Milk Thistle Dosages for Liver Cleanse, Allergies Diabetes + More

Milk Thistle dosages vary according to what condition is being treated. Milk Thistle extract is made from the hard fruit achenes, of the Milk Thistle Silybum marianum plant.

The active ingredient is silymarin and the concentration of this compound is what determines the ideal dosage for the extract.

The supplement can be taken on its own or in a combination formula with other complementary herbs in a tincture or tablet.

Milk Thistle extract is commonly used to support liver health and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and other toxins. It promotes the regeneration of liver cells, working to improve whole-body health.

Additional benefits have been observed for diabetics, individuals with allergies, and for the reduction of cholesterol levels.

Milk Thistle

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Longevity

How It Works:

• Supports liver health & detox
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Improves insulin sensitivity & cholesterol

Dosage:

Between 140 - 800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Milk Thistle Dosages

For antioxidant effects and for allergic rhinitis 140 milligrams of silymarin is the suggested dose to be taken three times daily for three weeks.

A 200 mg dose milk thistle condensed extract usually contains about 140 mg silymarin at 70% extract. Some products may contain between 80 – 90% silymarin and the dosage should be adjusted respectively.

Studies have shown people with allergic rhinitis who take antihistamines with this supplement have experienced fewer symptoms than just taking antihistamines on its own.

For osteoarthritis, 150 milligrams of silymarin is taken twice daily for eight weeks. For skin damage caused by radiation treatment in women with breast cancer the cream Leviaderm®, which contains silymarin is used.

In the treatment of Diabetes, research has shown that along with conventional treatment milk thistle supplements can decrease blood sugar, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.

In trials, silymarin has typically been given in amounts ranging from 420–480 mg per day 2 to 3 times a day. Higher doses such as 600 mg daily in the treatment of type II diabetes produces more significant results. For high cholesterol, 200-600 milligrams of silymarin is taken once or three times daily for four months in addition to standard therapy.

Dosages for Liver Health

For acute viral hepatitis, 160-800 milligrams of silymarin is taken three times daily for three weeks. For liver damage from drugs or toxins, the dosage of 160-800 milligrams of silymarin is taken three times daily for periods ranging from 15 days to five weeks.

For cirrhosis, 160-800 milligrams of silymarin is taken twice or three times a day for up to two years. As long as there are not contraindications, this supplement has been taken safely for up to six years if needed.

For chronic liver disease 160-480 milligrams of silymarin from milk thistle extract is taken once or three times daily for up to three months. Other trials have used 120-420 milligrams of silymarin taken three times daily for four weeks to 12 months as needed.

Milk Thistle Dosage Combination Formulas

Vogel’s Milk Thistle Complex was formulated by Alfred Vogel, a Swiss naturopath.

The fruit seeds of Milk Thistle Silybum marianum are combined with four other fresh extracts of Dandelion, Taraxacum officinalis, Artichoke, Cynara cardunculus, Peppermint, Mentha piperita and dried Boldo, Peumus boldus leaves.

It comes in tincture and tablet formats. Each 250mg tablet contains the equivalent of 500mg Milk Thistle Complex tincture. The dosage is 15 to 20 drops twice daily, in water. This product is not recommended for children, if pregnant or breastfeeding.

For Heartburn (dyspepsia) and IBS a combination formula, such as Iberogast®, manufactured by Medical Futures, Inc is used daily for 4 weeks.

This formula combines milk thistle, Silybi mariani fructus, which is used for its hepatoprotective properties (preventing damage to the liver) and to stimulates the regeneration of liver cells. It is also used to reduce acid reflux, stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

It also contains extracts from bitter candytuft, Iberis amara, angelica root ,Angelicae radix, celandine herb, Chelidonii herba, caraway fruit, Carvi fructus, liquorice root, Liquiritiae radix, peppermint herb, Menthae piperitae folium, Lemon balm leaf, Melissae folium, and chamomile flower, Matricariae flos.

For Menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, a combination product such as Phyto-Female which has a 60 mg silymarin dosage from Milk Thistle extract is suggested.

The dose is to be taken at a rate of 1 to 3 oral tablets daily with a meal for 3 months. It also contains black cohosh, Cimicifuga tomentosa, dong quai, Angelica sinensis, red clover, Trifulium pretence, American ginseng, Panax quinuefolium, and chasteberry, Vitex agnus castus.

Contraindications & Side Effects

Do not take milk thistle dosages with medications that change in the liver. These medications include:

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Zileuton (Zyflo)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Diclofenac (Voltaren)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Glipizide (Glucotrol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Irbesartan (Avapro)
• Losartan (Cozaar)

It should also not be taken with phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), Estrogen drugs, Glucuronidated Drugs or Statin Drugs.

It should be used with caution if pregnant or breastfeeding.  Women with breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids should also avoid this supplement.

It should not be taken if allergic to the Asteraceae Compositae plant family, which includes avocadoes, daisies and ragweed as it may cause anaphylactic shock.

This supplement shouldn’t be taken with alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, and Siberian ginseng. These herbs are also known to lower blood sugar and may interfere with the effects of a milk thistle extract dosage.

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