Wife of Rep. Tom McClintock died from reaction to herbal remedy, coroner’s report says

The wife of a U.S. Congressman died last year after taking an herbal remedy that is said to treat such conditions as high cholesterol and diabetes, the Kaiser Health News reported.

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Lori McClintock, wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, died last December after taking white mulberry leaf.

According to the Sacramento County coroner, McClintock died of dehydration brought on by “adverse effects of white mulberry leaf ingestion.”

Kaiser Health News reported that Tom McClintock found his 61-year-old wife unresponsive at their Elk Grove, California, home on Dec. 15, 2021. He was returning home following a trip to Washington, D.C., to vote in Congress.

The autopsy report does not say whether Lori McClintock, who was 61 when she died, took a dietary supplement that included white mulberry leaf, ate fresh or dried leaves, or drank them in a tea. A “partially intact” white mulberry leaf was found in her stomach, according to the report.

White mulberry leaf is advertised as having numerous health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, helping manage diabetes and helping “block cancer cell growth,” according to Healthline.

According to Very Well Health, side effects are common with higher doses and may include mild diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, and bloating. Allergies are uncommon but can occur.

“Because of its effect on blood glucose, white mulberry should be used with caution in people on diabetic medications, including insulin. The combined use may trigger a steep drop in blood sugar characterized by shaking, dizziness, sweating, fatigue, lightheadedness, and fainting.”

“The day prior she had complaints of an upset stomach,” the autopsy report says. “There was no suspicious circumstances found.”

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