Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been used for centuries to combat liver problems and cleanse the liver.  With all of the environmental pollutants we are exposed to in modern society it is enjoying a renaissance of sorts as people discover the benefits of keeping the body cleansed.

Besides a basic cleanse what is it used for? Why should it take up valuable real estate in the medicine cabinet?

Not only does it act to protect your liver from pollutants but it protects it from the action of virus and bacteria against it.  It protects from damage cause by tylenol, and even some heavy toxins.

Milk thistle is used for:

• Viral Hepatitis
• Alcohol related liver problems
• Cancer

The average dose for an adult is 200 to 400 mgs per day for detoxing and protection and about 650 mgs per day for liver damage.

It may also protect the liver from damage from chemotherapy, studies are still being done.

Side Effects?  Herbs, as a general rule, have less side effects that conventional medicines.  Milk Thistle doesn’t generally have too many but they may include:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• rash
• joint pain
• impotence
• anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes throat tightness, shortness of breath, and, possibly, loss of consciousness.)

The last two are very rare.  Any side effect is unusual.

There are  some drug interactions to be aware of:

• Medications used for schizophrenia
•  Phenytoin and other seizure medications
• Halothane, used during anesthesia

Do not take if pregnant or nursing.

Image:wikipedia