Certain substances form toxic metabolites that can damage liver cells so badly, to the point where it can no longer function.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this damage can cause scarring, which can lead to liver failure, and can be life-threatening.
Tatyana Kushner, assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, explains: “Herbal teas and supplements can definitely lead to liver injury and even liver failure.
“Depending on the herb, the impact can be acute, and self-resolve, or develop into chronic liver disease and liver failure, which would necessitate a liver transplant.”