Milk Thistle & Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue. The underlying cause of CFS is unknown. It is typically diagnosed after other conditions are eliminated as possibilities. If you have CFS, rest will not make it better, and mental exertion can make you more tired. Alternative medicine treatments such as taking the herb milk thistle may improve symptoms of CFS. Acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and massage are other alternative treatments that may help, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Speak with your doctor before trying alternative medicine.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an herb native to the Mediterranean region, but available worldwide. It has no relation to the food milk; the milky white fluid that comes from the herb's leaves when crushed gives milk thistle its name. Milk thistle is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals that attack and damage your body.

Milk Thistle and the Liver

Milk thistle contains silymarin as an active ingredient. Silymarin regenerates liver cells, according to Melissa Diane Smith in an article for "Great Life" magazine published in November 1999. Smith is an internationally recognized nutritionist, author, health educator and former CFS sufferer. The liver detoxifies your body, getting rid of chemicals, excess copper and heavy metals. People with CFS often have poorly functioning livers, which may cause listlessness and loss of will, two common symptoms of CFS. Milk thistle may strengthen the liver, thereby improving symptoms of CFS. Milk thistle is also frequently recommended for the treatment of the liver diseases alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis because it improves liver function and increases survival rates, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, though more research is needed on the benefits of milk thistle.

Healthy Immune System

A healthy liver helps maintain a healthy immune system. Therefore, taking milk thistle may increase your resistance to diseases by keeping your immune system functioning properly to fight off infections. A strong immune system may reduce your chances of developing CFS, because although its exact cause is unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists infectious agents and immunological dysfunction as possible causes for the condition.

Warnings

Milk thistle may interfere with certain medications, reducing their effectiveness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, milk thistle may not be safe to take with antipsychotics, the seizure medication Phenytoin, and Halothane, which is used for general anesthesia. Milk thistle may also interfere with drugs prescribed for allergies, high cholesterol, anti-anxiety and some cancers. Blood thinners, such as Plavix and Coumadin may also contraindicate taking milk thistle. Speak with your doctor for further information on possible interactions.