Liver Supports - Alternative Medicine Message Board

Sarah68 · 01-27-2003, 07:39 AM

Hi All,

I am not very 'up' on herbal remedies, mainly using homeopathic instead and I wonder if you who know more can tell me how Milk Thistle works and what it does? I know that it somehow supports liver function or cleanses the liver, but exactly what does it do and how do you take it? In Capsule, powder or tincture form?

If I need to support the liver, I tend to use the homeopathic remedy Chelidonium in a Mother Tincture form, taking 5-8 drops daily in water. This would be given in conjunction with a homeopathic constitutional remedy, probably with an affinity for the liver and I find that this seems to work well. However, I would just like a little more info on Milk Thistle if possible.

Thanks

isolated one · 01-27-2003, 09:00 AM

I've been taking Milk Thistle for the past five years. What started my interest in Milk Thistle was that I've been and still am a beer drinker, more so than in moderation but not every day or to the point of being a fall down drunk. I have my own personal proof that Milk Thistle works. Last year, I was having spells of extreme fatigue and just was not feeling well in general. The doctor had me do hundreds of dollors worth of blood work. They tested for most everything possible. The results came back as normal as can be, including the various liver enzyme tests. The only test showing a problem was that my testosterone level was low (there are natural ways to treat that as well). Anyway, my beer intake should have at least raised my liver enzymes but I believe the Milk Thistle was responsible in preventing that. The Vitamin E and Ginseng could have helped to some extent but I doubt not nearly as much as the Milk Thistle. There is more than enough proof out there that Milk Thistle aids in liver health. It's even used by the medical establishment in some cases of sudden toxic liver conditions.

... BTW, I take the capsule form because it's simply more convenient being that I take so many supplements daily. Only use a "standardized" product which is usually 175 mg standardized to 80% Silymarin. Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 01-27-2003).]

Sarah68 · 01-27-2003, 12:22 PM

Thanks for that. The info was all very helpful and I have bought some of the same strength that you suggested today.

Is it ok to take them long term?

Initally, some patients can be a little more sceptical of homeopathy than herbal medicine, so it is just good to be able to offer an alternative until they come round to the idea of homeopathy fully.

Thanks

Harry · 01-27-2003, 01:24 PM

Sarah,
Milk thistle --- basically protects the liver from toxins and other pollutants by preventing free radical damage as well as increases new liver cell growth. It's also good for protecting the kidneys, gallbladder, helps a weak immune system and has been used as a anticancer herb that effects some types of cancer --breast and protate.

The only problem is that herbs are not regulated as homeopathic remedies are ---- So, you have to search for a GOOD reliable producer. In a health food stores here in the USA. The only thing that is FDA approved is homeopathic remedies made according to the "Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of Unitied States". They all even have lot numbers on them on each container. It's not so with herbs.

Maybe some day a standard will be developed for vitamins, minerals and supplements--- but not as of yet!!!

Harry

isolated one · 01-27-2003, 03:13 PM

Sarah, Milk Thistle is one of the very few herbs that doesn't have any real side effects or other contraindications (none I'm aware of anyway). And unlike so many of the other popular herbs, I haven't read any claims against long term use. It's been said to have a possible slight laxative effect in some but not most people. Harry is right in suggesting buying from a reputable company. Over the years, Nature's Way has gained my trust as the best and Solaray is probably a close second (this is my opinion). I would stay away from specific brands you only find for example in K Mart or Wal Mart. I agree there should be better standards for the industry. With many herbs, you often don't know the potency, however there is "standardization". You know you're taking a strong enough product and just how strong it is. The only problem is that there are some companies out there that don't give you what's on their label. This is the exception and not the rule. I do NOT believe the FDA should be the ones in charge of a better regulation process. That would be the first step in getting them removed from the shelves. As you know, the FDA is very much on the side of the drug companies who see the alternative medicine industry as a threat to their business. I don't have much trust in the FDA anyway because they've often been to quick to approve medicines and food additives which are clearly dangerous. Two perfect examples are Prozac and Aspertame. How these products are still allowed on the market is beyond me!