Suggested dosages range between 70 mg twice a day to 420 mg of silymarin three times a day. The PDR for Herbal Medicines recommends taking a milk thistle supplement of 200 to 400 mg three times a day. This would provide 140 to 360 mg of silymarin in each dose, if the supplement was standardized to 70% to 80%.
Can you take milk thistle while drinking alcohol?
Milk Thistle is a popular herbal remedy that may be beneficial for those who overindulge in alcohol. One of the biggest dangers of excessive drinking is liver damage. Anything that can help protect against this is welcome. It is not suggested that this herbal remedy is a cure for alcoholic liver disease, but it may lessen the severity of it.
How to use milk thistle in your diet?
• Milk Thistle as Salad Ingredient: Add milk thistle stalks, leaves, flowers, and roots to your diet as an ingredient in salads and cooked meals. • As Smoothie ingredient: Milk thistle can be made into a delicious smoothie. Soak ground milk thistle seeds in water overnight. Then add chopped lycium berries and some lemon juice.
Can milk thistle make you feel better?
No doubt that milk thistle is a natural boon to treat the health ailments but it has another side also that makes it a curse. It is a great benefit and an effective tool in curing various health problems but if consumed for a long time can turn out to be disastrous.
Can one take too much milk thistle?
What happens if i take too much milk thistle? In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ). When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating. Some people are advised to be cautious when taking milk thistle.
Can you take milk thistle every day?
Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people at dosages up to 420 mg 3 times a day. However, it may cause allergic reactions, such as itching, headaches, and joint pain, or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.
How much milk thistle should you take a day?
Dosage forms The available forms of Milk thistle are capsules, tablet, tincture and intravenous solution. Adult dosage in terms of hepatoprotection is 420 mg/day of extract (standardized to 70-80% silymarin) three times a day for 6-8 weeks. Maintenance dose is 280 mg/day.
When should I take milk thistle morning or night?
Milk thistle is generally tolerated well by the body, meaning you can take it pretty much whenever you want. It won't keep you awake at night, it can be taken on an empty stomach or combined with meals as an added ingredient, and there isn't a particular time of day where it's more potent or effective.
Can milk thistle harm your liver?
It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. There's some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses.
Is 1000mg of milk thistle too much?
Dosage and Preparation Milk thistle supplements are commonly sold as in capsule form but are also available as tablets, tea bags, and oral tinctures. Doses range from 175 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. Generally speaking, the higher the dose, the greater the risk of side effects.
Does milk thistle cause weight gain?
One recent study evaluated the effects of using milk thistle extract on mice with obesity. Despite consuming similar quantities of food, the mice that received milk thistle lost about 5% of their weight, while the control group continued gaining weight throughout the study ( 4 ).
How can I detox my liver in 3 days?
The 3-day detox juice cleanse involves consuming only blended juices and water for 3 days....In general, the following steps are taken in a specific order:Morning detox tea.Breakfast drink.Supplements.Lunch drink.Supplements (multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics)Snack drink.Dinner drink.Detox ultra-bath.
How do you know your liver is detoxing?
Liver detox includes signs such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, tremors, increased heart rate, and more.
Does milk thistle make your hair fall out?
When it comes to the hair, it is found that the extract of milk thistle. specifically silymarin, promotes healthy hair by preventing hair loss and strengthening hair follicles. When combined with other natural ingredients and plants, it is known to be more effective in protecting the hair.
Can you drink alcohol while taking milk thistle?
Do not consume alcohol while you are taking silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle. While there is no specific interaction between this nutritional supplement and alcohol, the primary reason people take silymarin is to protect the liver and help it repair itself.
Will milk thistle help a fatty liver?
Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. This may help ease symptoms from liver diseases like jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease.
How long does it take for milk thistle to work?
Early research shows that taking milk thistle extract by mouth for up to one year, or taking a product containing the milk thistle constituent silybin plus phosphatidylcholine by mouth for 1 week, improves liver function tests.
What is milk thistle?
Overview. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract.
Does milk thistle affect osteoporosis?
Milk thistle may affect how your liver processes this osteoporosis medication, causing higher levels of the drug in your bloodstream. Talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle if you're taking raloxifene. Simeprevir.
Is milk thistle safe to take?
Taken in appropriate doses, oral use of milk thistle appears to be safe. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache. If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar.
Does milk thistle help with diabetes?
Diabetes. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes, but more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. Indigestion (dyspepsia). Milk thistle, in combination with other supplements, might improve the symptoms of indigestion. Liver disease.
Can you take simeprevir with milk thistle?
Simeprevir. Taking milk thistle with this hepatitis C medication might increase levels of the drug in your blood plasma. Avoid using milk thistle and simeprevir together. Sirolimus (Rapamune). Taking milk thistle with this immunosuppressant might change the way your body processes the medication. Nov. 19, 2020.
Can milk thistle cause an allergic reaction?
Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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.
When to take milk thistle?
Time of Day to Take Milk Thistle. Because milk thistle increases bile secretion, the optimum time of day to take it is in the morning. But, more importantly, it is essential to take it on an empty stomach in divided doses.
Where did milk thistle originate?
Milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years originating in ancient Greece where it initially was used for snakebites. In the middle ages it was used to treat liver problems and in the 1500s it was used for emotional distress. Clearly, this has been an herb of healing for many years subject to a variety of dosage therapies and dosage adjustments.
How many times a day can you take silymarin?
Allergic Rhinitis: One clinical study indicated that a 140 mg tablet of silymarin taken three times per day plus Zyrtec eliminated the constant rhinitis as compared to placebo with just Zyrtec (2).
How much insulin does 140 mg 3x daily reduce?
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Clinical data has shown that 140 mg 3x daily for 45 days statistically reduced fasting glucose by 11% and HBA1C (Hemoglobin A1C) by 14% and improved insulin resistance as compared to baseline. Taking a higher amount, 200 mg/day for four months reduced fasting glucose by 23-43 mg/dl and HBA1C by 1% to 1.5% compared to baseline ( 1 ).
Does milk thistle lower blood sugar?
Whereas milk thistle may act to help lower blood sugar and yield better control, it may also lead to a hypoglycemic event in someone on oral hypoglycemic agents who take milk thistle concurrently without blood sugar monitoring, for example.
Can milk thistle be taken on an empty stomach?
Tea, likewise, is not well absorbed due to its poor water solubility. Milk thistle should be taken on an empty stomach without any other concurrent medications or food ( 5 ). To increase bioavailability the dosage schedule should be broken down into 3 dose regimens ( 7 ).
What is silymarin used for?
It’s unclear what benefits, if any, it may have in the body, but it’s sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. ...
Where is Milk Thistle native to?
Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle.
Is milk thistle safe for children?
While milk thistle has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. Milk thistle is not recommended for children. Side effects. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years.
Does milk thistle lower cholesterol?
By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. But studies on heart benefits have only been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. It’s unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes.
Does milk thistle help with liver disease?
There’s some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. But experts say that the evidence isn’t conclusive.
Can milk thistle be used for any condition?
The best doses of milk thistle have not been established for any condition it may be used to treat. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice.
Does milk thistle cause diarrhea?
Side effects. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle.
How long should I take milk thistle?
If you would like to try a liver cleanse with milk thistle, we recommend taking it every day for at least two weeks.
How much milk thistle oil should I take a day?
You should take about one tablespoon of milk thistle oil per day. As with our powder, if you’re taking prescription medication, including birth control, have a chat to your doctor before adding it to your routine as there may be some interaction. It’s also best to avoid it during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
How long has milk thistle been around?
It has been used for generations as a natural remedy. In fact, people have been using milk thistle as far back as 40 – 90 AD.
Can you take milk thistle capsules?
When people decide to investigate it, they often gravitate towards a supplement. However, while they’re popular, supplement capsules don’t always give you the best transparency over what you’re consuming.
Can you take milk thistle powder with birth control?
Combining it with other foods helps your body to digest it more easily. So, we recommend adding it into your favourite meals. If you’re taking prescription medication, including birth control, speak to your doctor before you add milk thistle powder to your routine.
Can milk thistle go unnoticed?
In short, it isn’t an ingredient that will go unnoticed in your body! As with every food you eat, listen to your body and experiment with amounts until you find the one that’s right for you. You might like to take milk thistle every day, or just now and again as an ingredient in your favourite dishes. Whichever works best for you, your body will ...
Is milk thistle safe for pregnant women?
There has been very little research around milk thistle use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. To be on the safe side, we’d recommend avoiding it during this time. It’s worth remembering that silymarin is a powerful cleanser and works especially hard in the liver.
What are the side effects of milk thistle?
Common side effects may include: nausea, loss of appetite. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Is there a regulated manufacturing standard for herbal supplements?
There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Can milk thistle harm a baby?
Milk thistle may not be recommended in some situations. It is not known whether milk thistle will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Can milk thistle be taken with a ragweed allergy?
an allergy to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Before taking milk thistle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Milk thistle may not be recommended in ...
Is milk thistle good for heartburn?
Milk thistle has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn, or seasonal allergy symptoms. Milk thistle may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.
Can you use milk thistle on a package?
If you choose to use milk thistle, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Can milk thistle be used as a supplement?
Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Milk thistle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Milk thistle is often sold as an herbal supplement.
How much silymarin is in milk thistle?
A 250 mg capsule of milk thistle that is standardized to contain 40% silymarin will deliver half the dosage of silymarin than one that is standardized to contain 80%, for example. Because the FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements like milk thistle, capsules can contain varying amounts of silymarin. Look for products made by reputable ...
What is milk thistle?
About Milk Thistle. Milk thistle is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the milk thistle plant 1. Its active ingredient is silymarin, which is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Can you take milk thistle with hypoglycemic medication?
Certain individuals should not take milk thistle 1. Milk thistle can also intensify the effect of drugs that lower blood sugar, so consult your doctor about what dosage of milk thistle to take if you are being treated with hypoglycemic medications.
Does milk thistle affect blood sugar?
Milk this tle can also intensify the effect of drugs that lower blood sugar, so consult your doctor about what dosage of milk thistle to take if you are being treated with hypoglycemic medications. Milk thistle can occasionally have a laxative effect, or produce other gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset.
Does milk thistle contain silymarin?
Because the FDA doesn't regulate herbal supplements like milk thistle, capsules can contain varying amounts of silymarin. Look for products made by reputable manufacturers of vitamins and supplements, who list the standardized silymarin extract on the package. This way you can understand the dosage you're taking.
Is silymarin a dietary supplement?
Silymarin is administered intravenously in these cases. Milk thistle is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the milk thistle plant 1. There have been studies in Europe that have shown silymarin to be an effective antidote for death cap mushroom poisoning.
Is silymarin good for milk thistle?
Silymarin is not water soluble, so teas aren't an effective way to benefit from milk thistle. There have been studies in Europe that have shown silymarin to be an effective antidote for death cap mushroom poisoning. Silymarin is administered intravenously in these cases.
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle is a plant with white markings on its leaves, from which it derives its name . It can be used medicinally to help treat a number of disorders, including diabetes, liver damage, and indigestion. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source.
How long to bake milk thistle seeds?
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Put the seeds in a single layer on an ungreased, rimmed baking sheet. Bake them for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring the seeds once or twice to help them brown evenly.
How much silymarin is in milk thistle?
A capsule should contain at least 70% of silymarin, the main active ingredient in milk thistle. Dosages may vary depending on the reason you're taking milk thistle, so always check the directions on the label and consult with your doctor before taking this supplement. ...
What is the best medicine for amanita?
Silibinin, which is derived from milk thistle, seems to help treat Amanita (death cap) mushroom poisoning by preventing the amatoxins from reaching your liver and damaging it. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, go immediately to your nearest hospital.
Can milk thistle be taken with hepatitis C?
Milk thistle taken with the Hepatitis C medication simeprevir (Olysio) could increase the concentrations of the drug in your blood plasma. Avoid taking the two together. Taking milk thistle with the immunosuppressant sirolimus (Rapamune) could change the way that your body processes the medication.
Does milk thistle affect CYP2C9?
Taking milk thistle could affect P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates and drugs that this enzyme processes, such as diazepam (Valium) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Milk thistle might also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl). Avoid taking them together.
Does milk thistle help with diabetes?
Research shows that milk thistle might lower blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. In combination with other supplements, it might improve the symptoms of indigestion. [5]
How long does milk thistle extract last?
Research on the effects of milk thistle in people with hepatitis is not consistent. Some research shows that taking milk thistle extract by mouth for 4 weeks reduces hepatitis symptoms, such as dark urine and jaundice, but does not improve liver function tests.
Why is milk thistle taken by mouth?
Milk thistle is taken by mouth most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, alcohol, and chemotherapy, as well as liver damage caused by Amanita mushroom poisoning, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis.
Where is milk thistle found?
Milk thistle is now found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine.
Is milk thistle safe to take?
Side Effects. When taken by mouth: Milk thistle extract is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. In some people, taking milk thistle extract can cause diarrhea, nausea, intestinal gas, fullness, loss of appetite, and possibly headache.
Does milk thistle extract help with ulcerative colitis?
Early research shows that taking milk thistle extract by mouth for 6 months, in addition to standard medications, decreases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and helps maintain remission. A skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo).
Does milk thistle cause ulcers?
Inflammation and ulcers (mucositis) caused by radiation. Early research shows that taking milk thistle extract starting on the first day of radiation and continuing for 6 weeks thereafter decreases the severity of ulcers in the mouth and gut caused by radiation. Liver damage caused by chemicals.
Does milk thistle lower lipids?
Taking milk thistle doesn't seem to lower lipid levels in the blood in people with high levels due to liver disease. Liver damage caused by low oxygen levels. Early research shows that taking milk thistle extract might reduce liver damage caused by low levels of oxygen in the blood.
