Known for its liver healing properties, milk thistle has a storied past in folk medicine. It typically grows 2 to 7 feet high and has spiny leaves. Native to Europe, milk thistle was once used as a food and a medicine. English gardeners used the leaves like lettuce and its roost like the oyster plant. Stalks were cooked like asparagus, and the roasted seeds were prepared like coffee.
The History of Milk Thistle
While milk thistle was used for thousands of years in European folk medicine, it was only recently recognized as a medicine in the 1960s. At the time, German researchers began to conduct experiments using milk thistle. By 1986, a German commission approved milk thistle as an oral treatment for liver disease. This supported centuries …show more content…
This ingredient is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While milk thistle is a natural plant, it is a drug like any other. Because of this, individuals should make sure that they follow all of the precautions and dosage instructions on the package.
Depending on the medical condition, a different dosage of milk thistle may be required. For nasal allergies and antioxidant benefits, adults should take 140 milligrams of silymarin three times a day for up to one month. Patients with viral hepatitis or cirrhosis are recommended 160 to 800 milligrams of silymarin three times a day for three weeks. Meanwhile, diabetics should take 200 to 230 milligrams three times a day for up to 12 months. If the diabetic individual has kidney disease, they should lower this dosage to just 140 milligrams.
Milk thistle can cause side effects like nausea, upset stomachs, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting in high doses. If the individual experiences side effects, they should immediately visit their doctor. Milk thistle is not recommended for individuals with hormone-related cancers. Likewise, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take milk thistle. As a rule, individuals should always discuss any natural supplement or medication with their doctor before taking
The History of Milk Thistle
While milk thistle was used for thousands of years in European folk medicine, it was only recently recognized as a medicine in the 1960s. At the time, German researchers began to conduct experiments using milk thistle. By 1986, a German commission approved milk thistle as an oral treatment for liver disease. This supported centuries …show more content…
This ingredient is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While milk thistle is a natural plant, it is a drug like any other. Because of this, individuals should make sure that they follow all of the precautions and dosage instructions on the package.
Depending on the medical condition, a different dosage of milk thistle may be required. For nasal allergies and antioxidant benefits, adults should take 140 milligrams of silymarin three times a day for up to one month. Patients with viral hepatitis or cirrhosis are recommended 160 to 800 milligrams of silymarin three times a day for three weeks. Meanwhile, diabetics should take 200 to 230 milligrams three times a day for up to 12 months. If the diabetic individual has kidney disease, they should lower this dosage to just 140 milligrams.
Milk thistle can cause side effects like nausea, upset stomachs, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting in high doses. If the individual experiences side effects, they should immediately visit their doctor. Milk thistle is not recommended for individuals with hormone-related cancers. Likewise, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take milk thistle. As a rule, individuals should always discuss any natural supplement or medication with their doctor before taking