Many natural remedies have not been approved by the FDA yet have had success with many people. We at Healthy Living are just going to give you the treatment and claims of some of these Natural cures. In the end you have to decide whether it is right for you. Todays supplement Milk Thistle is supplied by rxlist.com.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
What does Milk Thistle do?
Herb- Milk Thistle Herb has been used medicinally by some people for functional disorders of the liver and gallbladder. . It has been considered especially helpful in cases jaundice, colitis, pleurisy, and diseases of the spleen. Fruit- Milk Thistle Fruit has been used by some for the treatment of dyspeptic symptoms, loss of appetite, liver and gall bladder complaints including inflammation of the gall bladder duct, toxic liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis. It has been used successfully as an antidote to Death-Cap mushroom poisoning (mushroom toxins a-amantin and phalloidin). It has been shown to protect the b.d. from liver damage caused by overdose from acetaminophen, butyrophenones, phenothiazines, halothane, Dilantin or ethanol. It may reduce outbreaks of Psoriasis due to liver disease. Milk Thistle herb and fruit can be taken in capsules, pills, infusions, or tinctures.
Should my health care professional be advised before I take Milk Thistle Fruit or Herb?
They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions: Liver or gallbladder disorders
Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Milk Thistle Fruit or Herb?
They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant Breast-feeding If you plan to administer this herb to a child
How should I take this herb?
Take Milk Thistle Fruit or Herb capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. If you have a sensitive stomach, may be recommended that you take Milk Thistle fruit or herb as a tincture, infusion, or tea. Milk Thistle may have the best bioavailability if it has been extracted in alcohol, as Silymarin, an important active constituent of Milk Thistle, is not as soluble in water. Dosages of Milk Thistle are usually based on Silymarin content, therefore standardized extracts are preferred. You can take Milk Thistle with or without food.
What should the dosage be?
Dosages are usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. Generally: Fruit /Herb- Take daily 12-15 grams of drug or a preparation equivalent to 200 to 400mg of Silymarin, calculated as silibinin Fruit Infusion - 3 grams of drug to one cup water, boil 15 - 20 minutes, 2-3x/day Herb Infusion - 2- 5 grams of drug to one cup boiling water, steeped 20 minutes, 2-3x/day
What side effects may I notice from taking Milk Thistle Fruit and Herb?
Side effects from correctly administered Milk Thistle usage are thought to be rare and it is usually considered to have a low toxicity. The following side effect usually does not require medical attention (however stop usage and report it to your health care professional if it continues, is bothersome or worsens): Laxative effect- mild (from increased bile secretion)
What do I need to watch out for with Milk Thistle Fruit and Herb?
Read labels carefully before purchasing. There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients needed to be of any therapeutic value. Buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.
Where can I keep my herbal product?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.
Can you tell me a little more about Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle is indigenous to the South of Europe however today it can be found growing around the world. It is naturalized in most of Europe and North America. Its usage historically has been as a liver tonic and regenerative. It is an annual or biennial herb that grows to 5 feet high. It is a tenacious herb that can be cultivated easily in sunny gardens. It has an erect stem with alternate wavy, clasping lanceolate leaves at the top and indented-pinnatisect sessile lower leaves. The leaves have white spots and thorns running along the margins. The stem terminates in a solitary large flower composite that is spiny and has a violet to purple head composed of tubular florets. The fruit is blackish to brown, obovoid, spotted, and glossy, with a white long pappus. It should be noted that only the fruit is listed as a Commission E approved herb.
What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?
Milk Thistle's main active bioconstituent is Silymarin. Silymarin selectively acts as an anti-oxidant and protects the b.d. from free radical damage specifically in the intestines and stomach. It increases the liver's content of GSH (glutathione) which is a substance in detoxifying many potentially damaging hormones, chemicals, and drugs (including acetaminophen) It has demonstrated a membrane stabilizing action, which inhibits or prevents lipid peroxidation. It seems to alter the structures of outer wall membranes of hepatocytes, preventing penetration of liver poisons and stimulates the action of nuclear polymerase A. It may increase ribosomal protein synthesis and stimulate the formation of new hepatocytes.
General Safety Advisory
~The information in this document does not replace medical advice.
~Before taking an herb or a botanical, consult a doctor or other health care provider-especially if you have a disease or medical condition,take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation.
~Before treating a child with an herb or a botanical, consult with a doctor or other health care provider.
~Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous.
~If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider.
