According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. While this flowering herb is used primarily as a treatment for liver disease, it is also a popular alternative remedy for other common ailments, including menopause-related complications and high cholesterol. The center says milk thistle is associated with few side effects; however, it may interact with other drugs or supplements. Consult a physician before talking milk thistle if you are taking medication or suffer from a chronic medical condition.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
According to Mayo Clinic, "good scientific evidence" supports the use of milk thistle as a treatment for cirrhosis of the liver. Milk thistle appears to improve liver function and increase survival rate in people suffering from cirrhosis.
Viral Hepatitis
Milk thistle is traditionally used to treat hepatitis A, B and C. According to Mayo Clinic, several studies have found that people with viral hepatitis experience improved liver function while taking milk thistle.
Poisoning
Mayo Clinic states that milk thistle may protect the liver against poisoning from several drugs and toxins. Milk thistle may be useful for treating liver damage caused by alcohol, Tylenol or poisonous mushrooms.
Cancer
Mayo Clinic and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine cite several small-scale, in-vitro studies suggesting that milk thistle may help to restrict the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer cells. Milk thistle may also help to protect the liver from chemotherapy-related damage.
Menopause Symptoms
Milk thistle has been used in combination with other herbs as a treatment for hot flashes, night sweats and other complications of menopause. However, it has not been studied as a singular treatment, so its efficacy is not well-documented.
High Cholesterol
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle is commonly used as a treatment for high cholesterol. Most of the studies in this area have been small, so experts have not yet reached a conclusion regarding its efficacy.
Indigestion
Milk thistle is a traditional treatment for gas, bloating and stomach pain.
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