Treatment claims also include: Others use it to help prevent harm to the liver. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine. 5 (2016): 1091–95. Shavandi, Mehrdad, Ali Moini, Yadollah Shakiba, Ahamad Mashkorinia, Milad Dehghani, Shirin Asar, and Amir Kiani. Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of medical conditions, including diseases of the liver and gallbladder (1). “Effect of Silymarin on Biochemical Indicators in Patients with Liver Disease: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.” World Journal of Gastroenterology 23, no. THISTLE, MILK Botanical: Silybum marianum Family: N.O. Milk thistle is commonly sold as an isolated extract. Derosa, Giuseppe, Angela D’Angelo, and Pamela Maffioli. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), milk thistle seeds are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity' category. Its use in treating liver diseases dates back to the 1700s, and its use to The active ingredient of the herb, silymarin, is found in the ripe seeds of the plant. The terms “milk thistle” and “silymarin” are often used interchangeably. Water does not extract milk thistle well and alcohol is often contraindicated for those seeking liver protection. soils and is sometimes considered an invasive weed. It often grows in disturbed “The Therapeutic Effect of Silymarin in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Disease: A Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) of Randomized Control Trials.” Medicine 96, no. Milk thistle is used by some people to help with liver problems. The leaves start as a basal rosette before growing up the stem. This is one of the rare plants that can heal just about everything. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Edible parts of Common Thistle: Root - cooked. Milk Thistle Medicinal Uses: Plant Preparations Herbalists often prefer to use the whole seed of milk thistle, freshly ground, and added to foods (I like it in yogurt and oatmeal). Milk Thistle Precautions and Warnings. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 9 (September 2017): 1323–29. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. A study showed that a formulation including milk thistle extract could strongly benefit the skin by increasing elasticity and improving skin tone.10, [Milk thistle] is a good herb to consider for individuals who are or have been exposed to solvents and chemicals via lifestyle choices (drugs, alcohol) or their job (hairdressers, mechanics, factory workers).Maria Noël Groves - Body Into Balance, Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common side effect of radiotherapy performed on cancer patients. After five weeks those using the milk thistle gel fared significantly better than those using the placebo.11Another study showed that a milk thistle extract gel could prevent hand-foot syndrome, which is a common adverse reaction to a medication given to people with gastrointestinal cancer.12, And yet another study concluded that, “Prophylactic administration of conventional form of [milk thistle extract] tablets could significantly reduce the severity of radiotherapy induced mucositis and delay its occurrence in patients with head and neck cancer.”13. An interesting study showed how herbs can be a powerful adjunct therapy to patients with type 1 diabetes. While this may seem to be a very specific action, because of all the extensive things your liver does, the implications are far reaching. Contraindication of Milk Thistle. Through its bitter properties, milk thistle increases the flow of gastric juices relieving dyspepsia, indigestion and … Avelar, Camila Ribeiro de, Emile Miranda Pereira, Priscila Ribas de Farias Costa, Rosângela Passos de Jesus, and Lucivalda Pereira Magalhães de Oliveira. In other words, patients could take less insulin and still have good blood sugar control.9Milk thistle can even protect your skin. One review reports, “Administration of silybin [a milk thistle extract] within approximately 48 hours after poisoning produced by the mushroom Amanita phalloides (death cap) seems to be an effective measure to prevent severe liver damage.”5, I like to combine milk thistle seed with dandelion root and turmeric Bone, Kerry. Description; Medicinal Action and Uses---Synonym---Marian Thistle.---Parts Used---Whole herb, root, leaves, seeds and hull.The Marian, or Milk Thistle, is perhaps the most important medicinally among the members of this genus, to which all botanists do not, however, assign it, naming it Silybum Marianum. The plant is used in natural medicinal remedies, to brew as a tea, and as a recipe ingredient. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used milk thistle to treat snake bites and liver diseases. The researchers say these results could be due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties within milk thistle.6One recent study showed that men and women with type 2 diabetes who were given a milk thistle extract had a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and serum insulin, and improved cholesterol levels as compared to those taking a placebo.7 Another study showed that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had a significant reduction in hs-CRP after taking a milk thistle extract for 45 days.8 (Elevated hs-CRP levels are strongly related to heart disease.) Beneath that harsh exterior is a gold mine of seeds (technically fruits) that are renown for their ability to nourish and protect. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, https://nccih.nih.gov/health/milkthistle/ataglance.htm?nav=gsa. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010.9. It grows in Mediterranean countries and is used to make natural remedies. Indigestion (dyspepsia). Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. It is not meant to diagnose medical conditions, to treat any medical conditions or to prescribe medicine. They are wet, and though not spectacularly tasty, they are wet. Milk thistle, or Silybum Marianum, is a commonly used herbal medicine in the management of several disorders. Hahn, Hyung Jin, Ho Jung Jung, Med Christine Schrammek-Drusios, Sung Nae Lee, Ji-Hyun Kim, Seung Bin Kwon, In-Sook An, Sungkwan An, and Kyu Joong Ahn. years, milk thistle has been relied upon for its ability to protect the Take extra care if you are allergic to pollens or plants like ragweed, daisy, aster, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. “The Role of a Fixed Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum Combination in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.” Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) 35, no. This is only a brief summary of general information. Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal. Milk thistle is one of the easiest to identify fall foraging offerings. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here. newsletter where I send my best tips and herbal recipes. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products. It is typically used as an herbal remedy to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. The milk thistle seeds should be stored in a cool dry place until ready to use. This information does not endorse any natural products or similar treatments, therapies, or life-style choices as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. Milk thistle has over 2,000 years of history as an important medicinal herb for the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders. Since water’s not exactly limited here in Vermont it hadn’t occurred to me. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3192351.3. It also revealed that milk thistle can improve liver function in the same population.2Some research has shown that milk thistle can benefit people who have been diagnosed with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, although more studies are needed.3,4 Milk thistle is famously used to counteract the often fatal effects of eating poisonous mushrooms like Amanita phalloides, or death cap mushroom. Like stinging nettles, you MUST wear gloves when harvesting any part of this plant – or suffer the consequences of having tiny and clear little thorns embedded into your fingers. Signs of liver problems. “Silymarin (Livergol®) Decreases Disease Activity Score in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Non-Randomized Single-Arm Clinical Trial.” Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 16, no. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 7 Dec 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Dec 2020), ASHP (updated 3 Dec 2020) and others. Arab herbal medicine has a tradition of using milk thistle to treat infertility, … Not to be used by lactating mothers. Go to the ER right away. What we commonly call milk thistle seeds are technically fruits or achenes. Treatment claims also include: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6231.12. In more recent years it has been widely heralded as a life-saving “Discussion of Specific Standardized Extracts.” HerbalGram. A taste somewhat like a Jerusalem artichoke, but not as nice. Milk thistle is a weed, which grows commonly in California and other parts of the world having a warm climate. Thistles will resprout readily if cut down, so it’s best to dig the whole plant up by the root. your information and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. Other common names for the plant include M… Water does not extract milk thistle well and alcohol is often contraindicated for those seeking liver protection. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a perennial herb believed to have medicinal properties. Recent research has proven beneficial health effects of milk thistle for the kidneys, as well as for the liver. Some people with diabetes will take it to help lower blood sugar. turmeric, echinacea, saw palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, garlic. (Silymarin) Extract Supplementation on Antioxidant Status and Hs-CRP in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology 22, no. Veprikova, Zdenka, Milena Zachariasova, Zbynek Dzuman, Alena Zachariasova, Marie Fenclova, Petra Slavikova, Marta Vaclavikova, Katerina Mastovska, Daniel Hengst, and Jana Hajslova. Recommended Dosage. Because milk thistle is related to ragweed, folks with seasonal allergies to this wild plant should avoid consuming it as either a fall foraging for edible or medicinal purposes. Milk thistle is commonly used as a home remedy to treat liver problems, often under the presumption that it will "detoxify" the liver. “The active component of milk thistle, silymarin, has reported antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antifibrogenic, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects in addition to stabilizing hepatocyte cell membranes against free radical attack.103-105 Silymarin is a potent antioxidant. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a member of the Asteraceae family, is a therapeutic herb with a 2000-year history of use in traditional Chinese, European, and Ayurvedic medicine.Originally native to Southern Europe, Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean region, the plant now grows wild throughout the world. With its spiny leaves and bristly flowers, milk thistle defiantly defends itself against predators looking for an easy meal. Documented use of milk thistle as a remedy for liver ailments goes back to the first century, according to the website Herbal Legacy. Milk thistle, in combination with other supplements, might improve the symptoms of indigestion. This mushroom is responsible for most of the mushroom-related deaths around the world. The seeds from the milk thistle flower cones are used to make the extract. One reader reported to me that she is deathly allergic to milk thistle ... Medical research suggests that milk thistle, ... a key part of type 2 diabetes. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Milk thistle is commonly sold as an isolated extract. While some herbs have very specific indications and a definite energetic pattern, milk thistle is a neutral herb in taste, humidity and thermal indexes. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product. Milk thistle, a member of the daisy family, is native to parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Copyright 2010-2020 www.HerbalRemediesAdvice.org by Rosalee de la ForêtAffiliate Disclaimer, Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book. Liver disease. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. “Effect of Oral Silymarin Administration on Prevention of Radiotherapy Induced Mucositis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Phytotherapy Research: PTR 30, no. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild and the Education Director for LearningHerbs. Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. American Botanical Council15. Milk thistle has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn, or seasonal allergy symptoms. Based on this research, milk thistle is the most recommended herb and supplement for liver health. Herbs     Recipes     Your Health     Resources      My Story     Contact, Information found on this website is meant for educational purposes only.It is not meant to diagnose medical conditions, to treat any medical conditions or to prescribe medicine. Milk thistle may speed up the metabolism of some pharmaceuticals. The extract of this herb is used to reap its cell regenerating benefits. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions. Mature leaves have many sharp spines and contain significant white veins or spots. “Instrumental Evaluation of Anti-Aging Effects of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Palmitoyl Peptides, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Vitamin E and Other Functional Ingredients on Aged Human Skin.” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 12, no. Milk thistle, discovered around 2,000 years ago, is one of the best known herbal remedies. It has milky white veins, which are said to have originated from a falling drop of the milk of the Virgin Mary, which may explain why it is sometimes referred to as St Mary’s thistle or Our Lady’s thistle. liver. The terms “milk thistle” and “silymarin” are often used interchangeably. With its large purple flower heads, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a member of the sunflower family. If allergic to plants in the daisy family like ragweed, chamomile or yarrow should avoid. The root is edible, and according to one source, it tastes “like burdock root only better.”While burdock stalks are delicious, I really can’t stand burdock root, and I think it tastes like bitter dirt.Thus, I’m not excited about cooking up a thistle root. This product may interfere with some lab tests. By signing up for my free course you’ll also be joining my weekly Although normally considered a safe natural treatment, caution is advised by professionals when it comes to using this herb because of an increase in hepatic clearance of pharmaceuticals. Get started by taking my free Herbal Jumpstart e-course. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02105. Last updated on Jul 2, 2019. “Hepatoprotective Effect of Silymarin.” World Journal of Hepatology 6, no. We are lucky this protective plant works so well for so many! In this study, patients were given an herbal formula containing Berberis aristata and milk thistle to take concurrently with their prescribed insulin. And rightfully so, for it has a treasure to protect! Vargas-Mendoza, Nancy, Eduardo Madrigal-Santillán, Angel Morales-González, Jaime Esquivel-Soto, Cesar Esquivel-Chirino, Manuel García-Luna Y González-Rubio, Juan A. Gayosso-de-Lucio, and José A. Morales-González. There are over 3,000 research results for milk thistle and its components listed in the U.S. National Library of Medicine‘s Pubmed online database – the world’s largest online medical library. A rather bland flavour, the root is best used mixed with other vegetables. Sometimes the standardized extract itself is called "silymarin." Milk thistle was used by early medical practitioners to handle congestion in the kidneys, spleen, and veins. 27 (July 21, 2017): 5004–17. substance for people with severe liver damage. Its herbal remedy is known as milk thistle extract. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2015.08.004.10. Since antiquity, milk thistle seeds have been used for the treatment of liver disease. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5857.13. The resultant concentration ratio is typically between 40:1 and 70:1. 1. There is good pharmacological and clinical evidence to support the hepatoprotective activity of both the extract and silybin.”14. I never sell The root is rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. As is the case with Feverfew, medical use of Milk thistle may be traced back more than 2,000 years. “Topical Silymarin Administration for Prevention of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Phytotherapy Research: PTR 31, no. Ebrahimpour-Koujan, Soraiya, Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Majid Mobasseri, Hadi Valizadeh, and Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine. Asia, but has now spread across the world. Milk thistle is a flowering plant that comes from the same family of plants as the daisy. 49 (December 2017): e9061. The Eclectics, a school of medical herbalists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, used milk thistle to treat varicose veins and various pelvic congestions, including those linked to menstruation and to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have: Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar. Select one or more newsletters to continue. The secret to using herbs successfully begins with knowing who YOU are. Signs of a very bad reaction. Like Feverfew, Milk thistle has been subject to many clinical trials which clearly demonstrate its effectiveness. Milk thistle is most famous for its ability to protect and nourish the liver. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2016.3447.11. Milk thistle is widely regarded as safe. 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That Heal has a treasure to protect the Education Director for LearningHerbs contain significant white veins or spots protect skin! The case with Feverfew, medical use of milk thistle,... a key part of type 2 diabetes but... Thistle: root - cooked the hepatoprotective activity of both the extract and silybin.”14 best and. Is typically between 40:1 and 70:1 plain water after meals, Shirin,! Thistle tincture, use 1 part natural matter to three parts alcohol or glycerin Mohammad Reza Niazi Moghadam, Amir. Have used milk thistle is a flavonoid believed to have antioxidant and effects! Birth control you can trust while taking this product if you are pregnant or plan to become soon! Or were given a placebo starting on the first century, according to legend, were the Mary. The milky sap that comes out of the world if allergic to plants in the United States South! And Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal records... Forãªtaffiliate Disclaimer, Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy herbs...