Milk thistle tablets are a medicine from a pharmacy or a useful product. Milk thistle: medicinal properties and contraindications, instructions for use Painful sensations in the eyes when consuming milk thistle

Milk thistle has long been widely used in folk medicine as a natural herbal hepatoprotector, which has no analogues in its unique action. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of this plant, after which it began to be used as the basis of traditional medicines.

Often, milk thistle helped in the treatment of diabetes, heart and endocrine pathologies, but its main purpose was for various liver lesions. Another name for this plant is thistle, and it is a common weed that can be found in any garden bed.

Despite this, its healing effect is beyond doubt, and the seeds and flowers have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, restore damaged hepatocytes, and remove toxins from the body. The plant can quickly normalize the functioning of the pancreas, promotes the digestion process and free circulation of bile.

Instructions for use

The main secret of milk thistle is the content of unique natural compounds (flavolignans), including the enzyme silymarin. It is included in most hepatoprotective agents used in the treatment of a huge number of pathologies of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

Therapeutic effect

Due to their composition, milk thistle seeds have a choleretic effect, effectively cleanse the liver and protect its cells from harmful external influences.

In addition, the plant restores already damaged cells, reduces the process of inflammation in acute or chronic hepatitis, and prevents the toxic effects of alcohol and medications.

According to the principle of action, milk thistle has no synthetic analogues. Numerous studies have proven that silymarin, isolated from the fruits of the plant, effectively helps in the treatment of not only hepatitis C, but also HIV infection, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Watch a video about the benefits and harms of milk thistle:

Indications

Medicines based on milk thistle are used not only as hepatoprotectors, but also as a means to treat many other serious pathologies.

The main indications are:

• fatty steatosis;
• alcohol or drug intoxication;
• colitis and enterocolitis;
• all types of hepatitis;
• dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatitis;
• cirrhosis;
• urinary retention;
• thrombocytopathy;
• multiple sclerosis;
• diabetes;
• lipid metabolism disorder;
• allergy;
• endocrine disorders;
• arthritis, arthrosis;
• myalgia and radiculitis.

In addition, the plant is used in gynecology for inflammatory diseases, and in dentistry for the treatment of stomatitis and gingivitis.

Milk thistle preparations are prescribed to cleanse the blood during chemotherapy, as well as to strengthen the heart muscle and blood vessels in the brain. Often, the seeds of the plant are used to treat skin diseases, and in cosmetology, as an anti-aging agent.

Watch a video about using milk thistle seeds:

Method of administration

The drug is in the form of capsules with milk thistle seed extract, taken once a day, 1 piece before meals. The duration of such treatment should not be less than 1.5 months.

Regular liquid oil, take tsp. at least 2 times a day, but it is often used externally, for eczema, lichen or psoriasis. Milk thistle in tablets is considered the most convenient type of medicine. It is enough for an adult to drink 1-2 tablets, three times a day.

The doctor prescribes the type of medication, its dosage and course duration individually, depending on the disease and the severity of the patient’s condition.

Release form

As mentioned above, milk thistle-based preparations are available in several forms. This can be ordinary herbal tea in single bags, used to normalize digestion, a glass twice a day.

For diseases of the gallbladder, stomach, and heart, milk thistle is prescribed in the form of syrup (one tablespoon three times a day). In addition to regular tablets, there is also dry milk thistle powder, taken one teaspoon at a time. with a glass of water, up to 5 times a day.

The meal (cake) left after pressing the oil, used in the treatment of diseases of the heart, lungs, liver, and gall bladder, has earned good reviews.

Drug compatibility

Milk thistle-based drugs can be combined with any medications except hormonal contraceptives, as well as Diazepam, Vinblastine, Ketoconazole and Lovastatin. Concomitant use may enhance the effects of the latter, leading to serious health consequences.

Adverse reactions

Despite beneficial features and the naturalness of the components, you should not abuse drugs with milk thistle.

They can cause the following reactions:

• pain in the right hypochondrium;
• allergic reactions in the form of skin rash;
• diarrhea;
• stomach ache;
• dyspepsia;
• shortness of breath and dry cough;
• heaviness in the side.

Strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions and prescriptions, diet and avoidance of alcohol will help to avoid such manifestations. Take milk thistle for no longer than a month in a row, after which you need to take a break.

Overdose

A single dose of large doses of the drug can cause a sharp increase in adverse reactions. This condition does not require specific therapy. It is enough just to stop taking the drug and seek advice from a doctor.

Contraindications

You should not drink milk thistle if you have epilepsy, mental disorders, or severe cardiovascular diseases. Milk thistle preparations are contraindicated for:

• asthma,
• lung problems
• complicated gallstone disease,
• stomach or intestinal ulcers,
• circulatory disorders.

In addition, the plant can cause allergic reactions, especially with individual intolerance.

During pregnancy

Some sources claim that using the plant extract during pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Others, on the contrary, recommend using the medicine to relieve the symptoms of toxicosis. In each specific case, the doctor himself decides how much the potential benefit outweighs the possible harm to the body of the expectant mother and child.

special instructions

Milk thistle is used with extreme caution for hormonal disorders, due to its pronounced estrogen-like effect.

Effect on driving ability

Milk thistle is a natural herbal remedy that does not affect the central nervous system. Therefore, during therapy it is not prohibited to drive a car or exercise dangerous species activities.

Pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy, the plant extract is taken extremely carefully, and only under the supervision of a doctor. There are no restrictions for the lactation period indicated in the instructions.

For children

Milk thistle-based preparations are contraindicated for the treatment of children under 12 years of age.

Kidney diseases

The medicine is used in urology to treat some kidney diseases, but is not used for renal failure.

Liver lesions

The main indications for taking the medicine are considered to be any liver pathology, even the most severe. Therefore, milk thistle is allowed to be used for liver diseases, including liver failure.

Terms of sale

Milk thistle (both in the form of herbal tea and in the form of tablets, capsules and oil) is sold in pharmacy chains without a prescription.

Storage conditions

Store milk thistle-based preparations at room temperature (up to +25C), in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. The shelf life is no more than 2 years from the date of manufacture and packaging.

Price

Milk thistle in tablets, powder, capsules can be purchased at any pharmacy, and the cost of these drugs is quite affordable.

Price in Russia

In Russia, the drug costs about 25-75 rubles per 100 grams of powder, and 115-158 rubles for 20 tablets or 30 capsules. The slight difference in prices depends on the form of ownership of the pharmacy chain and its location.

Cost in Ukraine

Here, for milk thistle powder you will have to pay about 10 hryvnia, and the drug in the form of tablets or capsules will cost from 56 to 380 hryvnia, depending on the manufacturer.

Analogues

In addition to drugs with the trade name Milk Thistle, there are a number of similar products that contain plant extract.

The most common analogues:

All herbal hepatoprotectors used to treat liver diseases have a similar effect, but with a different active substance.

With such a huge range of indications and benefits from the use of this plant, it is imperative to find out the contraindications of milk thistle, take into account existing diseases, so as not to cause harm to your own body.

Contraindications

There are contraindications to the use of milk thistle. Its fruits contain a lot of phosphorus and calcium. An excess of calcium can lead to calcification of the heart valve, and therefore to serious disruptions to the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system. In addition, calcium and phosphorus negatively affect the respiratory system, so frequent use of milk thistle decoctions and infusions can provoke the development of shortness of breath.

Milk thistle has established itself as the first choice, but if you have acute cholecystitis or cholangitis, if the bile ducts are blocked, there is liver failure or cirrhosis, it cannot be used. It is strictly prohibited for use by chronic asthmatics. The use of this plant is also contraindicated for mental illness, depression, and epilepsy.

When taking an infusion or decoction of milk thistle to cleanse the liver, you need to be prepared for the fact that pain may appear in the first stages of cleansing. The fact is that with active cleansing of the liver, pain and nagging pain occur in the lower abdomen. In addition, attacks of diarrhea are possible. Milk thistle is a strong choleretic agent, its use in the presence of large stones in the gall bladder can cause big problems, the stones can close the bile duct.

Before using milk thistle infusion to treat urolithiasis, you should consult your doctor. In this case, treatment should begin with small doses, gradually increasing them. Before using milk thistle-based medicines during pregnancy and lactation, you should also consult a doctor.

Consultation with the attending physician and great caution is required when using milk thistle to treat children under 4 years of age.

Milk thistle contraindications include individual intolerance to this folk remedy, most often manifested by a skin rash. An allergic reaction to milk thistle or preparations containing it is also possible. If you feel unwell or have an upset stomach, you should immediately stop taking milk thistle to avoid serious consequences. Take care of your health and take care of yourself!

Increasingly, patients are using non-traditional treatment methods to combat liver diseases, in particular using herbal nutritional supplements . However, many doctors treat such drugs with distrust. There are plenty of reasons to doubt. This is due to the insufficient knowledge of some dietary supplements, and the dishonesty of manufacturers who are not inclined to provide comprehensive information about the safety of their products. Milk thistle is also one of the “controversial” hepatoprotectors - the contraindications of this medicinal herb are often not fully indicated by the manufacturers.

Let's weigh the pros

Milk thistle was used as a medicinal plant two thousand years ago: Avicenna and the classic of ancient medicine Galen mentioned it in their works. The herb was prescribed mainly for the treatment of liver and gall bladder diseases.

The chemical composition of milk thistle was first deciphered in 1968 by specialists from the University of Munich. Scientists have found that its main active ingredient is silymarin. In addition, the following were found in the plant:

• the entire group of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K),
• polyunsaturated fatty acids (similar to those found in fish oil),
• mass of microelements (potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, boron, copper).

Silymarin remains the only naturally occurring substance known to date that has liver protective properties. It accelerates the healing processes in the tissues of the damaged organ, stimulates the synthesis of new liver cells, prevents the penetration of toxic compounds into them, and enhances the formation and secretion of bile.

In scientific medicine, milk thistle, the indications and contraindications of which have already been thoroughly studied, is prescribed for biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, and chronic hepatitis. , alcoholic cirrhosis and other toxic liver damage.

Let's weigh the "against"

All scientific publications note the good tolerability and high safety of silymarin. But even despite this, milk thistle, whose contraindications for use are minimal, can cause harm to some categories of patients.

Due to its choleretic properties, it is not recommended to use the plant for people with cholelithiasis. Increased secretion of bile can provoke the passage of stones from the gallbladder. The patient will feel acute attacks of pain in the right hypochondrium , nausea, heaviness in the liver area. The condition can be complicated by blockage of the bile ducts, which in turn will lead to an enlarged liver and the development of jaundice.

Taking the herb is contraindicated during exacerbations of gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach or intestines. Interacting with gastric juice, bile irritates damaged walls of the digestive tract. This effect causes increased abdominal pain and delays the healing process.

Like most plants, milk thistle is very rich in organic acids. In small doses they do not cause any harm to the body. But treating the liver is a long process. Patients are forced to use milk thistle preparations for several months. In this case, excessive intake of organic acids into the intestinal lumen leads to the death of beneficial microflora, which is manifested by the development of dyspeptic disorders. Patients complain of nausea, rumbling in the stomach, gas and diarrhea.

The occurrence of similar symptoms is also observed with an overdose of milk thistle. Stopping the herbal medicine and prescribing probiotics helps get rid of the negative reaction.

If there is the slightest suspicion of dysbacteriosis, it is not recommended to take milk thistle initially.

It has been reliably established that with long-term use, silymarin has an estrogen-like effect. Therefore, patients with hormonal disorders (endometriosis, benign or malignant tumors of the uterus, ovaries, prostate) doctors prescribe milk thistle only after a thorough assessment of the possible risks and benefits. For the same reason, the plant is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Silymarin can cause premature birth and lactation problems in them.

Patients with renal failure should take milk thistle with caution. Potassium, which is part of the fruit, in large doses can lead to the development of edema and weakening of the heart muscle.

It is not recommended to use the plant in childhood. Although milk thistle is generally considered safe, no clinical studies have been conducted to support its use in children. The lack of any standards does not allow prescribing adequate doses of this herbal medicine to young patients.

Milk thistle, which has no contraindications for the liver, can be used for any hepatopathology. However, the herb should not be used as the main means of therapy for acute viral hepatitis, since in such cases a necessary condition for recovery is the use of antiviral drugs.

The use of milk thistle is contraindicated for people with an allergic reaction to this plant.

Dangerous ties

By acting on the liver, silymarin changes the activity of its enzymes, which play a very important role in the “digestion” of drugs. The simultaneous use of milk thistle with certain drugs can lead to their concentration in the body being lower or higher than therapeutic. Therefore, before starting to use the plant, it is important to consult with your doctor, who will either adjust the doses of medications already taken or select another hepatoprotector.

Drugs that interact with silymarin include:

• antidepressants (Paxil, fluoxetine, St. John's wort),
• antipsychotics (clozapine),
• anticonvulsants (carbamazepine),
• tranquilizers (lorazepam),
• immunosuppressants (tacrolimus),
• statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs),
• estrogens.

Substitution of psychotropic medications poses particular difficulties. Therefore, milk thistle is not recommended for patients with mental illness (depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy).

Milk thistle is a unique annual or biennial plant that is widely used in many fields of medicine. Let's find out under what circumstances it is appropriate to use milk thistle, as well as how to do it without harm to the body.

Useful properties of the plant

The plant contains more than four hundred useful substances, so it is not surprising that it is used in medicine. So, milk thistle is capable of:

Other positive qualities of the plant:

• helps reduce intoxication after binge drinking;
• Must be consumed by diabetics in the form of meal, which contains a large amount of fiber. Fiber is known to maintain blood sugar levels;
• increases the amount of breast milk;
• minimizes stress levels.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that milk thistle is used in many areas of medicine: cardiology, toxicology, gastroenterology, oncology, gynecology, neurology, dentistry, cosmetology, and so on.

Milk thistle release form

Instructions for using milk thistle depend on the form of its release. So, medicine Available in the following versions.

Herbal tea

Indications: improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, restoration normal operation liver, maintaining the body in tone.

Application: Brewed milk thistle leaves are consumed three to four times a day.

Pills

Indications: liver pathology, prevention of liver pathologies, removal of toxins from the body, rapid restoration of the integrity of functional tissues.

Application: one tablet once a day after meals.

Syrup

Indications: problems with the biliary tract, spleen, heart or liver; for colitis, hemorrhoids, colds.

Application: three times a day before meals, a tablespoon.

Plant oil

Indications: liver and heart diseases; the appearance of gastritis or ulcers; intoxication of the body, the presence of eczema, psoriasis, acne on the skin, lichen planus; for hair loss.

Instructions for using milk thistle oil: drink half a teaspoon several times a day; Another option is to lubricate problem skin with the product several times a day (2-3 times).

Milk thistle extract capsules

Indications: prevention of liver diseases, replenishment of flacovonoids (substances that affect metabolic processes in the human body).

Application: one capsule per day with meals for a month and a half.

Milk thistle meal

This release form represents the residual parts of the plant from which the oil has been extracted.

Indications: problems with the liver, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, heart, pancreas, spleen; for hemorrhoids, colitis, atherosclerosis.

Application of milk thistle meal: three times a day, a teaspoon before meals, the meal must be washed down.

Powder

Indications: progressive psoriasis, atherosclerosis; for liver diseases and intoxication of the body.

Application: Combine a teaspoon of the medicine with water, drink five times a day, the course of treatment is a month.

Recipes for homemade medicines based on milk thistle

If you have a toothache

1. Combine a tablespoon of milk thistle roots with a glass of boiling water.
2. Boil the product for 10 minutes, then let it brew for an hour.
3. After straining the broth, you can rinse your mouth. Another option for use is to apply lotions to a sore tooth and gum.

For weight loss

1. Pour a tablespoon of meal with one hundred milliliters of warm water.
2. Take the product three times a day in small portions.

Some people who are losing weight add meal to porridge and baked goods.

To prevent you from feeling hungry at night, before going to bed, drink a glass of kefir with the addition of two tablespoons of meal.

If you are concerned about hepatitis, cirrhosis + in case of liver intoxication

1. Combine three tablespoons of milk thistle seeds with half a liter of hot water.
2. Place the mixture in a water bath; keep the product on it until half of the liquid has evaporated.
3. Take milk thistle 1 tbsp. every hour until the condition improves. Don't forget to strain the broth before using.

For skin ulcers, trophic ulcers and joint problems

1. Combine four tablespoons of seeds and 0.5 liters of alcohol, let the mixture brew for two weeks.
2. Take the tincture as follows: add 25 drops of the product to half a glass of water and drink before meals.

Treatment time is until the condition improves.

If climatic atrophic vaginitis develops

Using a syringe, inject three milliliters of milk thistle oil into the vagina. During the procedure, you need to lie on your back, bend your knees, and raise your hips for ten minutes so that the oil does not leak out.

Repeat all the above manipulations twelve times.

In case of poisoning

Drink a teaspoon of meal every three hours until symptoms subside.

For disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, varicose veins and alcoholism

1. Pour 1 tsp. crushed milk thistle seeds 200 ml boiling water.
2. Let the product sit for fifteen minutes, then strain.
3. Drink milk thistle, a third of a glass, three times a day, half an hour before meals.

If you are concerned about constipation

1. Add 1 tbsp to one hundred grams of yogurt or kefir. meal
2. Take milk thistle for breakfast before meals. The course of treatment is a month.

Contraindications for the use of milk thistle

Doctors prohibit the use of milk thistle in the following cases:

• for mental disorders;
• epilepsy;
• constant shortness of breath;
• if the patient is under twelve years of age.

During pregnancy, milk thistle should be consumed only after consulting a doctor. You should also consult with a specialist if you have hormonal disorders and diseases caused by these same disorders (ovarian, uterine, prostate cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc.).

There is also a risk of symptoms if you have the following diseases:

• bronchial asthma;
• tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
• cholelithiasis;
• increased amount of calcium in the body.

Possible symptoms:

• pain in the liver area;
• allergy;
• loose stools, stomach pain.

Everyone, at least once in their life, has seen a large plant with carved leaves and crimson-purple inflorescences, known under such names as milk thistle, thistle, tartar, and thorn. But most likely, few people know what contraindications milk thistle has. This article will tell you which diseases this plant will help improve, and when it should not be used under any circumstances.

What kind of plant is this?

Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family and is an annual plant. Over the summer it can grow up to two meters. Beautiful, very prickly dark green leaves with a “marble” pattern are located on a branched stem. Milk thistle blooms from mid-July to August, with single purple-violet flowers arranged in a spiny basket consisting of small green and spiny leaves. Produces a black or dark brown achene fruit. It is undemanding to conditions, only it does not tolerate temperatures below -10 o C. Milk thistle grows in America, Asia, Central and Western Europe, in Russia and Ukraine.

Medicinal properties of milk thistle

Already many centuries ago, the ancient Romans used it to treat a variety of liver diseases, and the people of India used various parts of this plant in recipes for traditional and homeopathic medicine, knowing what contraindications milk thistle had. But the peak of popularity of this plant came in the late 60s of the 20th century, after research conducted at the Munich Pharmaceutical Institute, during which a unique substance was found - silymarin.

What is in milk thistle?

In the process of research, German scientists found that in addition to silymarin, milk thistle contains many macro- and microelements, as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as quercetin, flavolignan, biogenic amines,
carotenoids, essential (polyunsaturated) acids and essential oils- in total more than 200 different components. Thanks to this, it is included in many biologically active additives and various medicines.

Use in pharmacology

Milk thistle is actively used in the pharmaceutical industry by many European countries and Russia. Tinctures and extracts of this plant are produced, as well as such preparations as “Karsil”, “Cholelitin”, “Legalon”, “Silibor”, which contain flavolingates obtained from its fruits. In addition, milk thistle fruit extract is part of several complex choleretic agents.

What diseases does it help with?

Today, as for many centuries, milk thistle helps with:

• diseases of the liver and gall bladder;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• various metabolic disorders;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• vascular diseases.

This is only a small part of the indications for the use of this plant and preparations from it. However, there are a number of conditions and diseases in which milk thistle may have a negative effect.

Milk thistle: contraindications

According to doctors, there are diseases and conditions for which you should not take medicines or milk thistle tinctures, and it is also advisable to consult your doctor about possible consequences their applications. Today we know what contraindications milk thistle has:

1. Various mental illness and disorders, depressive and borderline states, epilepsy.
2. Bronchial asthma, as it can provoke attacks of shortness of breath.
3. Bile and urolithiasis disease, since it has a rather strong choleretic effect, and this can provoke a painful attack when the position of the stones changes.
4. An individual allergic reaction to milk thistle, the manifestations of which are skin reactions in the form of rashes, stomach pain, and stool disorders.
5. Various diseases of the heart and vascular system.
6. Chronic diseases such as pancreatitis, cholecystitis, as well as renal and hepatic colic, diarrhea.
7. Age up to 12 years.

How does traditional medicine use milk thistle?

Many parts of this plant are used to prevent and treat a wide variety of diseases. In the summer, during the flowering of milk thistle, juice can be squeezed out of the large lower leaves, which is good for varicose veins. An infusion with a mild laxative effect can be prepared from dried leaves. You can brew tea from the seeds, which has a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract and activates the immune system. For bleeding gums, milk thistle root powder brewed in water can be used as a rinse. The meal and oil of this plant can be bought at almost any pharmacy or you can make it yourself. Let's figure out what diseases they can be used for, and whether there are any contraindications to their use.

What is milk thistle meal?

Various parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. So, from seeds, ground and cold pressed, meal is obtained and vegetable oil. Meal is a powder enriched with fiber and helps cleanse the intestines, stimulating intestinal peristalsis and the development of beneficial microflora. In addition, the vitamins, macro- and microelements contained in the meal are biologically active substances have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the whole organism. Silymarin, this unique flavonoid complex, is also present in the meal. It is he who has a powerful neutralizing effect on various toxins that have a detrimental effect on liver cells.

Contraindications for use

Milk thistle meal has approximately the same contraindications as when taking any other parts and compositions with its use. Pregnant and lactating women can use it only on the recommendation of a doctor, following the dosage and dosage regimen prescribed by him. All persons suffering from cholelithiasis, regardless of stage and condition, can begin taking the meal only after a medical examination and under strict medical supervision. People prone to allergic reactions should start taking milk thistle meal with caution. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age to take the meal, like other milk thistle products.

Milk thistle oil

As mentioned above, meal and vegetable oil are obtained from the seeds of this plant after grinding and squeezing. It is used both externally and internally for various pathologies and diseases of the liver, genitourinary and cardiovascular systems, and gastrointestinal tract. The color of this oil is slightly greenish, and the taste and smell are quite pleasant. It contains chlorophyll, which promotes cellular rejuvenation and restoration, normalizes metabolism and the functioning of the reproductive system and prevents the formation of kidney stones. Carotenoids, also present in the oil, reduce the level of allergic reactions, renew the liver at the cellular level and stimulate its activity. Tocopherol and carotene promote the renewal and rejuvenation of body tissues, and also have an anti-cancer effect. In dentistry, milk thistle oil is used to treat postoperative wounds and various inflammatory diseases oral cavity such as stomatitis and gingivitis.

When should it not be used?

Milk thistle oil should not be used, especially internally, by children under three years of age. It is possible, but only use it externally with caution. Milk thistle oil has contraindications such as individual intolerance and a tendency to allergic reactions. You should use this oil with extreme caution for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, and before starting use, be sure to consult with your doctor.