For thousands of years, milk thistle seeds have been used to help treat liver disease. They have also been used in a preventative capacity, to protect the liver from toxins. Milk thistle side effects are uncommon, and generally quite minor. However, it is worth knowing about these side effects if you are being treated with milk thistle for liver disease or for any other ailment. Most people who feel that they benefit from the use of milk thistle believe that milk thistle side effects are relatively small when compared to the benefit they receive from their treatment.
Most milk thistle side effects are caused by excessive consumption of milk thistle. For instance, consuming milk thistle in large doses can lead to headaches. These headaches can range from minor to severe depending on the patient and the amount consumed. Excessive consumption can also lead to breathing problems. This is one of the less common, but more serious milk thistle side effects. If after consuming milk thistle you notice any problems with breathing, or you suffer a severe headache over a long period, you should contact your doctor or go to your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.
Other milk thistle side effects can result from consumption of milk thistle that may not be excessive, but may simply result from an incompatibility of the patient with the treatment. For instance, some people using milk thistle have reported feelings of insomnia, which, of course, can lead to further health problems like weakness. Other milk thistle side effects which may be more manageable, but would still require medical attention; include skin rashes, lip swelling and loss of appetite. Some users also reported occurrences of impotence, or a lack of sex drive, but these patients were in a minority.
The important thing to remember when embarking on any course of medicine, whether pharmaceutical or, as in this case, natural, is that excessive consumption will almost invariably lead to unwanted effects. This is certainly true in the case of milk thistle side effects. However, they can usually be avoided if you stick to the recommended dose. Of course, in the case that you do happen to notice any milk thistle side effects, then it is definitely advisable that you contact your doctor as early as possible to seek advice on whether or not to continue your course of milk thistle.