Supplements Used for the Safe Liver Detox Days on the Lunar Calendar.

Many people are into Liver Detoxing, but they do it on abritrary days. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we recommend only doing Liver Detoxing on certain days of the Lunar Calendar. To learn more about WHEN to liver detox, click here and subscribe to the Dao Life Lunar Liver Detox Calendar.

It’s crucial to talk to a healthcare professional before trying to do a liver detox or adding new supplements to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. Some medications will react to the liver detox supplements, or the herbs could interfere with absorption of your medications. Here’s a blog outlining some potential drug herb interactions, although it is not comprehensive. Discuss starting a new detox with your prescribing physicians. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and individual needs can vary.

Here are some different herbs and supplements that are often associated with supporting liver health. We recommend you start slowly and work up into a combination formula, and only take during the safe days for Liver Detox.

1. Milk Thistle :
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Supports liver function and regeneration.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Typically 200-400 mg of standardized extract (containing 70-80% silymarin) two to three times daily.
   • Cautions: Consult with a healthcare professional if you have ragweed allergies. Potential interactions with certain medications, especially those metabolized by the liver.
2. Schisandra:
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Promotes liver health and soothes inflammation.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Varies; commonly used in traditional medicine as a dried fruit, tea or in extract form. Check manufacturer.
   • Cautions: Generally considered safe, but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. Monitor for any adverse reactions.
3. Turmeric and Curcumin:
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Typically 500-2,000 mg of curcumin extract per day.
   • Cautions: Generally safe when used in culinary amounts, but high doses or supplements may interact with certain medications. Consult with a healthcare professional.
4. Dandelion:
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Known for its ability to clear heat and toxins from the liver.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Typically consumed as a tea or supplement; 500mg to 1000mg daily considered safe.
   • Cautions: Generally considered safe; may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Interaction with certain medications possible; consult with a healthcare professional.
5. Choline:
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Essential nutrient that aids in liver fat metabolism and overall liver function.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Adequate Intake (AI) varies by age and gender, but typical adult intake is around 550 mg for males and 425 mg for females.
   • Cautions: Generally safe when taken within recommended dosage. High doses may cause fishy body odor or gastrointestinal issues.
6. Artichoke:
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Supports digestion and may have a positive impact on liver function.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Typically used as an extract; consult directions on supplement.
   • Cautions: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
7. N-acetylcysteine (NAC):
   • Liver Detox Benefits: Supports liver function by promoting glutathione production, a potent antioxidant crucial for detoxification.
   • Daily Recommended Dosage: Varies; typical doses range from 600 mg to 1,800 mg per day, often taken in divided doses.
   • Cautions: Generally considered safe, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult with a healthcare professional, especially if taking nitroglycerin, activated charcoal, or medications for nitrate tolerance.

Supporting your liver through a focused detox can rejuvenate your energy levels, improve digestion, and enhance overall health. By combining a clean diet with specific herbs and supplements, you can support your liver’s natural detoxification processes. Always remember, the key to detox success is consistency and choosing high-quality, natural products. See this blog for recommendations on what to buy.