What does a liver support supplement actually do?

It is not a cleanse, whatever the packaging suggests. Your liver and kidneys do that job continuously, day in and day out. Liver support formulas are traditional herbal or nutrient products taken alongside a normal diet. If something is affecting your liver, that needs a doctor and a blood test rather than a capsule. We can explain what a product actually contains.

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle, also called St Mary's thistle, is a herb traditionally used in western herbal medicine for liver support. It comes as tablets, capsules, liquids and drops. Strengths are often written as an equivalent dry herb amount, which is why the numbers look so large. Read the pack, and tell us what else you take.

What is in a detox powder or program?

Usually a protein or greens powder with herbs and fibre added, taken for a set number of days. Some people like the structure of a program. They are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or alongside some health conditions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, and read the whole ingredient panel.

Can I take liver supplements with my medicines?

Ask our pharmacists to check your list with you. Herbal ingredients can change how the liver processes some medicines, which changes their levels. That matters with blood thinners, seizure medicines and transplant medicines in particular. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please ask before you start anything.

Do you stock practitioner liver formulas?

Yes. Metagenics Phyto Liver Care and Bio-Practica detox powders sit in our practitioner range. Herbs of Gold Liver Care and everyday brands such as Blackmores and Nature's Own sit alongside them. Some are recommended by a practitioner and some you can buy directly. Ask our pharmacists to check the name of anything you have been recommended.

Liver & Detox Support

Liver support covers the supplements people take to look after normal liver function. Detox is a marketing word rather than a medical one, and your liver already does that job. Most people arrive after a heavy few months, a blood test, or a change in how they are eating.

Milk thistle, also sold as St Mary's thistle, is the ingredient people ask for most. It sits in our herbal supplements range as tablets, capsules and drops, from Blackmores, Nature's Own and Wanderlust. Herbs of Gold Liver Care and Metagenics Phyto Liver Care are two more people ask for. Powdered programs and greens and antioxidant blends are another way people approach it. Probiotics often come up in the same conversation, and a daily multivitamin covers the basics.

Your liver is checked with a blood test, so start there if something is worrying you. Supplements sit alongside a normal diet rather than replacing one. Alcohol, weight and some medicines matter far more than any capsule. For a longer look at what you take, book our integrative pharmacy consult.