How to Use Milk Thistle for Liver and Gallbladder Conditions

Original to the Mediterranean region of Europe, Milk Thistle has been noted for treating a variety of illnesses since Greek and Roman times. The U.S. today uses the plant to treat congestion of the liver, spleen and kidneys. It’s said to protect the liver from damage against viruses, toxins and alcohol abuse, and in particular, against heavy use of acetaminophen (found in IBProfen and other anti-headache medications). Recent uses include treatment of complications from HIV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 12 to 15 g dried herb (200 to 400 mg silymarin) - adult dosage (adult meaning 150 lb, or 70 kg)

1. Take one of the following, three times daily:
   
   Standard decoction: 1 cup
   Liquid Extract: 1:1 45% alcohol; 1.5-3 ml
   Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 1-2 ml
2. Adult
   
   • Recommended dose: Generally 12 to 15 g dried herb (200 to 400 mg silymarin) per day or silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex 100 to 200 mg two times per day.
   • For liver protection: 120 mg silymarin (about 2 capsules), two times daily.
   • To treat liver damage (from alcohol, drugs, or chemicals): 120 mg (about 3 capsules), three times per day.
3. Pediatric
   
   Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. If the child weighs 50 lb (20 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.

Tips & Warnings

• The more concentrated the solution of silymarin, the more quickly it enters the bloodstream for the greatest effectiveness. This is especially significant for the treatment of liver damage from severe alcohol abuse. The milder the damage, the greater the promise for a complete recovery.
• Noteably, it has been a successful treatment to poisoning by the deathcap mushroom, if taken within ten minutes of ingestion. Given within twenty-four hours, it is said to significantly reduce the risk of liver damage and death.
• Though milk thistle is said to protect the kidneys against damage from anti-cancer medications, such as cisplatin and cyclosporine, it is also questioned if this same interaction suppresses the cancer-fighting properties of these remedies. Specifically, lucrative findings exist for interactions with ovarian and breast cancers. Further study in the United States is underway.
• Studies with rats show an increase in aspirin's effectiveness when combined with milk thistle. Further human study is necessary.
• Medicines with the ingredient phenytoin (found in anti-seizure medications), halothane (used for general anesthesia), and anti-psychotic medications do not mix well with milk thistle. In particular, antipsychotic medications to be watchful for include butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine). Consult your doctor, if taking these medications.
• Breastfeeding moms should consult their doctor before taking this herb.