Milk Thistle & Acne

Milk thistle, also known as Marian, St. Mary's or Our Lady's thistle, has a lengthy reputation as a liver-protecting herb. Although little scientific evidence exists to confirm the plant's effectiveness as an herbal healer, milk thistle is highly popular as a remedy for liver conditions and acne flare-ups.

Please consult your medical provider before attempting herbal remedies at home.

Description

Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and naturalized in Australia, California and the eastern United States, milk thistle thrives in sunny, open meadows. It reaches a height of five feet, contains milky-white sap and bears magenta flower heads and leaves with distinctive white markings. Herbalists gather milk thistle's small, brown seeds to use medicinally.

History

Milk thistle's use as an herbal remedy goes back to the first century. Dioscorides, a Roman military physician, treated snake bites with the herb. During the Middle Ages, herbalists used milk thistle as a folk remedy for depression, as well as liver and gall bladder issues.

According to Botanical.com, the Saxons treated snake bites and rabies with the seeds of the plant. Additionally, the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing" explains that in 16th century European tradition, the milky-white veins of the leaves symbolized the Virgin Mary's milk.

Uses

Today herbalists use milk thistle to treat liver diseases such as alcohol hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver poisoning, and viral hepatitis as well as acne outbreaks. The herb stimulates bile production, a fluid generated in the liver to break down fats in the small intestine. Because milk thistle removes toxins through the digestive system rather than through the skin, impurities have less chance to cause acne flare-ups on the skin's surface. "Increasing the flow of bile helps remove, via the stool, the testosterone byproducts that cause acne," states "Prescription for Herbal Healing."

In addition, according to the website Acne to Health, milk thistle contains silymarin, a primary ingredient used in over-the-counter and pharmaceutical acne preparations. This high content of silymarin exerts a protective effect on your complexion and prevents acne outbreaks.

Dosages

Unfortunately, because silymarin is poorly soluble in water, milk thistle teas prove ineffective. Coupled with the fact that the gastrointestinal tract poorly absorbs silymarin, capsules containing 200mg of concentrated milk thistle extract representing 140mg of silymarin work best for alleviating acne, according to Dr. Varro E. Tyler, author of "Honest Herbal."

Side Effects

Milk thistle is generally considered safe to use. According to the University of Maryland, pregnant and nursing women should avoid the herb, as should women taking birth control pills. Also, refrain from using milk thistle if you take anti-anxiety, anticoagulant, allergy or cancer medications. Milk thistle can cause skin rash, diarrhea and upset stomach. A physician should supervise the use of all herbs before usage, particularly for children.