Milk Thistle Safety for Good Liver Health 
Milk Thistle is one of the oldest known remedies for liver disease. The ancient Greeks used it for serpent bites, probably because it was considered to be of value in ridding the body of toxins. What about the bite from the dragon we call Hepatitis C? Well, I have had some experience with Milk Thistle and have done a lot of research. I also know that when you are diagnosed with End Stage Liver Disease, your first impulse is to try anything in an attempt to help your liver function.
But is it safe? What brands, and in what doses? I know that you want to do everything you can to help heal your liver. All I can do is share my experience with the Silybum marianum plant, it’s history, modern use, effectiveness, and safety.
History – For centuries the Milk Thistle plant has been used as a way to get relief from bile and poisons. Its’ effectiveness was considered to be miraculous through the middle ages in Europe. A poultice made by boiling down the plant was used on skin eruptions to draw out the poison. It was believed to give relief to an obstructed liver and for kidney ailments also. This sounds amazing, but remember, they also put leeches on people who were sick to draw out the demons that were causing the illness.
Even today, modern homeopathic practitioners use the seeds topically and orally to offer patients relief for everything from jaundice to gallstones.
I’m all for natural remedies. I use tea tree oil on mosquito bites, believe that time spent in quiet prayer and meditation can slow my blood pressure, and carry green tea bags in my purse for all sorts of emergencies. Well, that and safety pins. Don’t ask. But if you run into trouble, find me.
In my teen years, I learned that I had only been born with one kidney. That began my lifelong love of reading about homeopathic medicines. I even grew my own medicinal herbs in order to get pure medicines derived from freshly harvested plants. I planted many with my culinary herbs and subscribed to Prevention Magazine in hopes of surviving for many years.
Now fast forward to my early 50’s and undiagnosed Stage 4 Cirrhosis. I was living on Acai Berry and a multitude of herbs trying to stave off the mental and physical mess that my body was experiencing. A large portion of my food bill was supplementation from health food stores. I was picky about brands, but I was also grasping at straws.
The Diagnosis of Hepatitis C flung me into all kinds of denial. After my initial ascites drain, I was watching the blood transfusion dripping in to nourish my sick self. My doctor came in and announced: No More Herb Supplements.
Okay, I had Hepatic Encephalopathy due to a recent bleed. I was doing my best to look dignified in my peekaboo gown. But when I began to tell him how I was going to get better, he was not very nice. My plan included vitamins and herbs. You would have thought I had spit on his shoes!
He said that my referral to a transplant doctor would require strict compliance with every rule. I hate rules, but I promised. Actually, I begged him to forgive me, made some comments about the great gift that his mother had given the world on the day he was born – and then I promised that nothing would pass my lips that my Allied Health Team did not approve of.
I kept that promise. But every time I saw him my body was stronger. I was eating like a nutritional ninja. I only worked part time, rested a lot, and exercised. I took my diuretics, beta blockers, and a myriad of other drugs. He allowed 1 children’s vitamin daily and told me the rest of my nutrition should come only from a well balanced diet. It worked! About 4 months in, my MELD score was down to 8.
After a visit with a nutritionist, I worked up the courage to ask about Milk Thistle. My viral load was soaring and the FDA approval on protease inhibitors was sluggish. Some of you probably remember the month to month waiting. I just wanted to DO SOMETHING!
He gave me a sample pack of Milk Thistle and told me to take only 2 a day. I used it for the next 6 months while hoping to be able to treat. My transplant doctor also said that it was okay, but kind of laughed it off. I secretly wondered if they knew I was going to die and were just pacifying my need to try anything. I took 2 capsules faithfully every day and was allowed to take 2 children’s chewable vitamins. And I drank green tea with peppermint, ginger, and honey. Like THAT was going to save my life.
I still had questions about Milk Thistle:
Is it safe? There is no evidence of small doses killing anyone. According to my doctor, the brand matters. I have a few brands from health food stores that I have used for years. I don’t endorse any particular one because I feel that is up to you and your Allied Health Team. I think that mega dosing anything when living with cirrhosis is a gamble. I am not willing to take that risk. I used very conservative amounts of a brand my doctor approved of.
Is it effective? The studies have not been designed very well. For example, it might have very few people with different levels of cirrhosis, hepatitis, or other health problems. Some of the results may be skewed in my opinion. I look at who was conducting the research. If it was done by doctors who promote all natural medicine, the results could be slanted that way. If it was performed by a pharmaceutical company, it could be slanted another way. I’m very wary. I simply cannot find any thorough research to back up a claim with solid numbers.
What is a safe dosage? I took 2 capsules daily. 400 mg seems to be the safe daily dose.
Maybe we could all go out to the pasture for a picnic. Some of my rancher friends try and get rid of it because it spreads quickly and destroys good pasture. Others say too much causes nitrate poisoning. Who knows? At one time the experts said that mother’s milk was bad for the baby. They just couldn’t figure out where to put the warning label.
I am looking at Milk Thistle again. While I was taking it, I believe that it helped me get ready for treatment. I was instructed NOT to take it while on Hepatitis C treatment so I threw a new bottle away. It can interfere with drugs that you are taking and I had learned by then to just shut up and listen if I wanted to live.
Meanwhile, I keep searching for an answer for cirrhosis. You do too or you wouldn’t be all the way at the end of this blog. I have a friend who travels to Washington, DC every month while taking part in a clinical trial for fibrosis reversal medications. She has End Stage Cirrhosis. I can’t wait to see how this turns out for her.
New information is coming out all the time for ways to help our liver heal itself without creating more fibrous bridging. Some of us are free of the Hepatitis C Virus and know that the major cause of inflammation is gone. We still have to carefully guard everything we eat and drink to pamper our liver. That includes Milk Thistle. I hope this has helped you in understanding Milk Thistle Safety for Good Liver Health. We’ve got hope, don’t we? Xoxo Karen:)
What has your experience with Milk Thistle been? Does your doctor feel that it is a safe therapy for liver health?
pics via wikipedia, facebook, okprairie.com
20 thoughts on “Milk Thistle Safety for Good Liver Health”
I was told early on when 1990’s by my Doctor not to take milk thistle, SO I never did, I was on treatment two times before transplant in 2011, and did not respond to treatment, but after transplant I was put on the new triple treatment and now have been undectable for over a year. I just never did Milk Thistle because of negative warnings early on. I never asked transplant Doctors so no new input since the 1990’s.
Glenda – This is really interesting. So early on Milk Thistle was being talked about. So with all of the new research in the last 20+ years, there is still no clear evidence of helping.
Since your liver was in bad shape, like mine and many others, it makes sense that the doctor would advise against it.
Thanks for your input. I had no idea how long it had been talked about in Hepatitis C circles.
I hope your weekend is great. I’m having HE moments. xoxo Karen:)
Hi Karen,
That was an informative write up 🙂
I honestly didn’t know that Milk Thistle could be used even for liver diseases. All I heard was that it does give relief from bile and poison as you mentioned, though hardly many people use it because of the lack of knowledge about it perhaps.
I like the fact you use so much of natural remedies like tea tree oil, green tea, and the other ways to make you feel better. Trying these alternative methods are any way better than trying to take normal medicines and bear the side-effects.
Ah…homeopathy and ayurveda are age old ways used in our country too. Many people grow these herbs and use them, so you can never really go wrong there, provided you know what’s used to cure what disease.
You’re truly doing SO well for yourself, and I can well imagine how you need to hit and try things and see what works for you. Not to mention that through your posts, you are making an effort to educate and help people who might be dealing with cirrhosis, hepatitis etc. Keep going dear friend 🙂
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Good Morning Harleena –
It is interesting for sure to see how ancient medicine still plays an important role in healing the body today. I enjoy the benefits of nutrition and feel that they are a large part of my success in living with liver disease.
I’m with you regarding side effects. I needed the medication to get rid of the virus, and used it with joy. I hated the side effects though. While maintenance doses of some meds will be with me for the rest of my life, I still try and take the lowest dose possible to help with treating cirrhosis.
I appreciate your compliment and support. Like you, I feel that there is a purpose to fulfill in my life. I truly have a heart connection with my Best Friends on here. We learn so much from each other about medicine, life, and moving on in our life despite physical limitations.
I’m laughing now because when I need a dose of advise, your website is always entertaining and informative. I really like your articles about family and relationships.
Isn’t the internet great? Have a beautiful week!
Karen:)
Hi ya!
It has been years since I heard his view, which may have changed for some unproven reason, but one hepatologist I talked to suggested that at the very least milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant.
The Dieticians of Canada Nutrition Guideline for Hepatitis C (not updated since 2003 but I am working on that- it can be found on the BCCDC website) suggested that taking as many antioxidants as you can afford was a good idea. So I am still committed to taking milk thistle. I get it by the ounce in the health food store. The only problem with the invasive plant is that it is desiccated, or dried before it is harvested. They may use natural desiccants but that isn’t as efficient. I still use it in my morning fruits, and put it in my breads. Cocoa powder makes fun bread too, and I grind the un-conched nibs in my coffee grinder- also an antioxidant.
There is another caveat that should be updated as not all antioxidants are created equal. Some papers have been published suggesting green tea as a drink could be hepatoxic to compromised livers.
Douglas –
Good to hear from you. Antioxidants are always good for sure. I’m curious about your cocoa powder bread. You should email me the recipe! I love to find ways of getting as many antioxidants as I can in my diet.
That’s part of the problem isn’t it? Not all are created equal. I love green tea and use a pretty good brand. One of the things I try to avoid is fear. That’s one of the reasons that the mother’s milk story has stuck in my mind all of these years. If we were to become afraid of every bit of news regarding what is good for your body and what is not, we probably wouldn’t eat anything. Haha!
Not to make light of it. I’m glad that it works for you and that you continue to have good success with Milk Thistle. As always, I wish the best for you in your journey toward wellness.
Thanks so much for the great comment.
Karen:)
Hi Yeah?
I forgot a couple of details… liver damage is caused by the oxidization process. Therefore taking antioxidants helps stop fibrosis. It has been shown to slow liver cancer. Many things in cell biology are relatively hypothetical. In medicine, everything is talked about with stringent safety controls.
They are also vital for the glia cells that are now believed to control blood flow through the brain since they power the cells to do that, along with glutamine and lactose.
These cells are called astrocytes and they have feet on the arteriole blood vessels, and message them to contract or dilate. Hence there may be some affect by under-nourishing these cells leading to the cognitive symptoms SOME people have.
Simply put, antioxidants are good for the liver and the brain. Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants work better together, in combination.
In order to make them digestible, grind the seeds in a coffee grinder. I don’t mess around and use two tablespoons for a loaf of sourdough. It is well established that it will not hurt you.
But if you grow milk thistle in your garden the have large pale green leaves with invisible thistles. Also you need a commercial thrasher to get the seeds out of the thistle. This is a bloody difficult thing to do as they are buried in fleece like parachutes, packed in an extremely thorny mass. Not recommended to try strip them out by hand.
Don’t forget to eat lots of fruits and vegetables for antioxidants. Blueberries seem to have biggest amount available to the body.
Douglas –
Your knowledge of details is amazing! I moved right down to the simply put part! lol. I am going to go make a big ole pan of black rice right now before work. I leave a large bowl in the teachers lounge fridge. Then I can mix it with my homemade salad dressing and fresh veggies. Sometimes I warm it up with cooked vegetables and a low sodium broth or even tea. Yeah. I eat weird.
I like to get my nourishment from food. My doctors advise echos in my head. He saved my life and the trust is strong between us.
You won’t find me trying to harvest my own Milk Thistle anytime soon. Especially after reading about how much work it is! 🙂 BTW – I think black rice is close to or higher than blueberries for antioxidant. That’s because of the anthocyanins which give it that rich dark purplish color. Thanks for the reminder!
Have an awesome week my friend,
Karen:)
The last study I read (from 3-4 months ago) said milk thistle was found to be neither or beneficial, but I don’t remember if it was for hcv or cirrhosis. I used to see a D.O. who gave me a lot of herbs but they were all too strong for me. My body is ultra-sensitive to meds. I think if you have cirrhosis, better to avoid both herbs and meds. They all have to be filtered.
Rubye –
The literature can kind of go either way. That is frustrating at times, especially for those who can’t take medicine or for personal reasons choose a homeopathic way to health. The main thing is to stay with a trusted doctors advice.
Everyone is different and the way we respond to medication as well as herbs and supplements can greatly vary.
I have a great respect for homeopathic medicine and have used it in the past. Today, I have a lot of gratitude for the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured those meds that saved my life. At our age, we have learned that there are 2 sides to every coin, right?
I love you dear one and hope your week is super.
xoxo Karen:)
Thank you Karen!
My experience with homeopathic medicine is very limited. Recently I had a blood test reveal a high triglyceride problem. My PCP and Liver doctor have me on a number of different meds (10) and suggested I try fish oil at 4 grams per day and also diet changes. I like the fact she wants to go natural vs pharmaceutical. She has warned me however to discuss anything else with her before taking it. I am grateful to have this type of person to work with – someone who is open-minded and communicates.
Thank you for bringing ideas to us….. I will run milk thistle by her and let you know what she says.
Thanks Joe!
Sounds like our doctors are a lot alike. Mine also encourages a variety of healthy foods. I changed transplant hospitals due to insurance and haven’t asked this doctor about it. I’ll be interested to hear what your doc says.
I’m like you in my desire to reduce meds as much as possible. Our poor liver needs all the help we can give. I know that you really try to eat healthy. That’s a good first line of defense! We’re alike also in that we know when we need the meds, it’s just got to be done.
Let me thank YOU for bringing ideas for all of us. We are the front line in learning how to deal with HCV treatment. Just 3 years ago there was no cure. Now we just have to keep protecting our liver!
Have a great day dear one. xoxo Karen:)
Hey Karen,
When you mentioned about carrying safety pins in your purse I chuckled, I keep them too. Not the green tea bags tough. lol… Hey, you just never know right!
So this was really interesting and as you know, I’ve never personally had any horrible disease. My Dad has but I know and would hope that the doctors are trying to do the best they can for you but at the same time I also know that 99.9% of them never want you to go the natural route. They only believe in modern medicine and what can line their pockets.
Because I’ve never had a lot of illnesses I’ve never really gone a lot of natural methods myself but I do know that a lot of natural methods really do work. I wouldn’t know the first thing about it but so admire you for caring so much about your health that you want to make sure you’re doing the right thing for yourself. I mean we are the ones that know our bodies better than anyone.
I probably need to study the natural methods more because I have some type of infection in my gum that I would love to clear up. It doesn’t hurt and it’s not big but it’s annoying. I’m sure there is something I can take or put on it to draw whatever is in there out. I probably just need to go to a health food store and ask. Dah!
You are remarkable Karen and I applaud you for what you do to help others from sharing your own experiences. You are truly amazing.
~Adrienne
Adrienne –
I’m lol now. Do you have any bandaids stuck in your purse too? By the way, I carry Lysine gel whenever my mouth or gums get a problem. You know it’s safe if I use it. It will clear up a canker or cold sore really quick!
It’s unfortunate, but many times there are kickbacks for medicine and some doctors are lured by the dollar. Many of them are also knowledgeable enough to know that an herb or supplement that is not FDA regulated can cause more harm than good. This is so true when the liver is compromised!
Once you are hit with a diagnosis like cancer or liver disease, you really begin to look at anything that can give you a chance for longevity. You’re making me blush to my toes at your compliment. You have the same heart toward your readers, so I know you understand the passion that is poured into every blog.
Thank you for coming along side to help me with my website. I give great credence to all of your tips. Checking out Comment Luv!
You’re a great friend – and neighbor!
Lots of love,
Karen
Hi Karen et al,
Thanks so much for this discussion, Karen. Reading here about the medical profession’s caution with milk thistle has been interesting – so many opposing views, and as is said, results sometimes seem to conflict.
When I first received my hep c diagnosis my doctor confessed she didn’t know much about it. She sent me to a specialist who organised my liver biopsy, gave me my results and that was it. Luckily my liver has only mild damage so far, but I was given no information or guidance whatsoever about how to look after myself. Consequently, I sought out a naturopath and spent many hours on the net looking into ways to reduce further damage to my liver.
I found that trials with milk thistle showed less or no efficacy when the milk thistle was administered on it’s own. Trials that used a substance to aid bioavailability of the active ingredient, silibin, showed very positive results.
I now take a reputable brand of milk thistle – along with lecithin to help absorption of the milk thistle – amounting to 1,260 mg, 3 times a day. A second naturopath I have consulted has conducted a study on milk thistle and is working to find a way to provide high doses intravenously. I believe that the dose in supplement form that she recommends is a little higher than the dose I am currently on.
Apart from that, I love the discussion here about antioxidants. Fresh, fresh, fresh is my motto, and I avoid anything, like preservatives and food additives, that the liver has to work hard at eliminating, to give it a fighting chance to fight the virus and heal my liver, rather than just fight off toxins in processed food.
Wishing everyone here good health.
Brigitte
Brigitte – Thank YOU for your beautiful pictures of recipes and healthy dishes. Your site is always sure to make me hungry! I am please that you use such care in nutrition and that you go a step further and share it with others.
Thank you for the information about Milk Thistle also. I use a green powder that has very low dose of it. I too am careful to use a reputable brand.
It is not easy to be so vigilant regarding out diet. It is really worth the time and effort. I love fresh foods and spend more time in the kitchen, but am glad to do so.
I’m glad to see that you have found a naturopath that you trust. That is the first and most crucial step.
As always, I’m happy to hear that you are doing well and staying healthy through nutrition. I only wish you lived closer so you and I could be in the kitchen together! Mine is a country kitchen, but it’s full of liver loving goodness. I like your pictures much much better! haha!
xoxo,
Karen:)
Hi Karen,
Hope this finds you having an exceptionally positive & pleasant day! Very interesting to discover your ‘information’ & others shared experiences. I was completely unable to physically tolerate traditional Hep C treatment when officially diagnosed almost 20 years ago….Through a series of events I (living in the deep south) was introduced to a Chinese MD in NYC who has specialized and worked with HCV for many years, both in China and the US. He is well reputed/ consultant with several US medical facilities/research centers. I began Tx. with him about 12 years ago and the protocol has always included some Milk Thistle…In 2012, I was Dx. with Cirrhosis in 2012 & he altered my meds to accommodate the Biopsy results…..today, approx 18 months later, testing no longer manifests Cirrhosis. I absolutely know I have liver damage –fibrosis & inflammation with concurrent problems…However, the degree most consistently appears to be in a “lesser” category. All the “American” HCV docs are incensed by this treatment…..even though they have/had no alternatives. My Chinese MD regards his Medical Protocols as ‘Modern Chinese Medicine’ which is a combination/conjunction of Eastern and Western medicines. China has had an extremely high incidence of HCV for many years, but their disability and mortality rates are low. I continue to take Milk Thistle in conjunction with other formulations that protect, heal, and strengthen my liver; all my meds are formulated and distributed only by this doctor to patients he meets with regularly. I remain grateful & humbled today that I became aware of this alternative as I was told to “get my affairs in order”. That, however, was a long time ago. Encouragingly, in spite of natural aging and co-morbid issues, today I appear healthiest in 18 years. As you have clearly indicated, lifestyle does play a great role in my daily “recovery” and healthier alternatives continue to present themselves—going gluten free a few months ago has been nothing but beneficial—who (not me) would have thought??? I hope and pray that individuals with Liver Diseases remain filled with hope & encouragements as there appear to be increasing modalities for successful treatment/management of these previously rogue medical problems. Thanks for your wonderful insights and communications! 🙂
I am really happy to hear about your very positive experience with Milk Thistle. I’ve read a lot about it and find that many feel it cured them from HCV. I too look at the Eastern Medicine and the Western. For me it has been a combination of both. I know that taking care of our body on a cellular level by nourishing our mind, spirit, and body are all good. A big part of my healing comes from that. I’m drinking my veggie protein juice now!
For me, I honestly believe that if I had not treated, I would be dead. The virus was raging in my body and my liver was failing fast. I have had good success in getting back to life since the virus is gone, but my liver was too damaged and now cancer is there. So once again I am going for the traditional medicine of chemotherapy. I wish there were other ways that I could be sure. I do not want a liver transplant. I really don’t like chemotherapy. Medicines have given me 4 years and I am hoping that they will help me gain even more.
I think that the World Hepatitis C day has brought forth a lot of initiatives where more information is shared between countries. Learning how to blend the protocols that are both ancient and modern can certainly benefit all of us. I am happy that you are doing so well. WONDERFUL to hear such a promise for your bright future and that of your family. Keep going with what works for you and be healthy dear friend! Much love and peace, xo Karen:)
Hi Yeah?
I forgot a couple of details… liver damage is caused by the oxidization process. Therefore taking antioxidants helps stop fibrosis. It has been shown to slow liver cancer. Many things in cell biology are relatively hypothetical. In medicine, everything is talked about with stringent safety controls.
They are also vital for the glia cells that are now believed to control blood flow through the brain since they power the cells to do that, along with glutamine and lactose.
These cells are called astrocytes and they have feet on the arteriole blood vessels, and message them to contract or dilate. Hence there may be some affect by under-nourishing these cells leading to the cognitive symptoms SOME people have.
Simply put, antioxidants are good for the liver and the brain. Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants work better together, in combination.
In order to make them digestible, grind the seeds in a coffee grinder. I don’t mess around and use two tablespoons for a loaf of sourdough. It is well established that it will not hurt you.
But if you grow milk thistle in your garden the have large pale green leaves with invisible thistles. Also you need a commercial thrasher to get the seeds out of the thistle. This is a bloody difficult thing to do as they are buried in fleece like parachutes, packed in an extremely thorny mass. Not recommended to try strip them out by hand.
Don’t forget to eat lots of fruits and vegetables for antioxidants. Blueberries seem to have biggest amount available to the body.
Douglas,
Your replies always amaze me. You’ve probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know about this stuff. I thought about growing it in my herb garden just for fun. My doctor’s are so strict with the ESLD and now cancer. I’m NOT going to take anything that does not meet their approval.
The smoothies and juices give me alot of antioxidants. THanks for sharing all the details buddyo.
xo Karen:)
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