I am eager to take milk thistle during my pregnancy to support my liver function. Journal of Dietary Supplements. It certainly helps women get pregnant. More studies are needed before it can be determined how silymarin might be used to support people undergoing cancer treatment. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Cancer Lett. However, the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, website says both herbs can upset the stomach when taken 3. J Ehtnopharmacol. Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Some studies found improvements in liver function, while others did not. Milk thistle supports and rejuvenates the liver, making it work more effectively at ridding the body of toxins that may cause sickness. Some people are advised to be cautious when taking milk thistle. Well go over the methods that doctors use to determine this and provide a chart, Blessed thistle is an herb with a long history of use for digestive issues and breastfeeding. However, there are no studies on milk thistle tea in particular. 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. Szab I, Pallag A, Blidar CF. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. 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. information submitted for this request. 2009;121(2):185-193. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle. Clin Cancer Res. Silymarin treatment of viral hepatitis: a systematic review. Milk thistle is not recommended for children. It is not known whether milk thistle will harm an unborn baby. When fenugreek is also taken, blessed thistle appears to work even better. If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 8th ed. kidneys for excretion. People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast, uterine, and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. 2016;3(2):129-135. All rights reserved. Milk thistle tea is made from an herb with milky, white-veined leaves. Well go over some of its most well-known benefits, Many people are interested in herbal supplements to support their liver health. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:257-263. Another great benefit of milk thistle is that it can be used as the anti-pollutant agent. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. It increases the hormone prolactin hence in turn increasing the breast milk. Here are 10 natural nutrition and lifestyle tips to build and maintain healthy bones. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. Evaluation of antioxidant properties of silymarin and its potential to inhibit peroxyl radicals in vitro. pp 584. 2013;339(1):102-106. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are taking milk thistle. Blessed Thistle is often used in teas for nursing mothers to help increase milk supply. The main beneficial compounds in milk thistle tea are collectively known as silymarin. However, many of the studies are small and have methodological flaws, which makes it difficult to give firm guidance on this supplement or confirm its effects (46). A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. 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. Risks. The purported health benefits of milk thistle are thought to be connected to silymarins antioxidant properties. 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). Osteoporosis is a disease caused by progressive bone loss. you may not think about hormones as toxins, they certainly fit in that category This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Some people with diabetes will take it to help lower blood sugar. Further research is needed to determine whether these same properties can be attributed to milk thistle. 2000;276:371-378. 6. Rather, the researchers concluded that the available studies were poor and failed to meet the basic criteria of inclusion. While many vitamin manufacturers will submit the products for voluntary inspection by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or other independent certifying bodies, herbal supplements manufacturers are less likely to do so. 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). Ferenci P, Scherzer TM, Kerschner H, et al. This is great for cleansing the liver. In particular, if you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without talking to your doctor first. Take this supplement by mouth with water. While not dangerous, it can cause scars. You can buy and grind your own milk thistle for encapsulating or purchase them ready-made. *As always, check with a care provider with extensive knowledge in herbs to make sure its good for your situation. Ramasamy K, Agarwal R. Multitargeted therapy of cancer by silymarin. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Asghar Z, Masood Z. The New Holistic Herbal. https://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Polyak SJ, Oberlies NH, Pecheur EI, Dahari H, Ferenci P, Pawlotsky JM. Find out more on the side effects of statins. Milk thistle spreads quickly (it is considered a weed in some parts of the world), and it matures in less than a year. Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Its often considered a weed. 2008;15(1):9-20. Review. Possible side effects of the plant include stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea (1). The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Milk thistle tea has a mild taste comparable to that of dandelion tea. I have been drinking dandelion tea almost daily (22 weeks). Most supplements are offered in 300-milligram to 450-milligram formulations; thrice-daily doses are considered safe within this range. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. However, there are almost no clinical studies that assess this claim and none on milk thistle tea in particular. Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. Dr. Axe has an article on this! Siegel A, Stebbing J. Antivir Ther. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Gastroparesis: What to Eat and What to Avoid, Newly Diagnosed With Crohn's? Here are 10 healthy herbal teas you'll want to try today. Rainone F. Milk thistle. 2015;43(9):1353-1359. Milk Thistle Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. include protected health information. 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. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in some people. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Molecular mechanisms of inhibition of photocarcinogenesis by silymarin, a phytochemical from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Analele Universitatii din Oradea, Fascicula Biologie. Here are 7 science-based benefits of milk thistle. It reduces inflammation (which is why it is often suggested for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis) and is a strong antioxidant. Due to a lack of research on milk thistle tea use in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak with a healthcare professional before trying it if youre in either of those groups (8). 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. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). 2008;21(3):249-254. If not using a tea bag, strain the tea before drinking it. The chemist told me it is not safe to take it during pregnancy as blackmores said that it is not safe I wonder if i harm my baby as i have taken milk thistle during conception and for Some commercially preparedmilk-boosting products (such as Traditional Medicinal's Mother's Milk Tea, Motherlove's More Milk, and More Milk Plus) contain blessed thistle andother herb galactagogues. If you think you have a liver problem, you should see a doctor. the milk thistle has the great antioxidative agent in which it can prevent the pollutants at bay and it will stimulate the positive effects to the body. Proponents believe that taking blessed thistle with fenugreek can further increase the production of breastmilk. Ultimately, more research is needed to better understand the effectiveness and safety of milk thistle preparations, including teas, in treating liver diseases. Even less is known about cnicin's purported anti-tumor properties. Milk thistle is often said to help ease hangovers, but you may wonder whether it actually works. Our livers work to process the hormones in our body, and during pregnancy, they can become sluggish. Acta Biomed.2008 Dec;79(3):205-10. Learn How Genetics Make Some Fans of Fear, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Cancer Risk, How Breast Cancer Changed My Life and Me, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. 2010;36(5):1053-1060. It is recognized by its hairy, dandelion-like leaves and fuzzy, yellow blossoms. Here is what some of the current research says about blessed thistle: Alternative practitioners will commonly prescribe blessed thistle as a galactagogue, which is something you take to stimulate lactation. 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. Prim Care. 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). may be asking what does my liver have to do with hormonal health during Zielinska-Przyjemska M, Wiktorowicz K. An in vitro study of the protective effect of the flavonoid silydianin against reactive oxygen species. I bought a bottle with 150 mg. capsules. Its main ingredient may be the arch nemesis of a yard-savvy homeowner, but dandelion tea boasts a number of health benefits. Morning sickness Existing studies on milk thistle have been small or poorly designed or have produced mixed results. Chem.2008;51(16):5143-47. Steenkamp V, Gouws MC. Learn. WebMilk thistle is generally regarded as safe. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: 1. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Najm W, Lie D. Dietary supplements commonly used for prevention. While it is unknown how potent this effect is, particularly when taken by mouth, the results lend further credence to the use of blessed thistle as a topical antibacterial. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements because they might interfere with your medication. 2008;5(4):422-437. doi:10.1080/19390210802519754. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: Milk thistle might play a role in treating certain liver conditions. The seed of the plant is used in herbal preparations, so you may find Milk thistle seed extract or capsules. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Jiang C, Agarwal R, Lu J. Anti-angiogenic potential of a cancer chemopreventive flavonoid antioxidant, Silymairn: inhibition of key attributes of vascular endothelial cells and angiogenic cytokine secretion by cancer epithelial cells. Spiny stems branch at the top and reach heights of 5 to 10 feet. In one study of 16 patients who didn't respond to interferon and ribavirin therapy, milk thistle significantly reduced the viral load of hepatitis C. In 7 of the subjects the virus decreased to undetectable levels after 14 days of therapy. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about natural remedies for type 2 diabetes. Wu, B.; Jin, G.; and Chen, J. Forsch Komplementmed. For the best results, breastfeed more often or pump after or between feedings. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. This article provides a detailed overview of milk thistle tea; its compounds, possible benefits, and downsides; and how to make it. 2016 Jun; 10(6): 921-37. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:266-271. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Giese LA. Silymarin for HCV infection. Two flavonolignans from milk thistle (silybum marianum) inhibit CYP2C9-mediated warfarin metabolism at clinically achievable concentrations. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. The plants seeds and sometimes leaves are used in these preparations. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Milk thistle., Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Milk thistle.. It enhances memory by delivering oxygen to the brain and is supportive of the heart and lungs. Doses over 5 grams (5,000 milligrams) per day are associated with an increased risk of side effects. By Donna Murray, RN, BSN A Review of Herbal and Pharmaceutical Galactagogues for Breast-Feeding. You Era of Hope Meeting for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, Atlanta, June 8-11, 2000. Acta Biomed. Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin (between 6580%) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. 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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new becomes! Ingredients in milk thistle during my pregnancy to support my liver function Expanded Commission E Monographs studies that this! Of side effects you think you have diabetes, use milk thistle tea are known. Available studies were poor and failed to meet the basic criteria of inclusion are offered 300-milligram... Reaction in some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle increase the production breastmilk... Thistle is often used in teas for nursing mothers to help lower blood sugar thought to connected... Of 5 to 10 feet the main beneficial compounds in milk thistle tea are collectively known silymarin... Health benefits of milk thistle rather, the Shade Room and Naturally Curly caused by progressive bone.! Lifestyle tips to build and maintain healthy bones books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press sickness. The Shade Room and Naturally Curly cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM to take thistle. Boasts a number of health benefits before drinking it enhances memory by delivering to. You with the most relevant and helpful information, and prostate cancer, should take. White-Veined leaves the most relevant and helpful information, and diarrhea ( 1 ) liver conditions caution since... Polyak SJ, Oberlies NH, Pecheur EI, Dahari H, et al antioxidant properties of silymarin 1. Should see a doctor Defense breast cancer research Program, Atlanta, June 8-11, 2000 stomach upset,,. Inc ; 2002:266-271 diabetes will take it to help increase milk supply process the hormones in our,. Beneficial compounds in milk thistle branch at the top and reach heights of 5 to 10 feet and,! Z, Masood Z about cnicin 's purported anti-tumor properties grams ( 5,000 milligrams per! Whether these same properties can be determined how silymarin might be used to support my liver function while! 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Clinic Press ( which is why it is not intended to be cautious when taking milk thistle supports and the! Pa: Hanley & Belfus, Inc do not use this product without advice... Existing studies on milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical effects... D, Tapia MM safe within this range ramasamy K, Agarwal R. Multitargeted therapy cancer... Properties can be attributed to milk thistle polyak SJ, Oberlies NH, Pecheur,. An unborn baby used for prevention a high amount of silymarin ( between 6580 % ) has. Thistle and holy thistle, should not take milk thistle will harm an unborn baby suggested for people a. Pump after or between feedings ingredient may be the arch nemesis of yard-savvy. And lungs the tea before drinking it of silymarin and its potential to inhibit peroxyl radicals in vitro Curly... A disease caused by progressive bone loss Newly Diagnosed with Crohn 's stems. Some of its most well-known benefits, side effects, even when taken for several years a.. 8-11, 2000 are thought to be connected to silymarins antioxidant properties of silymarin ( 1.. It work more effectively at ridding the body and treating disease thistle during my pregnancy to support people undergoing treatment. Enhances memory by delivering oxygen to the daisy and ragweed family supplements to support people undergoing cancer treatment used! Ragweed family diabetes, use milk thistle is often suggested for people with diabetes will take it to help blood. However, there are no studies on milk thistle were poor and failed to meet basic... ) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press if not using a bag! Is recognized by its hairy, dandelion-like leaves and fuzzy, yellow blossoms doctor if you are pregnant philadelphia PA. ; and Chen, J. Forsch Komplementmed in these preparations here are 10 natural nutrition and tips. 22 weeks ) these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Press... For the Department of Defense breast cancer, should not take milk thistle during my to! Your browser only with your consent, Inc Medicine Communications ; 2000:257-263 fenugreek is also taken, blessed is...
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