Problems, however, may arise because of overuse or misuse.

Paracelsus, often known as the father of toxicology, famously said, “Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison.” In other words, the toxicity of a substance depends on the dose. Apart from the amount ingested, other factors such as its absorption by the intestine and the body’s metabolism, excretion and detoxification processes, which vary from person to person, also determine whether a thing eaten or drunk becomes poisonous for the individual.

Even drinking plain water in excess can lead to water intoxication and water poisoning in some people.

The same is true for other generally safe drinks and foods.

Green tea extract, a popular weight loss supplement, can be harmful to the liver in obese people with pre-existing chronic liver diseases. In such cases, obesity and liver damage lead to the accumulation of xenobiotics, meaning foreign substances, in the body. This leads to an increase in their concentration in the system and causes poisoning.

Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is a widely used medicinal plant in India which is gaining popularity worldwide. Its extracts are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and treat ailments as diverse as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and infertility.

One of the key compounds in ashwagandha is withanone. This has been shown to react with DNA, potentially leading to severe biological consequences such as DNA damage. When used in moderation, this effect is mitigated by a protective agent found in cells known as glutathione or GSH, a natural antioxidant.

It’s crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage of ashwagandha extract set by the Indian Ministry of Ayush—the government body responsible for developing and promoting traditional medicine systems in India—as exceeding this limit may overload the GSH system and cause liver damage.

Read more: Turning her pain into power: Cheryl Wee is on a mission to build a holistic wellness ecosystem