Milk thistle is a medicinal plant containing a flavonoid called silymarin that is used to protect the liver from damage. Feverfew is a different medicinal herb containing the compound parthenolide that provides the active medicinal properties for the plant, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Before you begin to use feverfew or milk thistle, talk to your health care provider.
Uses
Milk thistle is used to treat such conditions as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer prevention, toxic damage to the liver from products like Tylenol, food poisoning, liver disease, indigestion and hepatitis, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Milk thistle is also used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce resistance to insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes, adds the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
The most common uses for feverfew are to prevent migraine headaches, treat psoriasis and reduce inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, according to MSKCC. The traditional uses of the herb include acting as a fever reducer, headache reliever, stomachache treatment and to relieve the discomfort of insect bites, reports the NCCAM.
Research
There have been various studies, with mixed results, of the effects of milk thistle in treating liver damage and hepatitis C, says the NCCAM. The NCCAM is funding research on milk thistle's ability to treat liver disease, and says that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is working on similar clinical trials. The National Cancer Institute is studying the effectiveness of milk thistle for people with chemotherapy-related liver damage.
Studies of feverfew's ability to prevent and treat migraine headaches have had mixed results. So have studies of the ability of the herb to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, reports the NCCAM. The NCCAM is funding research into ways to standardize feverfew for more consistent results in future studies. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes several studies on the effects of feverfew in treating migraines. These studies had overall positive results, but UMMC agrees that future studies will benefit from a more standardized feverfew supplement.
Side Effects
UMMC lists possible side effects of milk thistle as diarrhea or stomach upset. Otherwise, the herb is considered safe in normal doses. Although uncommon, people taking feverfew may experience nervousness, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are advised to avoid taking either of these herbs until more is known about their potential effects on the unborn or nursing baby. MSKCC warns that both plants are from the same plant family as ragweed, chrysanthemums and others that commonly cause allergic reactions. If you have known allergies to plants in this family, use these herbs with caution.
Interactions
UMMC advises people who take some cancer drugs, blood thinners, anti-anxiety drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, allergy medications, anti-seizure drugs or anti-psychotic medications to avoid taking milk thistle. The website also warns people who take blood thinners to avoid taking feverfew. If you have questions about whether feverfew or milk thistle will have harmful reactions with other herbs, medications and supplements you take, talk to your pharmacist or health care provider.
Forms
You can find these herbs in dried, powdered form, or choose ready-made forms. Milk thistle and feverfew are available in capsule, liquid extract, tincture, tea and tablet form, says the NCCAM.
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