Can milk thistle be taken long term?

Is Milk Thistle Safe? Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth ( 1 , 45 ). In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1\% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ).

Is it safe to take milk thistle every day?

Generally, it’s safe to take milk thistle in recommended doses. Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Other people have reported a headache or itchiness after they take it. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, especially if you’re allergic to other plants in the same family.

Can milk thistle be harmful?

Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums.

Does milk thistle hurt your kidneys?

Milk thistle (Silymarin marianum) is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and pancreatic function.

How many months can you take milk thistle?

Dosing. BY MOUTH: For diabetes: Milk thistle extract 210-600 mg has been used daily for up to 6 months. 200 mg of milk thistle extract has been taken once daily or three times daily for 4 months to one year.

What are the risks of taking milk thistle long term?

Those allergic to the plant: Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae / Compositae family of plants. People with diabetes: The blood sugar-lowering effects of milk thistle may put people with diabetes at risk of low blood sugar.

How much milk thistle should I take?

The standard dose is 200 milligrams taken two to three times daily, according to New York University. Your body absorbs milk thistle better if the extract is bound with phosphatidylcholine. If your supplements contain this extra ingredient, then the dosage is 100 to 200 milligrams twice a day.

Is it worth taking milk thistle?

If you have liver disease, be it from hepatitis or, cirrhosis , it is definitely worth taking milk thistle to see it will improve your liver function. Routine liver function lab test would be able to easily verify this benefit.