Milk thistle side effects

Information on Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a flowering plant which comes from the genusknown by the name of silybum adans. It is also a member of the large family ofdaisies. The plant itself is a tall one, characterized by white veins on theleaves which yield a white, milk like liquid when crushed. The same liquid canbe found in the stem of the plant as well. Milk thistle originates from theMiddle East and southeastern Europe, but since it can grow in rocky and dryterrains, it is quite popular everywhere around the world. It has been used fornumerous centuries because it provides the human body with numerous different typesof health benefits. Milk thistle is very efficient in the prevention andtreatment of liver damage, cirrhosis, liver inflammations and other liveraffecting medical conditions. Other than that it has been used successfully forthe treatment of gallbladder infections. Milk thistle may also come in veryhandy when it comes to prevention of cancer, decreasing the levels of badcholesterol in the blood and increasing the levels of good cholesterol in theblood.

Milk Thistle Side Effects

It is not that common for milk thistle to cause any sideeffects, but they still may occur in certain cases. Most side effects triggeredby the use of milk thistle are commonly associated with excessive consumptionof the herbal remedy. The most common side effects caused by milk thistle areheadaches, which may be light, but they may also be severe in some cases. Milkthistle may also be associated with the occurrence of painful sensations in thejoints. There have been cases of general weakness, fatigue and tiredness causedby the usage of milk thistle in its supplemental form. These may also beconnected to the fact that milk thistle may be held responsible for certaincases of insomnia as well. Another common side effect of milk thistle is gas troublewhich sometimes may also be accompanied by abdominal bloating and an upsetstomach as well. Besides that, milk thistle may sometimes have a slightlaxative effect. Milk thistle may also be involved in the occurrence of changesin one’s sexual drive and may even lead to impotency in some cases. Other sideeffects of milk thistle may or may not include skin rash, swollen lips, heartrelated problems, digestion problems, loss of appetite, nausea, itching,diarrhea, breathing problems, swollen throat, swollen face and swollen tongue.