Label: Beneficial Botanicals
Botanical Name: Silybum marianum
Other Names: Blessed Milk Thistle, Scotch Thistle, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle
Parts Used: seeds
Organic: Yes Origin: USA
Menstruum: non-grain alcohol, purified water
Tincture Ratio: 1:5
Known Uses:
liver detox for Lyme disease bartonella bacteria
liver detox for drug induced damage
only known antidote to mushroom poisoning (Amanita phalloides)
Hepatitis C virus inhibitor
prevent and repair damage to the liver from toluene and/or xylene
reduce liver damaging effects of chemotherapy
The primary use of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is for liver detox and the repair of damage caused by drug and alcohol abuse. It may be used in a detox treatment for other toxins and to reduce inflammation in the liver from hepatitis. Milk Thistle seed is also the only known natural antidote to mushroom poisoning (Amanita phalloides) when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. Other uses reported include reduction of insulin resistance, heartburn, kidney damage, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Milk Thistle Seed tincture contains a flavonoid complex known as silymarin (70%-80%), which is the component responsible for all of the herb's purported medical benefits, the chemical extracted from the seeds. Silymarin is a group of flavonoids: silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin.
[tab name="Use / Dosage"]
The primary use of Milk Thistle seed is for liver detox and the repair of damage caused by drug and alcohol abuse. It may be used in a detox treatment for other toxins and to reduce inflammation in the liver from hepatitis. Milk Thistle seed is the only known natural antidote to mushroom poisoning (Amanita phalloides) when given within 10 minutes of ingestion.
Known Dosage (for Adults)
According to "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook" a tincture regimen of 20 to 40 drops, three times daily, is recommended.
Documentation suggests that Milk Thistle Seed can be taken long term --as long as 4 to 6 years-- but not at therapeutic dosage levels.
[tab name="Precautions"]
Milk Thistle seed is generally regarded as safe except when combined with certain drugs (see list below). Milk Thistle seed should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with a history of hormone related cancers, including breast, uterine, and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle. Do not take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies.
Possible side effects are mild and may involve stomach upset and diarrhea.
Medicine Interactions:
Antipsychotics - including butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)
Phenytoin (Dilantin) - a medication used for seizures
Halothane - a medication used during general anesthesia
Hormone Prescriptions - Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
Medicine Interference:
Because Milk Thistle is broken down by the same liver enzymes as the following medicines, it is not recommended that you take the tincture while taking these drugs.
Allergy drugs - such as fexofenadine (Allegra)
Drugs for high cholesterol - including statins such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor)
Anti-anxiety drugs - including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
Anti-platelet and anti-coagulant drugs (blood thinners) - including clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin)
Some cancer drugs
Drugs that need to be metabolized by the liver
[tab name="References"]
"The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments" by Alan Keith Tillotson Ph.D. publisher: Kensington; First edition (July 1, 2001)
Additional Information:
PFAF.org, Science Direct
Mayo Clinic
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photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider and should not be construed to indicate that the use of this herbal product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this herbal product.
