What is Milk thistle?
This plant is also called Artichaut sauvage, Cardo lechoso (wild milk thistle), Cardui Mariae (carduus marianus), Chardon Argente (Chardon de Marie), Epine Blanche ("white epine"), Lady's Thistle (“Holy Thistle”), Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, and SilibAlternative medicine has used milk thistle to treat heartburn or allergy symptoms. In a special preparation, milk thistle is often combined with extracts or other plants to treat certain conditions. Researchers have not been able to prove that it is effective in treating other ailments, such as malaria, gallbladder or spleen problems, menstrual issues, liver diseases (such as hepatitis C), or other health conditions. There is no way to know if milk thistle can be used as a treatment for any condition. The FDA has not approved the use of milk thistle as a medicine. You should never use milk thistle in lieu of the medication that your doctor has prescribed. As an herbal supplement, milk thistle can be sold. Many herbal compounds are not manufactured to regulated standards, and many supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated by toxic metals or drugs. To prevent contamination, herbal and health supplements must be purchased from a reputable source. This product guide does not list all possible uses for milk thistle.
Side effects of Milk thistle
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Some of the common side effects associated with milk thistle include:
- Indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain;
- Diarrhea;
- Nausea and loss of appetite
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by calling them on their hotline 1-800-FDA-1088 if experiencing side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Turmeric, Ginkgo Biloba, and Echinacea
Warnings
Please read all instructions on product labels and packaging. Inform your physicians of your allergies and medical conditions, including which medicines you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
This product should not be used if:
- Cancer of the uterus or ovary, past or current;
- A history of endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
If you are suffering from:
- An allergy to certain plants, such as marigolds, daisies, ragweed, or chrysanthemums.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this herb if there are any allergies you may have (especially plants), if you suffer from medical conditions, or if you take herbal supplements or medicines. In some cases, milk thistle is not recommended. There is no way to know if milk thistle can harm an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not use the product without consulting your doctor. There is no way to know if milk thistle can pass into breast milk or harm nursing babies. If you are breastfeeding a child, do not use the product. Don't give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Milk thistle?
Consult your physician before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner experienced in using herbal and health products. Use milk thistle only as instructed by the label or your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Use only the recommended amount of milk thistle. Use different milk thistle forms at the same time without consulting a doctor. Combining different preparations increases the chance of over dosage. If the condition that you're treating with this product does not improve or worsens, call your doctor. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dosage. You should not take extra milk thistle in order to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor has stipulated any restrictions on foods, beverages or activities - be they food-, beverage- or activity-related - then adhere to their advice.
Interaction with other drug
You should not use milk thistle unless you have spoken to your doctor about whether any of these conditions are being treated with medication.
- Any type of disease, including HIV, malaria, or TB;
- Anxiety or depression
- Arthritis pain or occasional pain (including Advil or Motrin Celebrex);
- Asthma or allergy?
- Cancer;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Heartburn (GERD) or gastroesophageal acid reflux disease
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart condition;
- Migraine headaches
- Psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- A psychiatric condition;
- Seizures.
The list below is not exhaustive. There are other drugs that may interact with milk thistle. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and other products. This product guide does not list all interactions.
