The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Prostatitis, Enlarged Prostate
Posted by T Anand (Sydney nsw) on 03/16/2023
★★★★★
Milk thistle is effective in curing prostatitis and enlarged prostate...Moreover it's properties have the efficacy in treating skin diseases also..
Histamine Intolerance
Posted by Teena (Australia) on 04/24/2019 233 posts
Milk thistle, dandelion for liver support can be taken in capsules, or more easily as tea. Steep leaves covered for minimum 20 mins, steeping longer makes for a stronger infusion. I would aim for 2 cups a day. I have had great success with herbal infusions. Best to you
Histamine Intolerance
Posted by Caroline W. (United States) on 04/22/2019
I have a daughter with histamine intolerance. We have been using natural supplements to treat. However, I think I "overdid it" on the raw Vitamin C and she has achy joints and doesn't feel well, and I thought I should work her liver. I am using a natural doctor "liver support" but wondered about thoughts on Milk Thistle. Perhaps with alcohol she may not be able to tolerate because of fermentation? Thoughts?
Fifth Disease
Posted by Jean (Ky) on 11/18/2018 27 posts
★★★★★
I acquired 5th disease as an adult. It causes alarming arthritis-like symptoms. It hit my hands. They were swollen and painful. My doctor did a blood work-up and my liver levels were very high. It did subside with a little time and milk thistle. I was told it stays in your system and can return, sort of like chicken pox coming back as shingles. It was scary.
Acne
Posted by Green Augustine (Mold, Denbighshire) on 10/09/2018 41 posts
I don't have Acne but take Milk Thistle to help my liver with the fat on the SCD diet which I'm on to try and help IBS and Diverticulis. My husband has suffered with chronic constipation for years and I've tried every remedy on this site and others to little avail. Recently I've been giving him Hawthorn tincture for hypertension and decided to add 5 ml of milk thistle tincture in a little water. He can't get over the fact he now has at least one BM a day and sometimes more. I guess it stimulates the liver and bile production which is good for digestion and getting the stools on the move. An added plus is its reputedly good for the heart too. A brilliant herb. Here in the UK we have Fushi who make Biodynamic tinctures and also well known and respected tinctures from Vogel and Jan de Vries. Jan de Vries also makes Bowel Essence, a tincture of flowers etc which are very soothing for IBS flair ups. Not sure if you have these makes in the US. Good luck
Acne
Posted by Richeal (Bonnet Lake) on 03/27/2018
Brewers yeast is not bread rising yeast. It's like a nutrional yeast grown on beets. It is an excellent acne and skin remedy because of all the b vits, minerals and nutrition.
Acne
Posted by Natasha (U.S.A.) on 08/19/2017
Actually brewers yeast causes acne, the root cause of acne is yeast or fungal. Allergies, acne, asthma, eczema can all be traced to yeast or Candida and an overly toxic system, also not digesting fats well. I took brewers yeast when I was young because my mother told me to because she said it would assure I get enough B vits. back then there was no info on Candida. After I started taking it within a couple years I developed acne. I also struggled with asthma over the years when I was young and told it was heriditary. The truth is I no longer have either because I cleared the candida out of my body. Pau d' arco will help clear Candida out and go on the diet (no yeast, moldy, sugary type foods) no breads, cheese, fruit for a while it really works. Seaweed is very alkaline and loaded with minerals, there was nothing in the candida yeast connection book about avoiding seaweed.
Yoruba Name for Milk Thistle
Posted by Matilda (Lagos) on 07/01/2017
Hi please what is the Yoruba name for milk thistle and where can it be found???
Liver Conditions
Posted by Chords (Manhattan, New York) on 05/16/2015
Milk Thistle for liver cleansing... What part of the plant is the most beneficial? Seeds, roots, leaves, or flower?
General Feedback
Posted by Matt (New York, US) on 11/24/2014
Are there problems taking Milk Thistle, Dandelion root, Ginger, Apple cider vinegar and Urso Forte?
Liver Conditions
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 02/27/2014 2048 posts
I am one rare occasion that cannot tolerate any alcohol so I have had to avoid A completely, but not only did I not need my doctor to tell me this, (s)he won't. If my blood reveals normal enzymes then I do not have liver disease. Two yrs ago the nurse ask me "Mr TimH, do you drink alcohol?" I replied that I do not and cannot drink half of an alcohol beverage without extreme nausea. So, I was not punished for being a drinker nor was I evaluated for liver or metabolic disease.
Conversely, one small alcohol beverage daily is healthy. If I ever do get able, I will likely rotate either a beer or wine every other day.
Although otc natural supplements are not "regulated" by the FDA as pharmaceutical drugs are, they are produced under strict safety guidelines for safe human consumption.
So, Amy, please be more specific in your well meaning post as it appears not credible in the light that this is almost entirely not an issue w/ the overwhelming majority.
Liver Conditions
Posted by Amy (Nashville Tennessee) on 02/26/2014
Be careful if using Milk Thistle Extract (liquid). The first ingredient listed is certified Organic Alcohol. Check with your doctor.
Hangovers
Posted by Cajun (Opelousas, La) on 01/16/2014
★★★★★
After 30+ years on alcohol avoidance [except for the occasional beer with pizza or sandwich] I divorced and found myself spending evenings at local clubs & bars.. A couple capsules of Milk Thistle and a Naproxen Sodium at bed time provides me with a clear head in the morning and no headaches. Whatever does or doesn't work for others has no relation to me. I'm a 150% believer.
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 12/28/2013 2048 posts
It is difficult to determine such by subjective. When the issue of potency is a factor, always buy "standardized extract".
General Feedback
Posted by Mimi (California) on 12/26/2013
Can anybody suggest a name brand of Milke thistle that is good. There are so many out there I'm confused. Thank you
Acne
Posted by Arya926 (Port Huron, Mi) on 12/14/2013
I came across this post while looking for milk thistle side effects. I thought I'd throw it out there that my son has also suffered from severe acne. Through trial and error, we found that alkalizing his water (instructions on earth clinic) and the use of sulfur soap have completely eradicated the acne. It has been almost two years since he has had any breakouts and his skin looks amazing. I hope this helps!
Liver Conditions
Posted by Sue (In) on 10/26/2013
Take 1000mg twice a day of milk thistle for HCV.
Acne
Posted by Polly (London, England) on 04/14/2013
I haven't tried Milk thistle for acne but another thing you can do is remove ALL wheat from your son's diet especially wholewheat. My brother has bad acne which he has had since a lad he's 56 now and has tried this; it has worked!! It was hard for him because he was an addict. Also it gives my husband a bad temper, exhaustion and bloating. He's miles better without it. He can eat pure rye and kamut bread. So doesn't have to give bread up completely.
Acne
Posted by Concerned (Houston, Tx) on 04/10/2013
Mike/ Indiana... I think she's saying that acne is the RESULT of a poorly functioning liver. The liver is toxic and acne is a way of the body releasing those toxins. Be kind to one another. Acne is not a result of uncleanliness. My son suffers terribly with it and is VERY CLEAN... Bathing and washing/treating his face frequently. Acne jokes are NOT funny.
Acne
Posted by Leannienh (Windham, Nh) on 09/15/2012
Hi there, I am looking at your post and sympathize with your acne condition. I also am an esthetician who specializes on acne treatment for 30 years.. Although I know it is improtant to do internal cleansing and burdock root, milk thistle, red clover, and yellow dock are all good for cleansing the blood and liver (there is a good multiherbal supplement called herpanicine) I am a strong advocate for using a good probiotic and a routine of cleansing the skin and medicating the skin topically. Use distilled water to cleanse your face and use a salicylic acid cleanser. Use witch hazel with a few drops of lavendar and tea tree tree essential oils added as a toner, and then acclimate your face to topical use of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide that you leave on all day and night. Increase percentage of BP until you are able to use up to 10% BP at night every night. This will keep the follicles free and clear, Also food relationships to acne are crucial.. The androgen increasing effects of dairy, peanuts, seaweed and any seaweed derivitives, sugar, caffeine, and red dyes are to be avoided as well as hight sodium.. Drink plenty of water and take chelated zinc and vitamin A. Best wishes to you. Buy the book written by Dr. James Fulton on acne available on e-bay or amazon.. He is a brilliant dermatologist and where I got my acne training 30 years ago. Linked in has an acne specialist group available for estheticians that you could join and learn a great deal about acne treatment.... Best wishes.
Acne
Posted by Mel (Mount Gambier, South Australia) on 06/29/2012
Its good to read that milk thistle has helped you as I am currently taking it in tablet form, one a day to help reduce my fatty liver.
Pets
Posted by Missy (Buffalo, Ny) on 05/15/2012
Lovealot from Questa, New Mexico: Could you please tell us what dosage(mg) you gave to your dog?
Acne
Posted by Eve (Eugene, Or) on 05/15/2012
Try to use bottled water to wash your face. I have had acne in certain places but not others too and this has been my remedy.
Pets
Posted by Lovealot (Questa, New Mexico) on 03/04/2012
★★★★★
I gave my 45 pound, mix bread, female dog named Brownie some pain killers; due to the fact that she had this painful growth on her eye lid. To be exact for five days I gave her one acetaminophen and four naproxen. By the fifth day she was puking and had diarrhea. I felt horrible. I intoxicated her liver. I called the veterinary hospitals. Instead of giving helpful advise they made me feel like I intended to poison my dog and gave me a hard time on estimating a fee. The minimum fee at the vet was going to be $1, 000. I looked up this advise and am so grateful. The Milk thistle saved Brownie's life. I gave her a mix of Milk thistle, burdock root liquid extract and licorice root liquid extract at eleven am and by four pm she mad a complete 360. I mean it was amazing how the Milk thistle detox her liver so fast. I also did give her a 30 cc of pediatric pedialyte in her vein with a insulin syringe I bought from Rite Aid to rehydrate her. By six pm she was eating canned wet food and drinking water. She didn't puke any of it up. Went on a run, was filled with joy and energy. Brownie survived thanks to the four tables of milk thistle.
Liver Conditions
Posted by P (Middle, Fl) on 01/21/2012
Sometimes if I want to know about a particular product I go to a vitamin website; be it; vitamin shoppe, swanson vitamins, puritan pride and I search for the product and then read the reviews. I find that it's most helpful.
Acne
Posted by THealth (Los Angeles, CA) on 09/25/2008
Hi Erica. Good to know that your acne has cleared and you have beautiful skin . Thank you for your wonderful feedback and letting us know the root cause of acne. I would also like to try the Milk Thistle so can you please give me more input about the same. What is Milk Thistle and where do you get this. Also please let me know what liquid herbal extract you are using. I would like to try the same also. Thanks a lot. Thealth
Pets
Posted by Jes (Alloway, nj) on 09/16/2007
I have a question for CHERYL FROM GREENSBURG PA. i have a 10 year old boxer and his liver enzymes are way off the chart too and he also has some sort of tumor growth affecting the same area. i would like to start by helping his liver enzymes go back to normal range. other wise we are considering the same thing you would have had to do. HOW MUCH MILK THISTLE BURDOCK ROOT AND VITAMIN E DID YOU GIVE YOUR PET AND IN WHAT FORM? AND HAVE YOU RESEARCED ANY SIDE AFFECTS OF THESE "MEDICINES" ON DOGS? i really appreciate any response you can post as soon as possible. our dog is not doing so good."
03/06/2008: Lonnie from Kitchener, Canada replies: "I would like to find out what dosage you give regarding the burdock root, milk thistle and vitamin e for liver disease. I have a Maltese that is suffering and I am desperate. HELP ME PLEASE!!! The letter you published does not give any specifics. Thank you,"
03/27/2008: Carla from Orange Park, Florida replies: "I would like to find out what dosage you give regarding the burdock root, milk thistle and vitamin e for liver disease. Our 6.5 lb yorkie "Oliver" possibly ate something toxic... Hydrangea or Sago Palm and is not doing well. His liver count is high and the vet has given him Denosyn but I'd be willing to try anything to help him. Could you please let me know if you think it would help and how much to give. Is it the same stuff humans take or is it special for animals? Thank you in advance for your response."
07/02/2008: Kathleen from Vancouver, WA replies: "I have just adopted a male Basenji (Peyton) almost 3 weeks ago and am having behavioral problems. He is the sweetest boy with me every now and then would lash out at other dogs for no apparent reason. The breeder and I decided to talk to a Pet Communicator that I was skeptical of. Before I even asked the Pet Communicator questions she informed me that Peyton's liver needed to be cleansed of anesthesia from his neutering 3 weeks ago. She explained that the inbalance in the liver was affecting his odd behavior and when the liver is cleansed I will notice a difference in his behavior. I won't go into more detail of the visit I had with the Pet Communicator accept to say she knew things there is NO WAY she could have known about him!! I am now convinced and no longer a skeptic of pet communicators! Too the point..what she suggested to help clean his liver is to use Vitamin C in powder form and to give Peyton who is about 25 lbs 50-100 MG a day. She also suggested Milk Thistle and Dandelion. She said they usually come in 500 MG capsuls and to give him only 1/4 of the 500 MG. I would assume to get it in powder form as well. She said she uses it on her dogs (whoe are bigger then Peyton) and she gives them the same amount she suggested to me. I havn't tried it yet since I only found out last night, but I am going to. Hope this helps!
Liver Conditions
Posted by JLlerenas (Ventura, CA, USA) on 04/19/2009
Have you considered that the stones passed are from more than just the Gall bladder? So it's really not that preposterous, just not well understood. This is not a claim of veracity either or of proof that they are stones. Thanks for your post, it supplement's Ted's post well."
04/22/2009: EJ from Middleboro, MA replies: "It may not be as easy as changing your diet to correct a gallbladder issue. At least that's what I'm finding. I've had two ct scans in the last five years to look for gallstones that don't exist to explain my intermittent pain. About a month ago I switched from a good diet consisting of mainly vegetables and chicken or fish (little grain and dairy, nothing fried ever)to a diet of fruit and vegetables only (including fat from olive oil, avocados and almonds). My gallbladder rebelled like never before. Apples, apple juice, ACV, beet root, dandelion tea, healthy liver tincture - none of them helped the pain - castor oil packs did help temporarily. After 3 weeks, I finally added some cheese back to my diet and the pain subsided. Except for the gallbladder pain, I felt great eating only fruit and veg (ala Dr. Robert Morse). So if anyone knows what will fix this gallbladder permanently, I'd love to know.
Liver Conditions
Posted by Marilyn (Miami, FL) on 08/29/2008
I, too, have Hep-C and my doctor recommended Mild Thistle 200 mg at least 2x per day. I am not a consistent user, but do notice a difference in my energy level when I take it. Good luck to all with this insidious disease."
08/30/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hi Marilyn, Google miracle mineral supplement and pull up the one about "demystifying MMS" for a summary of what it can do. Hepatitis A, B, and C are also mentioned as cured by using MMS.
Hangovers
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 11/20/2009
★★★★★
Thumbs up for Milk Thistle
testing out a combination Milk Thistle and Sea Buckthorn combo (from Germany). I was surprised that I didn't suffer the usual ill effects this morning from a few beers the evening before. (shakiness, headache... I rarely drink)
I attribute it to the Milk Thistle... decided it will be a regular on my supplement shelf.
Liver Conditions
Posted by Timotrio (West Seneca, NY, USA) on 04/15/2010
★★★★☆
I have had hepatitis c for over 25 years. In the early 1980's I read an article about Milk Thistle from an herb company outside of NYC and it sounded like what I needed. There weren't a lot of herb stores around then so I ordered from them. Since then I have taken many different combination of herbs but mainly milk thistle. I now take a combination of milk thistle/fringe tree, Turmeric & cayenne pepper. The first two in equal doses and the pepper in small dose. I capsule my own alternative medications and mix a teaspoon of the first three and 1/2 a teaspoon of the third. Mix them very well and get a cheap capsule machine on the internet along with 00 capsules. I had a biopsy 4 years ago-I am still at stage one and have by no means maintained a healthy lifestyle until the past few years. I hope it helps.
Thanks!
Tim
Liver Conditions
Posted by Mike (Baltimore, Maryland) on 02/04/2008
★★★★★
Ted has a lot of good insights and makes for a very interesting read, but he forgot one important thing regarding Lecithin.
Dandelion root contains more Lecithin than even soy products and also acts as a mild diuretic, but unlike other diuretics, it does not deplete the body of potassium due to the high amount of it found in the plant. Dandelion also contains loads of trace elements and should go a long way in dissolving gallstones as well as improving and increasing bile flow through the gallbladder.
Milk Thistle is also very good for this although to my knowledge, does not contain Lecithin. It reduces cholesterol in bile as well as other beneficial effects on liver/gallbladder health though.
About all this "flush" business that is so obviously fake that it bears mentioning. To say that there are over 2000 stones in your liver and gallbladder is ridiculous considering the size of these organs and appears even more ridiculous when people say this continues to happen over years of doing these flushes. What people should be doing is changing their diets and taking supplements to deal with these things. It's amazing to me that everyone that does this flush seems to report hundreds and thousands of "stones" even though an ultrasound may only show one or two small ones. Whether these flushes actually work or not is debateable since people seem to want to exaggerate the effectiveness. If they worked, there would be nothing to exaggerate and if they really do work, it's a tragedy that those pushing it on other people have to make things up to make it look better than it is when there is no need. It can't possibly be good for someone long term to continue to do this to their bodies.
To anyone wanting to dissolve and/or prevent gallstones, cut back a little on the fatty stuff you eat and do some research on supplements. Dandelion Root, Magnesium, Milk Thistle and even a daily multivitamin is a good place to start. Make a habit of having a glass or two of apple juice a day as the Pectin in apples and apple juice will soften the stones, exercise a little and watch what you eat to a point. If you really want to change, you can do it. If you're looking for an easy way out where you can have your cake and eat it too, you'll fail everytime. Supplements alone won't fix this problem and neither will 100 flushes. You have to make lifestyle changes as well and you have to stick with them.
However, things like constantly checking your pH and constantly monitoring pH of water you drink and all this stuff seems to be a pretty paranoid and stressful kind of life, constantly worrying and all. I don't think I'd ever go that far and eating enough fruits and vegetables should keep you balanced just fine.
Pets
Posted by Debih (Moreno Valley, Ca, Usa) on 06/04/2011
Our 6 yr old lab has had elevated liver enzymes for a few years now, not exhibiting many symptoms yet, also the vet has already tried the "drugs" with no improvement. After we had her just yesterday to get her teeth cleaned and she still is not herself yet, this is the last time she's going under anesthesia, unless an emergency. I came back to my tried and true Earth Clinic for help. After reading all the stories about the milk thistle and the chloraphyll, I took myself down to the local health food store and bought both. We also have a 3 yr old lab mix so he's getting it too. Shoot, my liver enzymes are usually elevated so I'm going to use it too! They love it just straight out of the bowl! I got the chloraphyll in Apple flavor and both of them lapped it up! Neneh also has some fatty tumors showing up the last year and I'll be watching them too. Her sister is 18 months older and is overweight (they feed people food! ) and also has quite a few smaller fatty tumors. I'm going to tell them about this too, they never take her to the vet except to get shots. I'll come back and give an update in a month. Thanks to everyone that posted!
Pets
Posted by Cheryl (Greensburg, PA) on 02/19/2007
★★★★★
My 11 year old lab/springer mix was diagnosed with a failing liver and we were at the point where we might have to put her down. I was so upset and traditional medicines were not working. I then tried Milk Thistle, Burdock Root and Vitamin E. She is amazing. Even our Vet can not believe the difference in her. She went from unable to stand, severe confusion, not barking to happy, playful and barking at everything in sight. For us, this was truly a miracle. Her liver enzymes went from counts in the thousands back down to normal ranges.
Liver Conditions
Posted by Crazydogjack (New Castle, Pa, Usa) on 12/07/2010
Here's a question for all of you Earth Clinic friends.... I started taking Milk Thistle w/Choline for a fatty liver about two weeks ago. I noticed that my appetite has decreased (which isn't a bad thing), and I am wondering if any of you experts out there have any feedback as to why the decrease in appetite and cravings?
Morgellon's
Posted by Cori (Orillia, Ontario, Canada) on 12/31/2011
I've been studying myself through the net what this bug (we call nano) is, as I've suffered for many years without answers. I started by purchasing Milk Thistle liquid to clean the liver and SEA salt baths. Both are really helping. I know we've all read the sea salt baths, but I only saw one person post about milk thistle. The liquid form of Milk Thistle I take 3 times a day. At first I was ill vomit-discharging lots of the different morgellon things (bug), then there would be many stool-discharges of the stuff; In the evening know the area of my liver is working hard enough I feel it pulling.
Depression
Posted by Sophia (Lewisville, TX) on 01/08/2010
★★★★★
For depression that gets worse at that time of month, Milk Thistle works great for me. I usually start feeling better within 20 minutes. It works great for the kind of depression where you just feel bad. It also works for guys' depression (I give it to my son). Try not to take it every day. I've read, and found from my own experience, that taking it daily lessens its effects.
