Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015. Phytother Res. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The plants milky sap and rumored connection to Marys milk are two reasons why some people believe it can stimulate breast milk production (4). Sadava D, Kane SE. Michelfelder AJ, Lee KC, Bading EM. WebPregnancy and breast-feeding: There isnt enough reliable information to know if milk thistle is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Best Milk Thistle Supplement: Future Kind Milk Thistle Seed Liver Cleanse. This is great for cleansing the liver. Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Herbal remedies are not strictly regulated in the United States. Herbal teas have a wide variety of tastes, flavors and even health benefits. May ease depression and help prevent postpartum baby blues and postpartum depression. Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes: Agarwal R, Agarwal C, Ichikawa H, Singh RP, Aggarwal BB. While blessed thistle is presumed to be safe for nursing mothers, it may stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy. Its liver supporting properties increase the natural detoxification so well that it is also beneficial to those with liver-bashing diseases like hepatitis or those who have been exposed to liver-damaging harsh chemicals. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth (1, 45). Susun Weed stated that it will even help those with suicidal feelings, making it a very important herb to add to the usual red raspberry leaf tea to help fend off postpartum depression. It grows to 3 feet tall. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels. Things to remember when you fill your prescription. However, the reviewers noted that the available studies were low quality and that more research is needed (17). 2008;35(4):749-767. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant, to contain 70% to 80% of silymarin. Blessed thistle should not be confused with milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which is commonly used for liver disorders. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, The Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center, Heart - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mount Sinai Center for Asian Equity and Professional Development, Preparing for Surgery and Major Procedures, Herbs with Similar Side Effects as: Milk Thistle, Herbs with Similar Warnings as: Milk Thistle, Stop cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, Capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120mg to 140 mg of silymarin). Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Silibinin is a potent antiviral agent in patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy. Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs. This is great for cleansing the liver. Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Here are 7 benefits of milk thistle that are backed by science. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Some studies found improvements in liver function, while others did not. One reported effect of milk thistle is that it can boost breast milk production in lactating mothers. Pak J Pharm Sci. Possible side effects of the plant include stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea (1). Thus, drinking this tea is not the best way to absorb any beneficial plant compounds (6, 7). 2013;339(1):102-106. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). Steps to Take, Closer to a Cancer Cure? 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). the liver removes hormones, drugs, and other molecules. In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects (1). Milk thistle may also be poorly absorbed in tea form. long-term use and there have been no harmful effects reported from limited use Summary Milk thistle may increase breast milk production in women who are lactating, though very little research has been done to confirm its effects. https://www.micromedexsolutions.com. In addition to stimulating and supporting the liver in detoxification, Milk Thistle also supports digestion by stimulating the liver and gallbladder to secrete bile. However, this is the only clinical study available. Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin (between 6580%) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. I am a huge fan of herbs and in my first pregnancy I decided to continue taking some herbal supplements I was on before, including milk thistle, even though there weren't really studies proving they were safe. Limited research suggests milk thistle may help in the treatment of liver diseases, stimulate breast milk production, and have anti-diabetic effects. Though silymarin is present in the flowers and leaves of the thistle, its most concentrated in the seeds (2). The data is very limited, but one randomized controlled study found that mothers taking 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced 64% more milk than those taking a placebo (37). Further research is needed to determine whether these same properties can be attributed to milk thistle. Ive had milk thistle a few times, but found a lot of conflicting information on if its safe or not during pregnancy. Milk thistle spreads quickly (it is considered a weed in some parts of the world), and it matures in less than a year. 2000;276:371-378. It may also make chemotherapy work more effectively against certain cancers and, in some circumstances, even destroy cancer cells (9, 29, 30, 31). Milk thistle may help with blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing inflammation associated with diabetes (18). By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. Silymarin may exhibit antioxidant effects by scavenging and preventing the formation of reactive molecules called free radicals that can contribute to cell damage and disease development. But the clinical trial evidence for this benefit is still lacking. For an added layer of safety, choose supplements that have been certified organic under the regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The thing is, emotionally I couldn't let it go that I could have done something to cause this problem in my baby, and I beat myself up for a very long time about it. They say the daily intake of Silymarin should be about 280mg, either way, I would love to talk to pregnant women who have taken the herb during their pregnancy and the different brands they used and how their babies turned out. Milk thistle is found to increase breast milk production. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, theres currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Blessed thistle tea can be made by steeping 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried herb in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Why Milk Thistle Seed Should Be a Part of Your Pregnancy Plan: Stimulates liver regeneration and cleansing. If you think you have a liver problem, you should see a doctor. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that naturally supports hormone balance and is considered by herbalists to be one of the best plant allies for liver health. Some are looking to alternative medicines to help prevent or treat diseases like cancer. Why Milk Thistle Seed Should Be a Part of Your Pregnancy Plan: Herbalists Protection to kidney. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. As such, any promising effects of milk thistle preparations noted in existing studies may not apply to diluted milk thistle tea, especially when considering the plants low water solubility and poor absorption. Milk thistle tea is considered safe in moderation. Low Dog T. Traditional and alternative therapies for breast cancer. Milk thistle has long been used to prevent poisoning, particularly in cases of ingestion of poisonous mushrooms. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Helps the liver heal from assaults by supplements, meds, environmental toxins, etc. Curr Med Chem. Milk thistle: early seeds of potential. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. There are no known adverse effects for milk thistle, making it safe to consume during pregnancy and while nursing*. *As always, check with a care provider with extensive knowledge in herbs to make sure its good for your situation. How much Milk Thistle do you recommend? Polyak SJ, Oberlies NH, Pecheur EI, Dahari H, Ferenci P, Pawlotsky JM. The Speak with a healthcare professional before trying the plant while breastfeeding (8, 15). Milk thistle is a plant with white-veined leaves that has traditionally been used to treat liver issues and stimulate breast milk production, among other applications. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. It enhances memory by delivering oxygen to the brain and is supportive of the heart and lungs. Moreover, its unclear whether milk thistle is well enough absorbed in people to allow adequate amounts to pass through the blood-brain barrier. The same effect may be extended to common fungal infection as well. They are seen in very high numbers in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, meaning that milk thistle could potentially be used to help treat this difficult condition (21). Eg if the mother has chronic asthma, not taking medication poses greater risk to the baby (ie lack of oxygen) than the medication itself. The side effects of milk of magnesia during pregnancy can be the same as those for the non-pregnant population. Some think the excess hormones have a lot to do with nausea in pregnancy, so helping the liver process those hormones can be a step in reducing the nausea. (Review). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I have been drinking dandelion tea almost daily (22 weeks). Your Complete Pregnancy Lifestyle Programme for, Yoga, Meditation, and Nutrition For Every Trimester at Home from the founder of YogaBellies, Want more information on healthy pregnancy? One constituent of milk thistle may inhibit an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which is involved in the activity of oral contraceptives. According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, the cnicin in blessed thistle binds to bacteria in a unique way, blocking the enzymes needed for bacterial replication. The active ingredient -- the one that protects the liver -- in milk thistle is known as silymarin, a chemical extracted from the seeds. 3rd ed. Milk thistle. Specifically, Silymarin in milk thistle effects the liver. Lancet Oncol. Anticancer potential of silymarin: from bench to bed side. All rights reserved. The liver helps to filter toxins from the body, including excess hormones. Its also unknown what doses would need to be prescribed for it to have a beneficial effect (18). Although bitter, the plant is edible and rich in a compound known as cnicin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. 2016 Jun; 10(6): 921-37. Longe, J., ed. Today, The plants flowers are purple (2). Milk thistle has been used as a traditional remedy for neurological conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease for over two thousand years (13). 7 Best (and Worst) Natural Supplements for Your Milk Supply, 7 Ways Dandelion Tea Could Be Good for You, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. You 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. However, some breastfeeding mothers report an increase in breast milk after using blessed thistle for only a few days. 2000;(21):1-3. healthcare provider about use in pregnancy and beyond. 13) Red Blood Cells. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. 2006;12(9):2944-2950. 2008;135(5):1561-1567. Yu HC, Chen LJ, Cheng KC, Li YX, Yeh CH, Cheng JT. Blessed Thistle is often used in teas for nursing mothers to help increase milk supply. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press. Acta Biomed.2008 Dec;79(3):205-10. Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Int J Oncol. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. waste products are converted into inactive forms and then pushed through to the It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have allergies to plants in the same plant family, you should use caution or avoid milk thistle tea. Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. Mayer KE, Myers RP, Lee SS. To ensure quality and potency in your herbal remedies, why not grow your own? As 2016 review of studies from Tulane University didn't so much dismiss blessed thistle as a galactagogue. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. While Its name comes from the milky white veins on the leaves and the white sap they produce when broken. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Trop J Pharm Res. Two flavonolignans from milk thistle (silybum marianum) inhibit CYP2C9-mediated warfarin metabolism at clinically achievable concentrations. Morning sickness Milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum) have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver and gallbladder disease. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 3 In another Learning about it as a pregnant woman made me even more excited to get some and put its many healing benefits to work. Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. I am eager to take milk thistle during my pregnancy to support my liver function. 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Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and research ( MFMER ) between 6580 % ) that been! % ) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle extract has a high quality community experience contain 70 to... Mothers to milk thistle pregnancy increase milk supply Silybum marianum ), which is commonly used liver... Jun ; 10 ( 6, 7 ) conflicting information on if its safe or not pregnancy!, diagnosis, or treatment prevent postpartum baby blues and postpartum depression side of! Not using a tea bag, strain the tea before drinking it ingestion of mushrooms...