The Fall and Spring seasons are the best times to detox our bodies. The role of detoxing is releasing what no longer serves us on the emotional, physical, physiological levels. We will share some simple tips, timing, and single herbal remedies to help with the detoxification process.
Fall Detox Goals in TCM:
The Traditional Chinese Medicine principles of detoxification is to focus on strengthening the immune system in preparation for winter (we are still in transition into winter mode), moistening dryness (a key fall environmental factor), supporting digestion and elimination pathways, and balancing the surrendering and releasing of stored emotions. Detoxification in Western Medicine terms is about improving digestion, improving bile flow and elimination, reducing inflammation, supporting the liver’s detox pathways for phase 1 and 2, and nourishing/strengthening the mucosa of the lungs and gut.
Detoxification is not about complete releasing to the point of malnourishing, or for extended periods of time. It is about releasing in segments with a slow and steady approach so our bodies can adjust to the seasonal transitions.
IMPORTANT: Before detoxing, it is important to keep the following into mind. If you are actively ttc, pregnant, or nursing, these are the times of life to NOT detox. It is a time to support and nourish. There are some ways to support nourishing the body such as whole food nutrition, herbal infusions for deep mineral restoration, and using Acupuncture, herbal medicine, food, movement, rest, nature to support the bodies natural elimination pathways such as regular bowel movements, sweating once per day through moderate movement (if allowed), urinating regularly, proper hydration (water + electrolytes), breath work.
TCM Fall Detox For Logan Utah
If you have issues with these detox pathways such as constipation (pooping less than 1x/day), urination imbalances, not able to sweat properly (less than 4x/wk), or breathing leading to panic attacks. You MUST address these imbalances first BEFORE detoxing. The good news is we can address these imbalances with Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.
When to detox in late autumn: The ideal window to detox is 2-3 weeks BEFORE winter solstice in the North America.
We will be providing some TCM herbal options for Fall detox that can be used on their own, or can be found in common TCM herbal blends. We will share some Western herbal remedies for detoxing to be used by themselves alongside some nutritional guidance. Remember, this is for educational purposes only and is general information. For customized guidance, you can schedule a Herbal Consultation.
TCM Herbs Commonly Used for Fall Detox
1. White Peony Root (Bai Shao)
- Nourishes Yin and blood (improves fluids and moisture for the gut lining)
- Helps soothe Liver Qi (helps with emotional regulation during seasonal change and processing stress).
2. Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
- Supports digestion and reduces mild toxicity
- Do NOT use if have high blood pressure, or taking blood pressure medication.
3. Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua)
- Clears residual heat from summer
- Supports the Liver and eyes (helps to clear heat from the eyes from seasonal allergies, stress, liver stagnation)
4. Burdock Seed (Niu Bang Zi)
- Traditionally used to clear wind-heat
- Supports Lung function and throat
- Burdock root helps with supporting the lymphatic flow, liver sluggishness, improve circulation.
5. Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)
- Supports Liver detox function in TCM terms
- Used to clear heat and support digestion
- Recommend using Dandelion Root and Leaf together as the leaf helps to detox and the root helps with remineralizing the body.
6. Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
- Astringes Lung Qi
- Nourishes Yin and supports adaptation to seasonal changes
- Wonderful herb to help with adapting to stress, especially during the cooler seasons.
7. Astragalus (Huang Qi)
- Boosts Wei Qi (defensive immunity)
- Often added in fall to prevent seasonal illness
TCM & Parasite Cleansing
TCM doesn’t traditionally use the word “parasites” the same way Western herbalism does.
Instead, it refers to categories like:
- “Gu syndrome” (chronic digestive/immune disturbance patterns)
- Food accumulation
- Damp-heat in the intestines
- Internal wind
TCM treatment focuses on strengthening the Spleen/Stomach, clearing damp, and normalizing Qi flow.
Herbs Traditionally Used in TCM for Parasite-Related Patterns
1. Pumpkin Seeds (Nan Gua Zi)
- Used in both TCM and Western herbalism
- Gentle support for gut cleansing
- Easy to make: Roast pumpkin seeds and season as needed. Enjoy as a snack. SAFE during pregnancy.
2. Aged Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
- Moves stagnant Qi
- Supports digestion and reduces dampness
- How: using organic orange peel, dehydrate or dry out, and steep into a tea for 30 minutes. Side note: great for painful periods 😁
3. Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi)
- Breaks up food accumulation
- Helps movement through the intestines
4. Clove (Ding Xiang)
- Warms the digestive system, incorporate this into all of your baking and cooking.
- Used in some TCM parasite-related formulas
5. Garlic (Da Suan)
- Used across cultures for gut cleansing
- Warming; disperses dampness
- Garlic-honey fermented is great for coughs and to cleanse the gut if you are a regular meat eater.
Western Herbs Commonly Used for Parasite Cleanse Protocols
The classic “Triad”
- Black Walnut Hull – traditional antiparasitic folklore
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium or Artemisia annua relative) – bitter, digestive stimulant
- Clove – strong aromatic actions, digestive stimulant
- Add a binder such as Activated Black Charcoal in capsules to help bind to any toxins being released into the body. This will bind to toxins and help with pooping them out.
Additional Western herbs used for gut cleansing patterns
- Oregano Oil – aromatic, used for microbial balance.
- Thyme – pungent, supports digestion & gut ecology
- Barberry / Oregon Grape (Berberine herbs) – gut-clearing, bitter
- Neem – traditionally used in Ayurveda for gut balance
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis) – potent; often short-term and supervised
- Pumpkin Seeds – safe, gentle option supporting elimination
⚠️ Strong herbs (wormwood, black walnut, goldenseal, essential oils) are normally short-term and supervised, especially if you have liver issues, pregnancy, medications, or GI conditions. Do not use if you have fatty liver.
Gentle “Fall Detox + Parasite Prevention” Foods (TCM-friendly)
Foods that support Spleen & digestion: The spleen translates to the pancreas, spleen, and central digestive organs.
- Millet porridge
- Congee with ginger or dates
- Sweet potatoes, any root vegetables help with prebiotic growth. It feeds the good bacteria.
- Pumpkin
- Cooked apples/pears add clove and cinnamon to help with detox pathways and nourishment.
Foods that clear dampness: Dampness is the inflammation and bloating we see when digestion is weak.
- Mung beans (in warm weather areas)-Southern Utah and AZ
- Job’s tears (Yi Yi Ren)- this is wheat, so avoid if gluten free
- Celery-cooked not juiced.
- Daikon radish
Moistening fall-lung dryness:
- Asian pear
- Almonds
- Tremella mushroom
- Honey (in moderation)
Remember, this is for educational purposes only and is general information. For customized guidance, you can schedule a Herbal Consultation.