Herbal remedies, nephropathies, and renal disease.

The use of herbal remedies is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Research has shown that herbal remedy use may be associated with acute renal failure. In addition, the use of herbal remedies may be detrimental for the patient with compromised renal function. Patients with renal insufficiency or renal failure may be at risk for further kidney damage as well as complications related to interactions of herbal remedies with complex renal therapy regimens. This article will describe the escalating use of herbal therapy and the hazards of herbal remedy use among patients.