Milk thistle, a member of the daisy family native to the Mediterranean region, is an herbal remedy used to treat liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, liver diseases caused by chemicals and poisoning from death cap mushrooms. Milk thistle contains silymarin -- the flavonoid trio of silibinin, silidianin and silicristin -- which protects and repairs liver damage from toxins and helps reduce liver inflammation. Talk to your health care provider before you begin use of milk thistle tea for any condition.
Estrogenic Effects
Researchers believe that extracts from the milk thistle plant may have estrogenic effects, and may cause adverse reactions in individuals who have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. If you have any of these conditions or are at risk for developing these conditions, exercise caution before beginning use of milk thistle tea.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of milk thistle are usually mild and can include upset stomach, headache and itching. Appetite loss, flatulence, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea and joint pain have also been reported with milk thistle use. If you have allergies to any members of the Asteraceae or Compositae family, including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies, you may have an allergic reaction to milk thistle. Milk thistle may also stimulate the uterus and start menstruation.
Potential Interactions
Milk thistle may interact with antipsychotics, including butyrophenones and phenothiazines; phenytoin for seizures; and the general anesthetic halothane. Milk thistle may slow down the liver's processing of certain medications, including diazepam, fluvastatin, ibuprofen, piroxicam, tamoxifen and warfarin. Milk thistle may also decrease the liver's ability to break down other medications, including acetaminophen, atorvastatin, digoxin, entacapone, lamotrigine, lovastatin and morphine. Talk to your doctor before combining these medications with milk thistle tea.
Additional Warnings
Do not use milk thistle tea if you are pregnant or nursing, as the risks are currently unknown. If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, exercise caution when using milk thistle tea, as it may lower your blood sugar levels. If you would like to use milk thistle tea and you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, talk with your health care provider to determine appropriate medication levels.
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