Milk thistle is a Mediterranean plant that grows in sunny, dry locations. When the leaves are crushed, a milky white substance is released and extracted into an herbal remedy. This herbal remedy is used to treat lower gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation, a health problem that most people experience at some point in life.
Laxative
Milk thistle has a mild laxative effect, which increases gastrointestinal peristalsis in the body to quickly eliminate waste. Constipation occurs from slow contraction of the intestines to move waste into the colon for elimination. The laxative effect in milk thistle frees up the congestion in the intestines, stimulates bile secretion and adds bulk to the bile for healthy digestion.
Advantages
There are many benefits of taking milk thistle for treating lower gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation. This herbal remedy generates new liver cells, protects cells from toxic damage, improves liver function and eliminates build-up waste from the body. Three flavonoids found in milk thistle--silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin--produce the benefits.
Disadvantages
Along with the advantages of milk thistle, unfortunately, there are also disadvantages. Side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea and a rash can develop. This herbal remedy is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with prostate, uterine or breast cancers, or those taking blood thinners or medications for allergies, anxiety, cholesterol, seizures and cancer. Talk with your health care provider to discuss the effects of milk thistle.
Dosage
Milk thistle is available in capsule and liquid form and as a complex blend with silymarin-phosphatidylcholine. If taking the capsule or liquid form, the recommended dose is 280 to 450 mg per day in divided doses. The complex blend has a stronger effect, therefore the dosage is 100 to 200 mg two times per day.
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