should Look for When Buying a Supplement, According to Dietitians2. ChaparralChaparral is an herb derived from the desert shrub known as the creosote bush and has been historically used for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.However, chaparral’s toxic effects on the liver and kidneys outweigh its benefits. “Chaparral can lead to severe liver and kidney damage,” warns Mitri, adding that the herb is banned in several countries, including Canada, due to these risks.3. Cat’s ClawCat’s claw is often touted for its immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties.Unfortunately, cat’s claw may not be as beneficial as portrayed. Mitri explains, “Cat’s claw may not be appropriate for those with autoimmune conditions, as it can overstimulate the immune system, potentially worsening autoimmune symptoms and increasing inflammation.”Additionally, Mitri cautions that cat’s claw can interact with certain medications, including protease inhibitors used to treat HIV, and it may lower blood pressure or increase bleeding risk.“Cat’s claw’s risks for certain populations, particularly those with immune-related conditions, make it a poor choice for managing inflammation,” Mitri advises.6 “Good” Things That Could Be Bad for Your Immune Health, According to Experts4. SpirulinaSpirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae commonly used as a dietary supplement due to its high content of protein, vitamins and antioxidants.However, spirulina may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. “Spirulina can overstimulate the immune system, which can worsen symptoms in people with autoimmune diseases,” Mitri explains.5. KavaKava is an herbal supplement traditionally used to promote relaxation and reduce stress, but it can pose issues for those with inflammatory conditions.“Kava has been shown to cause liver damage, which is especially concerning for people managing inflammation,” says Mitri. Since your liver is essential in detoxification and managing inflammation, compromised liver function can worsen overall health and inflammatory conditions.Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver, According to a DietitianTips for Managing Inflammation NaturallyInstead of relying on potentially harmful supplements, Mitri suggests managing chronic inflammation through lifestyle and dietary changes.Consume a Balanced Diet withOmega-3s:A nutrient-rich diet centered around whole, nutrient-dense foods is one of the best ways to reduce inflammation.“Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats can make a significant difference,” Mitri explains. “Also, omega-3s have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage inflammation throughout your body.”Avoid Inflammatory Foods:“Ultra-processed foods, added sugars and trans fats can all increase inflammation,” warns Mitri. “These include commercial baked goods, candy, sweetened yogurts, chips and high-added-sugar beverages.” Reducing or eliminating these foods can help prevent chronic inflammation and support long-term health.Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Spices:Spiceslike turmeric and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory effects that research shows can help combat inflammation.Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits:Lifestyle factors are essential in combatinginflammation.“Regular physical activity, adequate sleep and effective stress management are critical for reducing inflammation,” Mitri emphasizes.The 8 Worst Foods to Eat for InflammationThe Bottom LineWhilesupplementsare often marketed as natural remedies for various health concerns, not all are safe for chronic inflammation. Supplements like arnica, chaparral, cat’s claw, kava and spirulina can worsen inflammatory conditions or cause severe side effects such as liver damage and immune overactivity. Always speak with a health care provider before adding any supplement to your routine.

Managing inflammation can be tricky. While taking supplements may seem like a natural solution, not all of them are beneficial. In fact, some supplements can worsen inflammation or lead to other health issues. While acute inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, arthritis and autoimmune disorders.If you’re looking to keep inflammation at bay, these are five supplements you should avoid, according to experts.

5 Supplements You Shouldn’t Take for Arthritis, According to Experts

1. Arnica (Oral Supplementation)

Arnica, a flowering herb in the sunflower family, is popular in homeopathic medicine for treating bruises, muscle pain and soreness when applied topically.However, it’s a different story when ingested. “Oral arnica can pose serious health risks, particularly for those with inflammation,” saysMelissa Mitri, M.S., RD,a nutrition writer and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition. “While arnica is considered safe to apply topically to the skin, it shouldn’t be taken as an oral supplement for inflammation, as it can cause serious side effects, including heart damage, increased bleeding and vomiting.”

7 Things You Should Look for When Buying a Supplement, According to Dietitians

2. Chaparral

Chaparral is an herb derived from the desert shrub known as the creosote bush and has been historically used for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.However, chaparral’s toxic effects on the liver and kidneys outweigh its benefits. “Chaparral can lead to severe liver and kidney damage,” warns Mitri, adding that the herb is banned in several countries, including Canada, due to these risks.

3. Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is often touted for its immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties.Unfortunately, cat’s claw may not be as beneficial as portrayed. Mitri explains, “Cat’s claw may not be appropriate for those with autoimmune conditions, as it can overstimulate the immune system, potentially worsening autoimmune symptoms and increasing inflammation.”

Additionally, Mitri cautions that cat’s claw can interact with certain medications, including protease inhibitors used to treat HIV, and it may lower blood pressure or increase bleeding risk.“Cat’s claw’s risks for certain populations, particularly those with immune-related conditions, make it a poor choice for managing inflammation,” Mitri advises.

6 “Good” Things That Could Be Bad for Your Immune Health, According to Experts

4. Spirulina

Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae commonly used as a dietary supplement due to its high content of protein, vitamins and antioxidants.However, spirulina may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. “Spirulina can overstimulate the immune system, which can worsen symptoms in people with autoimmune diseases,” Mitri explains.

5. Kava

Kava is an herbal supplement traditionally used to promote relaxation and reduce stress, but it can pose issues for those with inflammatory conditions.“Kava has been shown to cause liver damage, which is especially concerning for people managing inflammation,” says Mitri. Since your liver is essential in detoxification and managing inflammation, compromised liver function can worsen overall health and inflammatory conditions.

Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver, According to a Dietitian

Tips for Managing Inflammation Naturally

Instead of relying on potentially harmful supplements, Mitri suggests managing chronic inflammation through lifestyle and dietary changes.

The 8 Worst Foods to Eat for Inflammation

The Bottom Line

Whilesupplementsare often marketed as natural remedies for various health concerns, not all are safe for chronic inflammation. Supplements like arnica, chaparral, cat’s claw, kava and spirulina can worsen inflammatory conditions or cause severe side effects such as liver damage and immune overactivity. Always speak with a health care provider before adding any supplement to your routine.

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Sources

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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National Capital Poison Center.Caution When Using Arnica Products.

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Chaparral. 2022.

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cat’s Claw. 2019.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cat’s Claw.

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Bian T, Corral P, Wang Y, et al.Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges.Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3044. doi:10.3390/nu12103044

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Kava Kava. 2018.

Esquivel MK.Nutrition Benefits and Considerations for Whole Foods Plant-Based Eating Patterns.Am J Lifestyle Med. 2022;16(3):284-290. doi:10.1177/15598276221075992

Tristan Asensi M, Napoletano A, Sofi F, Dinu M.Low-Grade Inflammation and Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption: A Review.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1546. doi:10.3390/nu15061546

Margină D, Ungurianu A, Purdel C, et al.Chronic Inflammation in the Context of Everyday Life: Dietary Changes as Mitigating Factors.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(11):4135. doi:10.3390/ijerph17114135