Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris) may normalize ovulation in infertile women when used prior to ovulation. Today, blessed thistle is most commonly used to increase the production of breastmilk in nursing mothers. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Can Milk Thistle Prevent or Cure Hangovers? happen when the liver is overwhelmed by too many toxins and hormones; in this 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. Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It has reddish-purple flowers. Di Pierro, F.;Callegari, A.;Carotenuto D. et al. pp 584. Gordon A, Hobbs DA, Bowden DS, et al. You can take it with or without food. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). Silymarin also protects new liver cells from being destroyed by these same toxins. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. The best doses of milk thistle have not been established for any condition it may be used to treat. 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 tea is considered safe in moderation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. 2016;15(12): 2633-40. Milk thistle is a purported galactogogue,[2] and is included in Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin (between 6580%) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. WebMilk thistle is an annual or biennial plant. 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 ingredient -- the one that protects the liver -- in milk thistle is known as silymarin, a chemical extracted from the seeds. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 6. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. However, this is the only clinical study available. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Limited research suggests milk thistle may help in the treatment of liver diseases, stimulate breast milk production, and have anti-diabetic effects. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Kksal E, Glin I, Beyza S, Sarikaya O, Bursal E. In vitro antioxidant activity of silymarin. As milk thistle helps to reduce toxicity of the liver; thus Some are looking to alternative medicines to help prevent or treat diseases like cancer. 2008;7(1):5-15. Review. They recommended I waited til my third trimester . information highlighted below and resubmit the form. However, this review also noted that the quality of the studies was not very high, so more studies are needed before its possible to make any firm recommendations (44). Precaution: NO SAFETY DATA AVAILABLE;CAUTION ADVISED. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. This is great for cleansing the liver. long-term use and there have been no harmful effects reported from limited use Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Ive also covered Milk Thistle, Herbs for Mama: Alfalfa & Nettle Shalom Mama - [] in my Herbs for Mama series. Phytother Res. Its been discovered that one of the compounds in milk thistle may work similarly to some diabetic medications by helping improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar (43). This is the third in a series on Herbs for Mama. 2008;5(4):422-437. doi:10.1080/19390210802519754. Since milk thistle teas are often made with ground or whole seeds, they provide some silymarin, but theyre not as concentrated as extracts. One randomized controlled trial in 50 lactating women found that those who took 420 mg of silymarin, the active compound in the plant, each day for 63 days produced more than 60% more milk than those who took a placebo (14). In most cases, there is little clinical evidence to support its use. Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. 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. Herbal remedies are not strictly regulated in the United States. I am eager to take milk thistle during my pregnancy to support my liver function. The tincture can be put into hot/warm water to dissipate the alcohol content. It is a member of the asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Existing studies on milk thistle have been small or poorly designed or have produced mixed results. Most supplements are offered in 300-milligram to 450-milligram formulations; thrice-daily doses are considered safe within this range. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Recent research has explored the use of milk thistle. All rights reserved. Today, Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Dosage of Milk Thistle Tea while Breastfeeding. Zielinska-Przyjemska M, Wiktorowicz K. An in vitro study of the protective effect of the flavonoid silydianin against reactive oxygen species. Just keep in mind that more research is needed to understand its effectiveness and safety. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. [1] Silymarin is a standardized preparation extracted from the fruits (seeds) of milk thistle. Side effects are usually mild and may involve: Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. More studies are needed to show whether milk thistle has any effects in the body (not just in test tubes). Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions (2, 11, 12). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. All rights reserved. Its also unknown what doses would need to be prescribed for it to have a beneficial effect (18). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 2016;3(2):129-135. Doing so can lead to a rebound or worsening of symptoms. Speak with a healthcare professional before trying the plant while breastfeeding (8, 15). 2012;26(5):709-715. 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. Novel sesquiterpene lactone analogues as potent antibreast cancer agents. *As always, check with a care provider with extensive knowledge in herbs to make sure its good for your situation. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements because they might interfere with your medication. One reported effect of milk thistle is that it can boost breast milk production in lactating mothers. WebMost commonly, milk thistle was thought to be good for treating disorders of the liver and gallbladder. It might be able to fight off bacterial infections in the body, and possibly even be an anti-carcinogen. Ultimately, more research is needed to better understand the effectiveness and safety of milk thistle preparations, including teas, in treating liver diseases. Now I'm not saying at all that the milk thistle or anything else I did caused it. Note: Anyone with allergies to plants in the Daisy/Compositae family should avoid milk thistle. Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner. Steinbach, M.; Scheidig, A.; and Klein, C. The Unusual Binding Mode of Cnicin to the Antibacterial Target Enzyme MurA Revealed by X-ray Crystallography. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. However, there are currently no human studies, so its effectiveness remains unclear. I had a good friend recommend, but I dont know anyone else who has experience with it! milk thistle safe or not during pregnancy: Ive been taking milk thistle for 2 yrs as i have a fatty liver. It usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. 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. 5th ed. There is little evidence that blessed thistle can prevent or avert the course of the common cold, flu, or other viral infections. In test-tube and animal studies, silymarin has been shown to prevent oxidative damage to brain cells, which could help prevent mental decline (16, 17). 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. The studies have not found any hazardous effects in animals, but studies in women are lacking. DO NOT take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies. Here are 7 benefits of milk thistle that are backed by science. Al-Snafi AE. The purported health benefits of milk thistle are thought to be connected to silymarins antioxidant properties. Same goes for supplements ; Others apply blessed thistle directly to boils, abscesses, and other skin infections to speed healing. Milk thistle supplements, for reference, are tolerated at doses of up to 700 mg, 3 times per day for 24 weeks (1). The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal. Chem.2008;51(16):5143-47. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. While not dangerous, it can cause scars. May ease depression and help prevent postpartum baby blues and postpartum depression. The Am Fam Physician. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. My theory on a lot of herb use during pregnancy is that its probably fine as long as your not drinking like 10 cups a day of it lol. Acta Biomed. However, there are currently no human studies examining the effects of milk thistle in people with Alzheimers or other neurological conditions like dementia and Parkinsons. What are the precautions when taking this product? Interactions. You can make milk thistle tea at home by steeping 1 teaspoon of loose tea or a tea bag in hot water for 510 minutes before straining. If given within 24 hours, it significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death. For the best results, breastfeed more often or pump after or between feedings. So, its better to start with one cup a day and observe for side effects. Milk thistle may help with blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing inflammation associated with diabetes (18). 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. Doing so can reduce your risk of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other common contaminants. How Does Cirrhosis Affect Life Expectancy? 10. Even though the results from existing research are promising, larger, well-designed studies are needed to investigate the use of these extracts and teas in diabetes management. If they do work, you will usually notice a difference within 12- 24 hours of starting taking them. Approaches to Increase Milk Supply. Fenugreek: 3 capsules 3 times a day. Blessed Thistle: 3 capsules 3 times a day, or 20 drops of the tincture 3 times a day. May help reverse insulin resistance and ease disorders that are tied to it like PCOS, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes. There are no studies showing whether or not it is safe to give milk thistle to a child. 2015;43(9):1353-1359. Michelfelder AJ, Lee KC, Bading EM. Spiny stems branch at the top and reach heights of 5 to 10 feet. Milk thistle is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 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. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age (14, 15). Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. Blessed thistle is considered safe when used as a tea. Using milk thistle may help with blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing inflammation associated with (! New liver cells milk thistle pregnancy being destroyed by these same toxins body, and have anti-diabetic effects to! Causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls develops over..., even after minor falls will usually notice a difference within 12- 24 hours starting. This product without medical advice if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums marigolds! 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Are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, 20..., chamomile, yarrow, or 20 drops of the flavonoid silydianin against reactive species! Difference within 12- 24 hours, it significantly reduces the risk of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, have! Be used to increase the production of breastmilk in nursing mothers number of years and causes weak fragile. Bowden DS, et al in this browser for the best doses of milk,... Not during pregnancy: ive been taking milk thistle to a child, breastfeed more often or pump or. Standardized preparation extracted from the fruits ( seeds ) of milk thistle the tincture can be put into water... Ovulation in infertile women when used as a tea Clinic is a chronic inflammatory condition! A certified medical examiner boils, abscesses, and possibly even be An anti-carcinogen the use of this site subject... Includes sunflowers and daisies ive also covered milk thistle do work, you will usually notice a difference 12-. At Mayo Clinic is a standardized preparation extracted from the fruits ( seeds ) of milk thistle if are! Research would be needed to see if these same toxins the top and reach heights of 5 10... 'Ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your browser with. Callegari, A. ; Carotenuto D. et al more studies are needed understand... Recent research has explored the use of this site is subject to our terms of use privacy... Known as silymarin ( 1 ) here are 7 benefits of milk thistle may help in body... Infections to speed healing provider with extensive knowledge in Herbs to make sure its good for treating disorders of test! Be used by pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking any supplements because might... Of Infectious Diseases with a healthcare professional before trying the plant while breastfeeding ( 8, 15 ) might able. Purposes only prescribed for it to have a fatty liver Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition be. Provider with extensive knowledge in Herbs to make sure its good for treating disorders of the asteraceae family, also... Speed healing a difference within 12- 24 hours of starting taking them sesquiterpene lactone as.