Contraindications – Liver Detox Herbs

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

• Allergy to Ragweed or Asteraceae Family: May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or similar plants.
• Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Milk thistle may have mild estrogenic effects; caution is advised in conditions like breast, ovarian, or uterine cancers, endometriosis, or fibroids.
• Drug Interactions (Liver-Medications):
  May alter liver enzyme activity (CYP450), potentially affecting how certain drugs (like statins, anti-anxiety meds, or blood thinners) are processed.

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

• Gallbladder Obstruction or Gallstones: Increases bile flow; may worsen symptoms or trigger gallbladder attacks if obstructions are present.
• Allergy to Asteraceae Family: Like milk thistle, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Diuretic or Blood Sugar Medications: Dandelion is a natural diuretic and may lower blood sugar, which can potentiate the effects of diuretic drugs or insulin/antidiabetics, leading to imbalances.

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Limited data; traditionally used with caution internally during pregnancy.
• Low blood pressure: May have mild hypotensive effects — monitor if prone to low BP.
• Constitutional coldness: Can be too cooling for Vata types unless combined with warming herbs.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Pregnancy & fertility: Contraindicated in pregnancy. May have anti-fertility effects — avoid if trying to conceive.
• Children: Not recommended for prolonged internal use in young children.
• Excess Vata: Bitter, cold, and drying — may aggravate Vata, causing dryness or anxiety in some.

Bhūmi Amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)

• Low blood sugar: May lower blood glucose — use caution with antidiabetic medications.
• Pregnancy: Limited data; avoid during pregnancy unless under professional super