A 44-year-old mother from Cheshire, England, reportedly suffered sudden liver failure after taking ashwagandha gummies for around a year, according to her family. Lois Kinder was placed in an induced coma and needed an emergency liver transplant after developing jaundice. Her daughter later found her unconscious at home, and doctors reportedly feared she might not survive.

Following the transplant, Kinder suffered three cardiac arrests after a blood clot blocked an artery leading to her lungs. Her family was warned she might have severe brain damage, but she eventually regained consciousness after about a month in a coma. She has since shown some signs of awareness and movement, although her family says she continues to face significant brain damage and needs intensive neurological rehabilitation.

According to her husband, doctors consider ashwagandha a leading suspected cause of her liver failure, but the investigation is ongoing. The herbal supplement is widely marketed for stress relief and sleep support. Experts have warned that rare cases of liver injury have been associated with ashwagandha, while supplement strength, purity, and dosage can vary. The case does not establish that the supplement was definitively responsible.

Kinder’s recovery remains uncertain, and doctors have reportedly warned that she could experience long-term disabilities. Her family is now raising funds for an accessible home to support her future care. 💚 Their experience is a reminder that “natural” supplements are not always risk-free. Anyone who develops yellow skin or eyes while taking a supplement should seek urgent medical care.