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Safe to use
as a dietary supplement, alternative medicine for most dogs and cats |
In this article...
1. Milk Thistle
2. Health Benefits
3. Cautions
4. Side Effects
5. Drug Interactions
6. General Guideline for Daily Herbal Intake
2. Health Benefits
3. Cautions
4. Side Effects
5. Drug Interactions
6. General Guideline for Daily Herbal Intake
1.0 Milk Thistle
Also known by the name: Carduus marianus, Silybum mariamum, Silybum,
Silybin, Silymarin, Silymarine, St. Mary’s Thistle, Marianus, Marianum, Our
Lady’s Thistle, etc.
Milk thistle
is an herbal plant that is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean
regions – today it can be found growing wild in many places around the world
including North America. I love to see the milk thistle in my meadows. Milk Thistle is much loved by
butterflies.
Milk thistle
has been used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years – its recorded
use dates back to the 1st century. Over the centuries milk thistle was
used for many ailments including disorders of the liver, kidney, spleen.
Medicinal Properties in Milk Thistle
The healing
properties of milk thistle come primarily from:
- The seed (the fruit) of the milk thistle that contains silymarin;
- Silymarin:
- Is a flavonol (antioxidant) that protects the liver from oxidation;
- Blocks hepatotixic substances from crossing cell membranes – acting to protect the liver from toxic substances;
- Stimulates cell regeneration.
- Silymarin:
- Is stored in the liver where it contributes to regeneration and protection of the liver;
- Which also in-turn works to protect the immune system and metabolism.
Milk Thistle can be used in various forms:
- Dry powder
- Liquid
- Tea - infusion
- Tincture
- Capsule
2.0 Health Benefits
A
partial list...
- Allergies – seasonal (allergic rhinitis);
- Anti-inflammatory (liver, allergies);
- Appetite loss;
- Cancer – breast, cervical, prostate;
- Depression;
- Detoxification of the liver;
- Diseases of the spleen;
- Gallbladder problems;
- Heartburn;
- Improving liver function;
- Liver disorders;
- Cirrhosis of the liver;
- Chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation);
- Chronic inflammatory liver disease;
- Damage caused by chemicals;
3.0 Cautions…
If your dog
or cat:
- Is pregnant or lactating do not use milk thistle;
- Is allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family (i.e. arnica, daises, marigolds, etc.).
4.0 Side Effects...
In some
individuals may cause:
- Appetite loss;
- Bloating;
- Diarrhea;
- Indigestion;
- Intestinal gas;
- Nausea,
5.0 Drug Interactions…
- Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet drugs;
- Estrogen;
- Medications that are changed or broken down by the liver;
6.0 General Guideline...
Daily Herbal Intake Based on Dog’s or Cat’s Weight
Weight
|
Dry
Powders
|
Teas
|
Capsules/Tablets
|
Tinctures
|
1-10 lbs
|
a
small pinch up to 1/8 tsp
|
less
than 1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day
|
1/2
capsule, 1-3 times/day
|
1-3
drops, 2-3 times/day
|
10-20 lbs
|
1
larger pinch - 1/8 to ¼ tsp
|
1/4
cup, 1-3 times/day
|
1/2-1
capsule/tablet, 1-3 times/day
|
3-5
drops, 2-3 times/day
|
20-50 lbs
|
2
pinches - 1 teaspoon
|
1/4-1/2
cup, 1-3 times/day
|
1-2
capsules/tablets, 2-3 times/day
|
5-10
drops, 2-3 times/day
|
50-100 lbs 10-
|
2
pinches - 2 teaspoons
|
1/2-1
cup, 1-3 times/day
|
1-2
capsules/tablets, 3-4 times/day
|
20
drops, 2-3 times/day
|
Over 100 lbs,
|
up to
1 tablespoon
|
up to
1 cup 3 times/day
|
adult
human dose
|
adult
human dose
|
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