DOI:10.1021/jm800609p. Most of the research is limited to tests tube studies, some of which have shown that cnicin is not toxic to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) or breast cancer cells. Much more research would be needed to see if these same effects can occur outside of the test tube. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. 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. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Milk thistle., Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Milk thistle.. WebMilk thistle is an annual or biennial plant. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have allergies to plants in the same plant family, you should use caution or avoid milk thistle tea. Copyright 2021 tiny apothecary : Design by Nina Nelson. Kksal E, Glin I, Beyza S, Sarikaya O, Bursal E. In vitro antioxidant activity of silymarin. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For the best results, breastfeed more often or pump after or between feedings. Note: Anyone with allergies to plants in the Daisy/Compositae family should avoid milk thistle. ! Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Milk thistle is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Doing so can lead to a rebound or worsening of symptoms. Theres some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. Phytother Res. Journal of Dietary Supplements. Further research is needed to determine whether these same properties can be attributed to milk thistle. case, things begin to store in the liver and remain in circulation in the So, its better to start with one cup a day and observe for side effects. The side effects of milk of magnesia during pregnancy can be the same as those for the non-pregnant population. It reduces inflammation (which is why it is often suggested for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis) and is a strong antioxidant. 2000;(21):1-3. The studies have not found any hazardous effects in animals, but studies in women are lacking. It is one of the best plants for liver health, which is vital for hormonal balance. Prim Care. 2008;135(5):1561-1567. Ramasamy K, Agarwal R. Multitargeted therapy of cancer by silymarin. It enhances memory by delivering oxygen to the brain and is supportive of the heart and lungs. 2016;15(12): 2633-40. Blessed Thistle is often used in teas for nursing mothers to help increase milk supply. Giese LA. However, even in its tea form, it can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting if consumed in excess. Hello everyone! waste products are converted into inactive forms and then pushed through to the Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Some animal studies have shown that milk thistle could be useful for reducing the side effects of cancer treatments (26, 27, 28). People sometimes eat the stem and leaves of milk thistle in salads. 8th ed. The plants seeds and sometimes leaves are used in these preparations. Milk thistle tea is an herbal drink touted to promote liver health, stimulate breast milk production, and protect against diabetes. Boston, Massachusetts: Element Publishing. Although it is believed to increase the hormones prolactin (which boosts the milk supply) and oxytocin (which enables to release of milk from the nipples), there is nothing in the current body of medical literature to suggest this actually occurs. It comes from Europe. Anticancer potential of silymarin: from bench to bed side. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Don't use it. The silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties (2, 3, 4). Milk Thistle Constituents Inhibit Raloxifene Intestinal Glucuromidation: A Potential Clinically Relevant Natural Product-Drug Interaction. Most women take 2 to 3 cups of milk thistle tea a day, but every woman is different. Drug Information on milk thistle includes side effects, uses, drug interactions, dosage, drug pictures, overdose symptoms, and what to avoid. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. WebPregnancy and breast-feeding: There isnt enough reliable information to know if milk thistle is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. One constituent of milk thistle may inhibit an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which is involved in the activity of oral contraceptives. Read our, What Research Tells Us About Blessed Thistle. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:257-263. times a day in a little water. Osteoporosis is a disease caused by progressive bone loss. By doing, the bacteria are unable to reproduce and quickly die. Low Dog T. Traditional and alternative therapies for breast cancer. WebMilk thistle is generally regarded as safe. Here are 10 natural nutrition and lifestyle tips to build and maintain healthy bones. An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums. J Ehtnopharmacol. 2020 YogaBellies | SITEMAP | Privacy Policy, Beginners Guide to Teaching Pregnancy Yoga, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8666328, Add these 4 things to your diet to boost your energy during pregnancy, How To Do Pregnancy Yoga Just Follow This Simple Online Class by The Huffington Post UK, What EMPOWER Graduate Student Katieanne Duncan-Bruce Have Said, What EMPOWER Graduate Student Georgie Ward Have Said, How Yoga Helps Women Living With Arthritis, Birth ROCKS Hypnobirthing and Natural Birth Preparation. Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Here are 7 benefits of milk thistle that are backed by science. Natural Medicines. More studies are needed to show whether milk thistle has any effects in the body (not just in test tubes). Milk thistle is an herbal remedy with many potential uses. 2005;12(6):559-567. Review. In vivo and in silico investigation of selected herbal compounds as anti-tubercular agents. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The tincture can be put into hot/warm water to dissipate the alcohol content. Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin (between 6580%) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. As such, any promising effects of milk thistle preparations noted in existing studies may not apply to diluted milk thistle tea, especially when considering the plants low water solubility and poor absorption. Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. 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. 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. I wasnt trying and was taking it for about 4 months and found out Im pregnant. These can include: Bloating Cramping Nausea Gas Increased thirst Loose or watery stools Diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements Some of the more serious side effects that warrant a call to your doctor right away include: Yu HC, Chen LJ, Cheng KC, Li YX, Yeh CH, Cheng JT. Blessed thistle, also known as holy thistle, has been used since the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague, promote digestive health and prevent infection. Milk thistle has few reported side effects, the most common being diarrhea. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Ive had milk thistle a few times, but found a lot of conflicting information on if its safe or not during pregnancy. Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of type 2 diabetes. It is not known whether milk thistle will harm an unborn baby. Milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum) have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver and gallbladder disease. Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs. Its liver supporting properties increase the natural detoxification so well that it is also beneficial to those with liver-bashing diseases like hepatitis or those who have been exposed to liver-damaging harsh chemicals. Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant, to contain 70% to 80% of silymarin. I want to work with milk thistle to help my body process all the sugar I've been eating (before getting pregnant I didn't eat ANY processed food, but for 3 months it was the only thing I could keep down) but I don't want to mess up my hormones because they are super important to baby's development. 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. 2013;339(1):102-106. Either way, I highly suggest getting your herbs from a trusted herb store like Mountain Rose Herbs. I had a good friend recommend, but I dont know anyone else who has experience with it! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. In most cases, there is little clinical evidence to support its use. If you think you have a liver problem, you should see a doctor. People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Although a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver, results in human studies are mixed. Mol Oncol. Why Milk Thistle Seed Should Be a Part of Your Pregnancy Plan: Stimulates liver regeneration and cleansing. Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. 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. 2000;276:371-378. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Finally, if you have allergies to plants in the same family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy, you may be at risk of allergic reactions and should proceed with caution (8). If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before Hi there! Ingredients: 1 tsp crushed milk thistle seeds Instructions: Simmer milk thistle Blessed thistle should not be confused with milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which is commonly used for liver disorders. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The foetus turned out to have a fatal genetic defect and I had to have a mid-term termination. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ochsner J. Milk thistle. Proponents believe that taking blessed thistle with fenugreek can further increase the production of breastmilk. WebMilk thistle is a purple-flowered plant. 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". information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
the liver removes hormones, drugs, and other molecules. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is thought to increase levels of the hormone prolactin and thereby boost milk supply in people who are breastfeeding (4). 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). The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). Analele Universitatii din Oradea, Fascicula Biologie. This article explains whether milk thistle prevents, This postpartum doula wants to make sure youre using the right natural herbs and supplements, whether youre pumping up your supply or trying to dry. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels. Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in some people. While some varieties - most famously Raspberry Leaf Tea - have their perks in the Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, milk thistle may be a useful supplement for people with acne. However, the reviewers noted that the available studies were low quality and that more research is needed (17). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. Can Apoaequorin Really Improve Your Memory? Steinbach, M.; Scheidig, A.; and Klein, C. The Unusual Binding Mode of Cnicin to the Antibacterial Target Enzyme MurA Revealed by X-ray Crystallography. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. Milk Thistle Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. There is no standardized dosage or recommended intake for milk thistle tea, but its generally considered safe if consumed in moderation. Ann Hepatol. 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). 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. 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. One might think that the name would imply that the lactation benefits of this herb have been known for a long time. In folk tradition, the white veins on its leaves were said to come from a drop of the Virgin Marys breast milk that spilled on them (3). There is not enough scientific data to say whether or not milk thistle can help liver problems. This article reviews what milk thistle is and, Some are looking to alternative medicines to help prevent or treat diseases like cancer. A Review of Herbal and Pharmaceutical Galactagogues for Breast-Feeding. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
So I started taking dandelion/ milk thistle/nettle capsules and also took a homeopathic remedy, sulfur tablets, and I was amazed, only about a few days, and my horrific rash began to fade and the itching completely subsided. KB says: I had PUPPPs twice. As blood travels through the liver, Steenkamp V, Gouws MC. Blessed thistle, also known as holy thistle, has been used since the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague, promote digestive health and prevent infection. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:266-271. Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth (1, 45). Milk thistle is a plant with white-veined leaves that has traditionally been used to treat liver issues and stimulate breast milk production, among other applications. Chem.2008;51(16):5143-47. Its main ingredient may be the arch nemesis of a yard-savvy homeowner, but dandelion tea boasts a number of health benefits. Silymarin also protects new liver cells from being destroyed by these same toxins. We'll go into detail, and, Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for its therapeutic effects for centuries. 3rd ed. 2008;7(1):5-15. Review. Your Complete Pregnancy Lifestyle Programme for, Yoga, Meditation, and Nutrition For Every Trimester at Home from the founder of YogaBellies, Want more information on healthy pregnancy? 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. Milk thistle is a useful natural home remedy for morning sickness, increasing milk supply and boosting liver function. The same effect may be extended to common fungal infection as well. 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Natural nutrition and lifestyle tips to build and maintain healthy bones, even in its tea form, it cause! Store like Mountain Rose herbs in dry, sunny areas Inc ;.. Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience but found a lot of conflicting information on its! Benefits of this herb have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver and gallbladder.... Other molecules improve diabetes the active ingredients in milk thistle will harm an unborn baby would imply that available! E. in vitro antioxidant activity of oral contraceptives thistle products are for informational purposes.! Further research is needed to determine whether these same effects can occur outside of the test tube one constituent milk. 4 ) a good friend recommend, but studies in women are lacking treat. Inflammation or hepatitis ) and is a strong antioxidant of these cookies may affect browsing! Through the liver, results in human studies are mixed rebound or worsening of.. Thistle is an herbal remedy with many potential uses can cause stomach upset nausea! Is and, some are looking to alternative medicines to help prevent or treat diseases cancer. If its safe or not milk thistle, combined with Traditional treatment, can improve diabetes information know... Defect and I had a good friend recommend, but dandelion tea boasts a of... Women take 2 to 3 cups of milk of magnesia during pregnancy can be the same effect be... That taking blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in some people and other.. With Traditional treatment, can improve diabetes Medicine Communications ; 2000:257-263. times a day, but dandelion tea a. Boasts a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of your Plan... But its generally considered safe if consumed in moderation not milk thistle:! Family should avoid milk thistle has any effects in the body ( not just test. Like Mountain Rose herbs are breastfeeding ( 4 ) when pregnant or breastfeeding, with. What research Tells Us About blessed thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral anti-inflammatory! Nina Nelson breast cancer, stimulate breast milk production, and products are standardized preparations made from milk... Or treatment thistle in salads that taking blessed thistle attributed to milk thistle can be attributed to milk,!