Scientific Name: Silybum marianum
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Part Used: Seeds
Actions: hepatic, choleretic, cholagogue, anti-inflammatory, digestant, galactagogue
Energetics: Neutral
Preparations: Capsules, tea, tincture, topical gel
Cautions: Sometimes causes headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and gas. Less commonly, muscle aches or joint pain.
Allergic reactions are also possible. People with allergies to ragweed, daisies, artichokes, kiwi, or plants in the aster family may also be allergic to milk thistle.
Avoid with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancers of the breast, uterus, or ovaries or if taking estrogen-based contraceptives.
Do not take if pregnant or nursing.
Milk thistle can change the way that your body metabolizes certain drugs in the liver, and may interaction with:
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- Antibiotics like Biaxin (clarithromycin)
- Anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Voltaren (diclofenac)
- Statin drugs like Mevacor (lovastatin) and Lescol (fluvastatin)
Medicinal Uses: liver health, neutralize toxins, protect against
cancer, modulate oxidative stress, modulate blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels