Disability Resource Directory

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum): Milk thistle seeds are essentially comprised of three components that are collectively referred to as silymarin. Milk thistle seeds are well known for their ability to protect and heal the damage incurred by the liver. In many European studies, milk thistle seeds have been known to aid in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism. Studies have shown that the use of milk thistle seeds may even help extend the survival rates of some alcoholics who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver. Milk thistle seeds have even been shown to speed the recovery from hepatitis. Other research has shown that milk thistle seeds may be the best weapon against amanita, perhaps better known as mushroom poisoning. In one study, Swiss researchers found that patients treated with milk thistle seeds had a better survival rate against "death cap" mushroom poisoning than those treated with conventional medicine. Many well known researchers have even gone so far as to advocate the use of milk thistle seeds in cases where alcoholism is known. It is recommended that a typical dose be taken, which is approximately 140 milligrams of silymarin three times a day during the periods where the patient is experiencing the most liver stress due to the use of alcohol or drugs, or whenever liver enzymes are known to be elevated.

It is rare to hear of side effects from the consumption of milk thistle seeds, but those side effects that have been identified include nausea, hives, itching, headaches, stomach distress, and joint pain.