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Two Comprehensive Liver Formulas: SST and Clinical LiverSupport
Though emerging from different eras and cultures, SST and Clinical LiverSupport both shield the liver from illness in four similar ways.
There is no magic pill that can stop liver disease from progressing, but there are many natural strategies that work towards this goal. Most people with a chronic liver ailment would like nothing better than to take one safe, herbal supplement daily that provides top-of-the-line liver support and protection. The options for multi-faceted, nutraceutical liver protection can be dizzying, but two expertly designed, complex formulas stand out from the pack for their solidly constructed approach. Although one is not necessarily superior to the other, SST and Clinical LiverSupport are both great, comprehensive options for those with liver concerns.
About SST
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the formula we know as SST is called Xiao Chai Hu Tang. Traditionally brewed as a tea, Xiao Chai Hu Tang requires extensive labor to brew and has a strong, pungent and bitter taste. To improve the accessibility of those wanting the benefits of Xiao Chai Hu Tang, SST contains the same seven ingredients as Xiao Chai Hu Tang but is available in an easy-to-swallow capsule.
The seven ingredients are: Bupleurum root, Pinellia tuber, Scutellaria root, Jujube fruit, Ginseng root, Ginger root and Licorice root. Created during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD – 220 AD), Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a perfectly balanced combination of seven herbs, serving to:
- Smooth liver energy, which relieves liver congestion and supports liver functioning.
- Cool excessive liver heat, which eases liver inflammation and helps prevent cell damage.
- Dry excessive dampness and harmonize the digestive system, which reduces fat accumulation and eases stress on the liver.
- Strengthens immunity by tonifying energy and blood, which increases resistance to illness.
These four functions all contribute to battling liver and gallbladder diseases. The synergistic actions of the seven herbs in SST have immeasurable worth, and are likely the reason this formula remains a favorite for supporting liver health by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
About Clinical LiverSupport
Physician-formulated in the 21st century, Clinical LiverSupport also contains synergistic herbs and addresses the liver’s needs in several ways. Based on a careful combination of 12 herbs and vitamins, Clinical LiverSupport also supports the liver’s well-being in four distinct ways:
- Aids in detoxification, which supports the liver’s ability to process toxins.
- Helps fat digestion, which lessens accumulation of fat and stress in the liver.
- Neutralizes free radicals, which strengthens immunity and minimizes liver cell injury.
- Reduces inflammation, which helps prevent liver cell damage.
The twelve ingredients are: Silymarin phytosome, Mixed phospholipids, Curcumin, Alpha R-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Blueberry leaf, Green tea, Benfotiamine, Artichoke, Dandelion, Chicory and Beet leaf. Similar to SST, Clinical LiverSupport’s comprehensive approach provides a well-rounded platform for liver health maintenance.
SST and Clinical LiverSupport Differences
While one formula is based on Eastern medical theory and the other is rooted in Western herbal theory, the synergistic effects of both SST and Clinical LiverSupport are surprisingly similar. Each in their own way, both formulas:
- Battle inflammation
- Support healthful liver function
- Strengthen immunity
- Thwart fat accumulation in the liver
With centuries of clinical trials and case studies supporting its use for liver health, SST (or Xiao Chai Hu Tang) has been around much longer than Clinical LiverSupport. As such, SST has helped an innumerable amount of people worldwide recover their liver’s health. However, SST is not without its warnings. In those on interferon therapy, SST may cause interstitial pneumonitis. Thus, it is not advised during viral hepatitis treatment. In addition, SST may not be recommended for those with high blood pressure.
Clinical LiverSupport is a relative newcomer to liver health supplementation. Consequently, reliable clinical trials proving its effectiveness are not yet available. Just like any substance capable of benefitting the human body, Clinical LiverSupport is not ideal for everyone. Because it contains herbs that stimulate bile secretion (usually a good thing for liver health), this formula is not suggested for anyone with gallstones or a bile duct obstruction. In addition, the effectiveness of oral contraceptives may be reduced with silymarin – an ingredient in Clinical LiverSupport.
Because both of these formulas are complex combinations of synergistic herbs and vitamins – and they have not been tested together – experts don’t advise their use concurrently. Instead of taking them together, these formulas can be alternated.
As long as the cautions for each formula are heeded, those wanting to support their liver’s well-being could benefit from either formula. Whether opting for a formulation that has been around since the Eastern Han dynasty or one that emerged this decade, the therapeutic tactics inherent to SST and Clinical LiverSupport covers the same four pillars of liver health: inflammation reduction, minimizing liver stress, strengthening immunity and decreasing liver fat levels.
*Editor’s Note – The information above is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace or supersede medical advice. Always discuss any new health care regimen with your chosen doctor.
http://www.liversupport.com/wordpress/2012/05/the-four-fold-liver-health-strategy-of-sst/, The Four-Fold Liver Health Strategy of SST, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved August 16, 2013, Natural Wellness, 2013.
http://www.liversupport.com/wordpress/2012/04/sst-is-back/, SST is Back, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved August 16, 2013, Natural Wellness, 2013.
About the Author
Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM is a long time advocate of integrating perspectives on health. With a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute, Nicole has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. She has gathered acupuncture licenses in the states of California and New York, is a certified specialist with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has earned diplomat status with the National Commission of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. In addition to her acupuncture practice that focuses on stress and pain relief, digestion, immunity and oncology, Nicole contributes to the integration of healthcare by writing articles for professional massage therapists and people living with liver disease.
