Milk thistle is a commonly used medicinal herb that grows wild all over Europe and in parts of the United States. The leaves, seeds and fruits of the plant are the portions harvested for use in herbal supplements, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Before beginning to take milk thistle, or any other herbal supplement, consult with your health care provider for instructions.
Milk Thistle & Sleep
The website for the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC says that milk thistle is used to treat liver disease caused by alcohol, viral hepatitis, mushroom poisoning and cancer. The National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) website adds that milk thistle is also used to lower cholesterol and treat insulin-dependent diabetics. And MayoClinic.com discusses the ways that using milk thistle helps reduce menopausal symptoms. Reducing night sweats and hot flashes that are often part of menopause can definitely improve sleep.
Research
PubMed.gov, the website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine, cites research studying the effects of an herbal formula containing milk thistle in relieving menopausal symptoms. The formula also contained the herbs black cohosh, dong quai, American ginseng, chaste-tree berry and red clover. The results were promising, with the group taking the herbal formula showing an approximately 73% reduction in hot flashes and a 69% decrease in night sweats. The study concluded that taking this herbal mixture may in fact improve the sleep of menopausal women. The study didn't determine if any of these herbs would have the same result acting alone, so it's unclear if milk thistle was responsible for the results.
Potential Side Effects
According to the UMMC website, milk thistle is generally considered safe but some mild side effects may occur in some people. These are a mild laxative effect or stomach upset. The site cautions pregnant and breast-feeding women to avoid taking milk thistle. People with certain forms of cancer who are sensitive to hormones are also cautioned against the use of milk thistle.
Possible Interactions
The UMMC website warns that people taking allergy medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, cancer treatments, blood thinners, antianxiety drugs, antipsychotic medications or drugs used to treat seizures should not use milk thistle because of possibly harmful interactions. If you have questions about whether milk thistle harmfully interacts with any medications or supplements you take, discuss it with your pharmacist or health care provider.
Forms Used
Milk thistle supplements are available in capsules, extracts, powders or tinctures, according to the NCCAM website. People with alcohol-related liver disease should avoid extracts containing alcohol.
Considerations
Milk thistle is from the same plant family as chrysanthemums, ragweed, daisies and other plants that may cause allergic reactions. People with known allergies to plants in this family should be careful when using milk thistle. Allergic reactions can occur even if milk thistle has been used before with no reaction. Watch for signs of rash, hives or swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face. If any of these occur, stop using the herb and contact your health care provider.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Milk Thistle
- PubMed.gov: Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study.
- National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Milk Thistle
- Medicinal Herb Info: Milk Thistle
- MayoClinic.com: Milk Thistle
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