Is Milk Thistle for Hangover an Effective Remedy?

Milk thistle contains a variety of phytochemicals and nutrients, many of which are effective in promoting health and wellness.

The thistle is a common perennial weed originally indigenous to many European countries, but is also commonly found throughout the western United States (especially California) as well as the Australian continent.

Milk thistle has been used for centuries in the treatment of liver conditions, some of which are caused by alcohol. As such, many use milk thistle for hangover following alcohol use, but is it a viable remedy?

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

Top Milk Thistle Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Health Benefits of Milk Thistle Supplements

Milk thistle has been observed to support the treatment of some liver disorders, particularly alcoholic liver cirrhosis[3] and alcoholic hepatitis.[2]

In addition to the clinical interest in milk thistle, it has been used for centuries in traditional medical practice to support liver health and treat liver disorders[3] and is considered an antioxidant that reduces inflammation.

But does milk thistle’s ability to support the liver mean it can be an effective treatment for hangover?

In folk medicine traditions practiced throughout ancient Europe, as well as in Chinese traditional medicine, milk thistle is mainly used for gallbladder and liver dysfunctions. In fact, the German Commission E (a scientific advisory board similar to the American Food and Drug Administration) approves milk thistle for use in a variety of health issues including gallbladder, dyspeptic, and liver complaints.

How does it work? Components of milk thistle can alter the outer cellular membranes of liver cells in order to prevent toxins from getting inside. These components are also believed to initiate actions of nucleolar polymerase A, which is responsible for the promotion, stimulation, and regeneration of new liver cell growth.

Milk Thistle and Alcohol Hangovers

Because it’s associated with the treatment of liver disorders and liver damage caused by alcohol, including cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis, many believe that milk thistle may help treat an alcoholic hangover.

Milk thistle, whose main active ingredient is a flavonoid complex known as silymarin, is believed to support liver function by acting as an antioxidant, helping to prevent oxidative damage. Some may see this function as helpful in dealing with a hangover. In fact, some believe that by taking milk thistle before going out and drinking, a person can prevent a hangover.

While there has been extensive study on the association of milk thistle and liver health, no research exists to determine if it prevents or helps treat the physiological effects of the over-consumption of alcohol. Despite the lack of evidence (either traditional or clinical) to support this use, milk thistle remains a popular hangover remedy.

Determining the efficacy of milk thistle for hangover in individuals is particularly difficult because everybody metabolizes alcohol differently depending on age, weight, circumstances, as well as frequency of drinking and types of drinks consumed.

For example, a moderate drinker will metabolize alcohol differently than a chronic or heavy drinker. The main enzyme that metabolizes alcohol in a moderate drinker is defined as alcohol dehydrogenase or ADH. To date, milk thistle or silymarin supplements have not shown to have an effect on this enzyme component.

Nevertheless, when it comes to individuals who are chronic alcohol drinkers or alcoholics, different enzyme systems are in play, and are known as MEOS. Milk thistle does show a tendency to interrupt or interfere with this enzyme system, leading to the belief that it can reduce the damage caused by alcohol metabolism byproducts as well as some alcohol-related damage to the liver.

The Liver and Alcohol Metabolism

There is good reason to think a healthy liver can help with alcohol metabolism. As the liver metabolizes alcohol, its components are converted into an acetylaldehyde, which is the component in alcohol that can cause nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, and other unpleasant side effects. As the liver continues to metabolize acetylaldehyde, it converts it into a component known as acetate. However, there is no evidence that milk thistle speeds up this process.

Darker liquors as well as cheap liquor may also be more difficult for the liver to metabolize due to the liquors preservative components. Some of the preservatives used in liquors are metabolized into formaldehyde, more commonly associated with embalming fluid.

A variety of cheap whiskey brands, fruity brandies, and red wine often contain methanol, which the liver breaks down into formic acid. While a healthy liver is important for the break-down of toxins in the body, milk thistle has not been observed to speed up this process.

Milk Thistle Safety

Milk thistle and silymarin are generally well tolerated when taken as directed.

However, it is recommended that individuals speak to a physician or healthcare practitioner in the event that other herbal remedies, supplements, or prescription and over-the-counter medications are being taken, as milk thistle can interact with the effectiveness of certain medications. This is especially true of blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin).

While taking milk thistle for hangover may or may not help with immediate symptoms, it may prove effective for liver function and health. But, as with all supplements, be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning to supplement with milk thistle.

Rate This Article

(4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5, rated)