Along with ragweed, daisies and marigolds, milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, and holy thistle, Cnicus benedictus, are members of the Compositae plant family. Milk thistle and holy thistle have been used as herbal remedies for centuries; however, despite being from the same plant family, they are used for very different purposes and should not be confused with each other. Talk to your health care provider before beginning use of milk thistle or holy thistle.
Milk Thistle Uses
Silymarin, a flavonoid found in milk thistle, is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory that is believed to help rebuild the liver and protect it from chemical damage. Milk thistle is specifically used for treating poisoning from Amanita phalloides, or deathcap, mushrooms, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic inflammatory liver disease; however, there is not enough evidence to determine milk thistle's effectiveness in treating these conditions.
Milk Thistle Warnings
Side effects of milk thistle include nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, fullness or pain, bloating and loss of appetite. In addition, milk thistle may produce a laxative effect in some individuals. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using milk thistle, as there is not enough evidence to determine milk thistle's safety for infants. Milk thistle extracts made from the plant, not the seed, may have estrogenic effects, and should be avoided by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, including breast cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Milk thistle may also cause allergic reactions in individuals allergic to members of the Compositae family.
Holy Thistle Uses
Holy thistle, usually prepared as a tea, is used to increase appetite, to increase urine output, promote the flow of breast milk in new nursing mothers and to treat indigestion, coughs, colds, fevers, diarrhea and bacterial infections. Holy thistle is also used as a topical application to treat boils, wounds and ulcers on the skin. According to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus, more evidence is needed to determine if holy thistle is effective for these conditions and uses.
Holy Thistle Warnings
Side effects of holy thistle include stomach irritation and vomiting, and the herb should not be taken by individuals with intestinal problems including infections, Crohn's disease and other intestinal inflammatory conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid use of holy thistle. Holy thistle may cause allergic reactions in individuals allergic to members of the Compositae family.
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