Officials Warn ‘Stay Away From These Herbs’

The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has identified three herbal medicine products made in India — and readily available in Jackson Heights and Flushing — that contain dangerous levels of lead or mercury.
Jambrulin, made by Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy, commonly used for diabetes and sugar control, has elevated levels of lead; and Lakshmivilash Ras (Nardiya), made by Baidyanath (used for chronic fever, cold and cough) and Maha Sudarshan, made by Arya Aushadhi Pharmaceutical Works (for flu and body aches) both have high levels of mercury.
“We urge New Yorkers not to use any products known to contain lead or mercury,” said DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden. “These metals are poisonous and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system and kidneys.”
Frieden went on to say that children and pregnant women are especially at risk, and that anyone who has used these products should immediately call a physician to request a blood lead test and urine mercury test.
All stores where these products are sold have been ordered to stop selling them and to return the products to the distributors, as well as post a sign advising customers to discontinue use of these herbs.
Anyone known to have used these products is advised to immediately discontinue usage, contact a physician, and call 311 or (212) POISONS to report locations where the products have been sold.