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Milk Thistle Allergic Reactions & Cures

Milk thistle is an herb within the aster family of plants with medicinal properties. It has been used for thousands of years to aid in liver function. Recently, it has been taken by those with diabetes, cancer and those detoxifying from opiates. Despite its many beneficial properties, it can produce an allergic reaction in some people. It is important to find out the health risks associates with milk thistle prior to use. Find out what you can do to minimize allergic reactions and cure allergy symptoms.

  1. Milk Thistle Properties and Uses

    • Silymarin is an antioxidant that is extracted from the seeds of milk thistle. This antioxidant gives the plant its detoxifying and cell protecting attributes. Silymarin blocks toxins before they can enter cells and flushes out toxins before they can damage the cells. Silymarin may reduce the effects of chemotherapy and repair liver damage. According to www.nccam.nih.gov, there are studies being conducted by both the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute to determine if milk thistle does have health benefits. Ask your doctor before taking any herbal supplement or drinking a tea with milk thistle.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Those who are allergic to plants in the aster family should refrain from using milk thistle. These plants include daisies, artichokes, kiwi or common thistle. In addition, avoid milk thistle if you have an allergy to its chemical properties such as silychistin, silydianin, siliandrin, silibinin and silymonin. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health at www.nccam.nih.gov, the adverse effects of milk thistle include insomnia, eczema, arthralgia, rhinoconjunctivitis and impotence. Likewise, allergic side effects consist of headache, itching, stomach pain, sweating, nausea and anaphylactic shock. According to www.mayoclinic.com, most people who take milk thistle do not experience these types of symptoms, although the National Cancer Institute, at www.cancer.gov, reports that those taking high doses of 1500 milligrams may have mild allergic reactions. Milk thistle may counteract drugs taken to regulate blood sugar and oral contraceptives. Check labels on herbal supplements and in teas for milk thistle. Stop using milk thistle if you have any of these symptoms. If your condition worsens go to the nearest hospital.

    Cures for Milk Thistle Stomach Pain and Allergies

    • For the less severe digestive reactions to milk thistle, stop taking the herb and eat plain foods like bread, noodles or broth. Use an over-the-counter drug like Benedryl for allergies symptoms like a rash, sneezing and headaches. Benedryl will also help with insomnia when taken at night. Itching may be relieved by using a cream like Itch-X that contains pramoxine, anesthetics and benzyl alcohol. The cream can numb skin nerve endings and reduce the pain and itchiness.

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