The scientific evidence behind many of the medicinal uses of milk thistle is still inconclusive. Further studies, especially in human rather than animal populations, are needed. [3] X Research source However, it is generally safe to use milk thistle when taken in appropriate doses, and it could be beneficial. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you’re using milk thistle to detoxify your liver, be sure to cut out things like alcohol, anti-inflammatories, and any other substances that might pass to your liver. [7] X Expert Source Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNPNurse Practitioner Expert Interview. 28 August 2020. Research also suggests that milk thistle could potentially protect brain functioning, stimulate bone mineralization, improve the effects of some cancer treatments, boost milk production in lactating women, and decrease acne lesions. [8] X Research source Silibinin, which is derived from milk thistle, seems to help treat Amanita (death cap) mushroom poisoning by preventing the amatoxins from reaching your liver and damaging it. [9] X Research source If you suspect mushroom poisoning, go immediately to your nearest hospital.
If you’re allergic to other plants in the asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, you’re more likely to be allergic to milk thistle. There isn’t data on whether or not milk thistle is safe for pregnant women to take, so the safest course is to avoid it during pregnancy. [10] X Research source Milk thistle might have estrogenic effects. If you have an estrogen-sensitive condition, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, you should probably avoid taking milk thistle. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Milk thistle taken with the Hepatitis C medication simeprevir (Olysio) could increase the concentrations of the drug in your blood plasma. Avoid taking the two together. Taking milk thistle with the immunosuppressant sirolimus (Rapamune) could change the way that your body processes the medication. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Dosages may vary depending on the reason you’re taking milk thistle, so always check the directions on the label and consult with your doctor before taking this supplement. [13] X Research source
Check with your doctor before discontinuing any medicine. Report any side effects you’re experiencing. In some cases, milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including anaphylactic shock. If you’re having trouble breathing, call 911 and get to your nearest hospital immediately. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Milk thistle could also cause additive effects when taken with other diabetes medications. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Toasted seeds can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 weeks or frozen for 1 to 3 months, as long as they’re in an airtight container. [20] X Research source
For a healthy, tasty breakfast smoothie, put 113. 4 g (1/2 cup) of frozen blueberries, 1 large banana, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) each of Maca powder, powdered milk thistle seed, and chia seeds, 118 mL (1/2 cup) of water or nut milk, and a handful of fresh mint leaves into your blender and puree until smooth.
Add a little honey if the tea tastes bitter to you. Grind the seeds and leaves into a powder with a coffee grinder if you don’t have a mortar. [21] X Research source
