Milk Thistle for Acne

Milk thistle, otherwise known as carduus marianus, silybum marianum, holy thistle and Mary thistle, contains silymarin, a chemical that helps treat liver diseases and has no real pharmaceutical equivalent. While further scientific analysis is needed to confirm milk thistle's efficacy as an herbal healer, the plant has gained renewed popularity as a remedy for liver disorders and acne outbreaks.

Identification

Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region. It grows wild in Europe and is cultivated in California and Australia. The herb flourishes in open, sunny areas and reaches heights of four to 10 feet. Its wide leaves have distinctive white markings. Milk thistle has milky-white sap and bears red-purple flowers and small, brown fruit that's used for medicinal purposes when dried.

History

Milk thistle has a long history as an herbal remedy for various ailments. It was used to treat depression, liver and gallbladder problems during the Middle Ages. The weed also was used in French folk medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. According to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," in 16th century Europe, the white vein markings on milk thistle's leaves symbolized splashes of the Virgin Mary's milk.

Benefits

In traditional folk medicine, boiled flower heads of milk thistle were eaten like artichokes and as a spring tonic after winter's scarcity of vegetables. Milk thistle was utilized to increase breast-milk production and reduce melancholy. Today, the herb yields valuable benefits in Western herbal medicine in the treatment of hepatitis, jaundice and cirrhosis of the liver. Additionally, according to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the spread of breast, cervical and prostate cancers.

For the treatment of acne, herbalists theorize that milk thistle accelerates the flow of bile via the stool, thus aiding in the removal of testosterone byproducts that cause blemishes. Moreover, the website AcnetoHealth.com states that commercial acne preparations contain silymarin, milk thistle's key constituent and a potent antioxidant and inflammation inhibitor.

Use

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a dosage of 100 to 200 mg of silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex twice daily. You can also make an acne wash from milk thistle's flowers and seeds. Tinctures, made with alcohol, can help banish blemishes, but do not use them if you suffer from liver disease.

Considerations

Milk thistle extract has minimal adverse effects. Pregnant and nursing women can use the extract safely, although women taking birth control pills should avoid milk thistle. Seeds, teas and tinctures can cause mild diarrhea. According to the University of Maryland, some people may develop a rash from touching the plant. A medical provider should evaluate all herbs before usage, particularly for children.

Do not use milk thistle if you take allergy, anti-anxiety, anticoagulant or cancer drugs.