Milk Thistle Tea And Pregnancy: A Safe Combination?

Milk thistle tea is made from the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum), which is part of the Asteraceae family and is native to the Mediterranean. It has been used for centuries to treat liver and gallbladder issues. The active component of milk thistle is a flavonoid called silymarin, which is believed to protect and repair damaged liver cells, boost milk supply, and alleviate depression.

While milk thistle tea is generally considered safe, there is limited research on its effects during pregnancy. Some sources claim that it is safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation, while others advise against it, citing potential risks to fetal development. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any herbal remedies during pregnancy.

Milk thistle tea may help with morning sickness

Milk thistle is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is also known as Saint Mary's Thistle, holy thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle. It is believed that the white veins on its leaves were caused by a drop of the Virgin Mary's breast milk.

Milk thistle's active compound is a flavonoid called silymarin, which has antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to protect the liver from damage and stimulate the regeneration of liver cells. It also helps in the detoxification of the liver by removing toxins and excess hormones from the body.

During pregnancy, the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance. It acts as a filter, removing toxins, hormones, drugs, and other substances from the body. However, if the liver becomes overwhelmed, it can lead to feelings of fatigue, discomfort, and even morning sickness.

Milk thistle can help prevent morning sickness by supporting and boosting liver function. It aids the liver in eliminating excess hormones and toxins, which are believed to be the cause of morning sickness. Shonda Parker, in her book "Naturally Healthy Pregnancy," writes:

> I have found milk thistle (standardized to contain at least 70% – 80% silymarin) to be invaluable in preventing morning sickness. I began taking 2 tablets each day, two months prior to this pregnancy, and increased to 3 tablets daily when our pregnancy was confirmed. Milk thistle is liver supportive and protective. I feel this is why it worked so well to prevent the nausea and vomiting I have had with every other pregnancy.

The recommended dosage of milk thistle for morning sickness is the extract (standardized to contain at least 70% silymarin) at 280 mg per day. It can be taken in pill form or prepared as a tea by simmering 1 teaspoon of crushed milk thistle seeds in 8 ounces of water for 10 minutes. The dose is 1 to 3 cups daily or 1 to 3 grams of ground milk thistle seed in capsule form.

It is important to note that there is limited research on the effects of milk thistle during pregnancy, and pregnant women are usually advised to avoid this supplement due to the lack of data on its safety. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking milk thistle during pregnancy.

It can stimulate breast milk production

Milk thistle is believed to stimulate breast milk production due to its plant estrogens. Prolactin is a necessary hormone for breastfeeding, and its production is regulated, in part, by estrogen. Milk thistle's estrogen-mimicking properties may increase prolactin secretions, making it an efficient galactagogue.

One study found that milk thistle was effective at increasing milk supply in dairy cows. Another study focused on silymarin, the plant's active ingredient, and found that the compound led to an 85% increase in the milk supply of nursing mothers.

Milk thistle is a common ingredient in many commercially available lactation supplements and teas. It is often combined with other breastfeeding herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, goat's rue, marshmallow root, and verbena.

Milk thistle is generally considered safe for consumption by breastfeeding mothers. However, excessive amounts may lead to stomach upset, loose bowel movements, or vomiting. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplement, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Allergic reactions to milk thistle are rare, but those with allergies to marigolds, chrysanthemums, daisies, or ragweed should avoid it as these plants are all within the same family.

Additionally, milk thistle may interfere with birth control pills due to its estrogenic properties and should be avoided during pregnancy.

It may help with liver issues

Milk thistle is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is also known as Saint Mary's Thistle, holy thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle. It has been used for centuries to treat liver disease.

The active ingredient in milk thistle is a flavanoid called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the herb's medical benefits. Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects.

Milk thistle is thought to protect the liver by reducing damage caused by free radicals, which are produced when the liver metabolizes toxic substances. It may also extend the life expectancy of people with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses.

Some studies also show that milk thistle may help people whose livers are damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. Additionally, milk thistle can be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications like statins to help prevent the elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication.

While the benefits of milk thistle for liver health are promising, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

It may help with depression and prevent postpartum baby blues

Milk thistle is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. It is considered safe for consumption during pregnancy and may offer several benefits to new mothers, including aiding in the prevention of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects up to 19% of women after giving birth. It is characterised by persistent low mood, sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. The condition can have negative consequences for both the mother and the infant, impacting their bonding and potentially leading to long-term developmental issues in the child.

Milk thistle is believed to help prevent and alleviate postpartum depression through several mechanisms:

• Liver Support: Milk thistle contains silymarin, a flavonoid that protects and repairs damaged liver cells. The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance, and milk thistle helps flush excess hormones and toxins, reducing their negative impact on mood.
• Neuroendocrine Effects: Milk thistle may influence neuroendocrine pathways, including those related to stress reactivity. It promotes the release of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that enhance feelings of nurturance and relaxation. Additionally, it may attenuate cortisol stress responses, reducing anxiety and improving mood.
• Emotional Support: Milk thistle can help keep emotions on an even keel and lift depression. It may even assist those with suicidal feelings, making it a valuable addition to traditional treatments for postpartum depression.
• Breastfeeding Support: Milk thistle is known to increase breast milk supply, which can positively impact the mother's mental health and provide a sense of confidence and well-being.

While milk thistle shows promise in preventing and managing postpartum depression, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any herbal remedies during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

It may help with diabetes management

Milk thistle has been shown to have a positive impact on diabetes management. Its active ingredient, silymarin, is a powerful antioxidant that can help to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.

A study carried out by a team at the Institute of Medicinal Plants in Tehran, Iran, found that milk thistle reduced fasting blood glucose by 11% and blood insulin levels by 14%. The study also showed that milk thistle reduced insulin resistance by 26%, triglyceride levels by 24%, and raised HDL ("good") cholesterol by 7%.

Another study found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of type 2 diabetes. This is because silymarin can decrease inflammatory responses in the body and improve insulin sensitivity.

Silymarin has also been shown to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, which may lower the chance of developing heart disease.

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