12 Dangerous Supplements

Dietary supplements taken by millions of Americans can cause serious health problems and even death. Consumer Reports blasted the federal government for failing to protect us against the "dirty dozen" supplements.

Source: Consumer Reports

Aconite

Aconite is used for inflammation, joint pain, wounds and gout. But it can cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders. It's even been linked to respiratory system paralysis and death. Aconite is also known as aconite tuber, aconitum and radix aconite.

Source: Consumer Reports

Bitter Orange

It's used for weight loss, allergies, and nasal congestion. But it's been linked to fainting, heart trouble, stroke and even death. Also known as aurantii fructus, Citrus aurantium and zhi shi, bitter orange contains synephrine, a compound similar to ephedrine, which the FDA banned in 2004.

Source: Consumer Reports

Chaparral

Made from the creosote bush, chaparral - also known as Larrea divaricata and larreastat - is used for colds, weight loss, infections, inflammation, cancer and "detoxification." It can cause liver and kidney problems. The FDA advises against taking chaparral.

Source: Consumer Reports

Colloidal Silver

It's used to treat infections, Lyme disease, facial redness (rosacea), psoriasis and food poisoning as well as chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV/AIDS. But it can turn the skin a bluish color- as seen here on Paul Karason- and cause neurological problems and kidney damage. Also known as ionic silver, native silver, Silver in suspending agent.

Source: Consumer Reports

Coltsfoot

This remedy is used for cough, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis and asthma. But it has been linked to liver damage and cancer. Coltsfoot is also known as coughwort, farfarae folium leaf and foalswort.

Source: Consumer Reports

Comfrey

Comfrey - also known as blackwort, common comfrey and slippery root - is used for cough, heavy menstrual periods, chest pain and cancer. But like coltsfoot, it's been linked to liver damage and cancer. The FDA told manufacturers to remove comfrey products from the market in 2001.

Source: Consumer Reports

Country Mallow

Country mallow is used to treat nasal congestion, allergies, asthma, bronchitis and weight loss. It can cause heart attack and heart rhythm disturbances as well as stroke - sometimes resulting in death. Also known as heartleaf, Sida cordifolia and silky white mallow.

Source: Consumer Reports

Germanium

This plant remedy - also known as Ge, Ge-132 and germanium-132 - is used to treat pain, infections, glaucoma, liver problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS. But it can cause kidney damage and even death. As far back as 1993, the FDA warned of these problems.

Source: Consumer Reports

Greater Celandine

Greater Celandine - used for "detoxification" and treat upset stomach, irrititable bowel syndrome, liver disorders and cancer - can cause liver damage. Also known as celandine, chelidonii herba and Chelidonium majus.

Source: Consumer Reports

Kava

Kava seems to be effective at treating anxiety, but it can cause liver damage. The FDA issued a warning about kava in 1993. The remedy - also known as awa, Piper methysticum and kava-kava - is banned in Germany, Canada, and Switzerland.

Source: Consumer Reports

Lobelia

Lobelia is used for cough, bronchitis, asthma, and to aid smoking cessation. It can cause fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, coma and even death. The FDA warned about lobelia in 1993. Also known as asthma weed, Lobelia inflata, Pokeweed and vomit wort.

Source: Consumer Reports

Yohimbe

This herbal remedy is used as an aphrodisiac, as well as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, chest pain, complications of diabetes and depression. It has been linked to high blood pressure, rapid heart rate and - when taken at high doses - severe low blood pressure, heart problems and even death. Yomhimbe - also known as yohimbine, Corynanthe yohimbi and Corynanthe johimbi - may be unsafe to use without medical supervision, as it contains a compound that is actually sold as a prescription drug, yohimbine. The FDA issued a warning about the risks in 1993.

Source: Consumer Reports