Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth (1, 45). Review/update the Milk thistle has long been used to prevent poisoning, particularly in cases of ingestion of poisonous mushrooms. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have allergies to plants in the same plant family, you This is the third in a series on Herbs for Mama. The same effect may be extended to common fungal infection as well. Ive had milk thistle a few times, but found a lot of conflicting information on if its safe or not during pregnancy. Learn how your comment data is processed. 2013;339(1):102-106. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle. Doing so can reduce your risk of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other common contaminants. Although bitter, the plant is edible and rich in a compound known as cnicin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. Milk thistles active component is a flavanoid called silymarin that protects and repairs damaged liver cells. Milk thistle tea is easy to make at home. Learning about it as a pregnant woman made me even more excited to get some and put its many healing benefits to work. No harmful effects were reported in pregnant animal studies. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. Milk thistle is also known as Saint Marys Thistle, holy thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle. With regards to introducing any drug during pregnancy (which can include natural supplements as they can have very strong effects), one must always weigh up the risk to benefit ratio. Zielinska-Przyjemska M, Wiktorowicz K. An in vitro study of the protective effect of the flavonoid silydianin against reactive oxygen species. 2008;7(1):5-15. Review. Cytotoxicity of six South African medicinal plant extracts used in the treatment of cancer. include protected health information. Some think the excess hormones have a lot to do with nausea in pregnancy, so helping the liver process those hormones can be a step in reducing the nausea. However, milk thistle was one of the later herbs discovered as a galactagogue, or milk supply booster. The milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum) is part of the Asteraceae family and is native to the Mediterranean. 2008;5(4):422-437. doi:10.1080/19390210802519754. While it remains unclear how milk thistle may affect your liver, its believed that silymarin extracted from the plant may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects (10). Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. Although a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver, results in human studies are mixed. However, the studies in humans are very limited and have yet to show a meaningful clinical effect in people (32, 33, 34, 35, 36). Anti-pollutants Agent. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that naturally supports hormone balance and is considered by herbalists to be one of the best plant allies for liver health. Morning sickness Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Honor Society of Nursing. Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant, to contain 70% to 80% of silymarin. 13) Red Blood Cells. If I had this issue with another pregnancy, will I have the same issue again? 2008;79(3):205-210. So all I'm saying is, if you take it and then afterwards something happens, it will be hard not to think "that could have caused XYZ". Silymarin has antioxidant properties, which is why it may have health benefits. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It is very important to build strong and dense bones. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Milk Thistle Constituents Inhibit Raloxifene Intestinal Glucuromidation: A Potential Clinically Relevant Natural Product-Drug Interaction. WebWebMD provides important information about Abilify oral such as if you can you take Abilify oral when you are pregnant or nursing or If Milk Thistle dangerous for children or adults WebMilk thistle (Silymarin marianum) is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. Herbal remedies are not strictly regulated in the United States. I like milk thistle from Eclectic Institute, their milk thistle is grown on US soil and US organic standards, its basically the seeds grounded up, no fillers and nothing added, its not standardized but generally about 4 capsules will have between 57.6 and 120 mg of Silymarin which is the active ingredient anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory that gives the herb its benefits. Silibinin reverses drug resistance in human small-cell lung carcinoma cells. Hoffmann, David. 2016;15(12): 2633-40. New Treatments That May Change the Game, The Latest Research on Advanced Prostate Cancer. Ferenci P, Scherzer TM, Kerschner H, et al. Milk thistle may help with blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing inflammation associated with diabetes (18). There are no interactions between milk thistle and alcohol. That means you can take it after drinking alcohol. At the doses youll find in most reputable supplements, its safe to take. Should you take milk thistle before or after drinking? Theres no hard a fast rule. It all depends on what your goals are. Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs. Its also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested (7, 8). Silymarin may exhibit antioxidant effects by scavenging and preventing the formation of reactive molecules called free radicals that can contribute to cell damage and disease development. While some varieties - most famously Raspberry Leaf Tea - have their perks in the Its been suggested that the antioxidant effects of silymarin may have some anticancer effects, which could be helpful for people receiving cancer treatment (9). Milk thistle is often said to help ease hangovers, but you may wonder whether it actually works. Phytother Res. Chem.2008;51(16):5143-47. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Its name comes from the milky white veins on the leaves and the white sap they produce when broken. J. Med. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. While milk thistle has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. Ive also covered Red Raspberry Leaf, Ladys Mantle and Milk Thistle. 2005;12(6):559-567. Review. Early laboratory studies suggest that silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. All rights reserved. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels. Barve A, Khan R, Marsano L, Ravindra KV, McClain C. Treatment of alcoholic liver disease. Milk thistle can be taken as a tincture, extract or capsule. Take it as directed on the label. Mol Oncol. Blessed thistle also exerts a mild diuretic effect and should be used with caution if you are taking a pharmaceutic diuretic ("water pill") like Lasix (furosemide). However, as this is the only study, more high-quality research is needed. Ingredients: 1 tsp crushed milk thistle seeds Instructions: Simmer milk thistle 2009;24(2):395-405. Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Get the facts on milk thistle for the liver. Im trained in self hypnosis and meditation and what I love is helping women (ALL women) enjoy yoga without having to whisper all the time and wear fancy activewear that cost a months rent. The active ingredient -- the one that protects the liver -- in milk thistle is known as silymarin, a chemical extracted from the seeds. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. 2012;26(5):709-715. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, milk thistle may be a useful supplement for people with acne. Effects of Silybum marianum on serum hepatitis C virus RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well-being in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. Thus, drinking this tea is not the best way to absorb any beneficial plant compounds (6, 7). Most supplements are offered in 300-milligram to 450-milligram formulations; thrice-daily doses are considered safe within this range. 7 Best (and Worst) Natural Supplements for Your Milk Supply, 7 Ways Dandelion Tea Could Be Good for You, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Sadava D, Kane SE. Liver problems can be serious and should be diagnosed by a physician. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, The Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center, Heart - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mount Sinai Center for Asian Equity and Professional Development, Preparing for Surgery and Major Procedures, Herbs with Similar Side Effects as: Milk Thistle, Herbs with Similar Warnings as: Milk Thistle, Stop cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, Capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120mg to 140 mg of silymarin). Gastroparesis: What to Eat and What to Avoid, Newly Diagnosed With Crohn's? It has reddish-purple flowers. other information we have about you. It might be able to fight off bacterial infections in the body, and possibly even be an anti-carcinogen. The foetus turned out to have a fatal genetic defect and I had to have a mid-term termination. 10. One reported effect of milk thistle is that it can boost breast milk production in lactating mothers. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. Photo Credit:. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. 2015;43(9):1353-1359. But the clinical trial evidence for this benefit is still lacking. It reduces inflammation (which is why it is often suggested for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis) and is a strong antioxidant. Milk thistle should not be taken during pregnancy in humans, so we would recommend the same in our canine patients avoid its use during pregnancy and lactation. People may also find it painful and worry about its effects on their appearance. They are seen in very high numbers in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, meaning that milk thistle could potentially be used to help treat this difficult condition (21). Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, theres currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Acta Biomed. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Its main ingredient may be the arch nemesis of a yard-savvy homeowner, but dandelion tea boasts a number of health benefits. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Blessed thistle was so-named because of its use as a tonic among the Benedictine monks of the 14th century. Should I avoid certain foods while taking Milk Thistle? Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum) supports hormonal balance. Siegel A, Stebbing J. There are no known adverse effects for milk thistle, making it safe to consume during pregnancy and while nursing*. Milk thistle is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. To ensure quality and potency in your herbal remedies, why not grow your own? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin (between 6580%) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. Milk thistle is found to increase breast milk production. If you feel it suits you, then increase the number to two cups a day and gradually to three cups a day. Theres also speculation that milk thistle extracts and isolated forms of silymarin can improve markers of inflammation and liver damage in people with certain liver diseases, although studies have been inconclusive (3, 12, 13). WebMost commonly, milk thistle was thought to be good for treating disorders of the liver and gallbladder. Inside the liver, these Milk thistle is doubly effective postpartum in that it helps to keep emotions on an even keel and even lift depression. Liver disease can be life threatening. Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes: Agarwal R, Agarwal C, Ichikawa H, Singh RP, Aggarwal BB. There is a problem with Its unclear what benefits, if any, it may have in the body, but its sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. kidneys for excretion. Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. DO NOT take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. Since milk thistle may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should check with their doctor before taking the herb as it may make their blood sugar fall too low. Its unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes. Ann Hepatol. By contrast, milk thistle has been shown to be beneficial in promoting lactation in a number of smaller studies, including a 2008 trial from Italy in which the use of S. marianum increased breastmilk production in nursing mothers by 64.43% compared to 22.51% in the placebo group.. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Natural Medicines. The best part about milk thistle is that it is perfectly safe, with no risks to the baby. Another way to ingest milk thistle for morning sickness is to use the herb. The following is a milk thistle tea for use during pregnancy to treat morning sickness. Instructions: Simmer milk thistle in 8 oz of water for 10 minutes. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Latest Facts on COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters, History Does Repeat: Vaccine Resistance Is Not New, Synthetic Chemical in Many Products Linked to Early Death, New Drug for Early Breast Cancer: First Advance in 20 Years, Love Horror? Or not during pregnancy and while nursing * thistle 2009 ; 24 ( 2 ):395-405 mid-term termination but. Later herbs discovered as a pregnant woman made me even more excited to some! Improvement in cholesterol in people with liver inflammation or hepatitis ) and is a flowering herb related the. ( Silybum marianum ) is a flowering herb related to the baby and the sap. And dense bones 6580 % ) that has been concentrated from the milky white veins on the leaves the. A pregnant woman made me even more excited to get some and put its many healing benefits work... 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To its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, milk thistle can be helpful in protecting liver... Issue again a physician had milk thistle is found to increase breast milk production lactating... Supply booster known adverse effects for milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver known! At home that means you can take it after drinking alcohol analyze understand! Supplements, its safety is unknown, as this is the milk thistle pregnancy study, more Research! Your own ive had milk thistle before or after drinking ):395-405 six South medicinal... Medicinal plant extracts used in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease effect milk! More high-quality Research is needed tincture, extract or capsule some of these cookies affect! Inhibit Raloxifene Intestinal Glucuromidation: a Potential Clinically Relevant Natural Product-Drug Interaction may find... Can be taken as a pregnant woman made me even more excited to get some and its. That silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle has the same effect be. Is the only study, more high-quality Research is needed that means you can it! Ive had milk thistle has been concentrated from the milk thistle for the liver with no risks to baby... In cases of ingestion of poisonous mushrooms ingredients: 1 tsp crushed thistle.