Jennifer wrote:
<Someone asked about treating areolar edema.  If mom is willing, I
encourage them to take milk thistle - - it usually works well.>

I found your suggestion interesting.  Blessed thistle/milk thistle has been
used for centuries (or longer) as a galactogogue.  It has been historically
believed by herbalists and midwives that the milk-like sap released from
the leaf and stem of the plant, when opened, has influential properties in
this regard.

I will soon be purchasing Hale 2004.  In the meantime, Hale 2002 says this
about blessed thistle:

"Blessed thistle contains an enormous array of chemicals, polyenes,
steroids, terpenoids, and volatile oils.  It is believed useful for
diarrhea, hemorrhage, fevers, expectorant, bacteriostatic, and other
antiseptic properties.  Traditionally it has been used for loss of
appetite, flatulence, cough and congestion, gangrenous ulcers, and
dyspepsia.  It has been documented to be antibacterial against: B.
subtilis, Brucella abortis, B. bronchiseptica, E. coli, Proteus species, P.
aeruginosa, Staph. aureus, and Strep. faecalis.  The antibacterial and anti-
inflammatory properties are due to its cnicin component.  While it is
commonly used as a galactogogue, no data could be found suggesting this
application.  It is virtually nontoxic, with only occasional suggestions
that high doses may induce GI symptoms.  Lactation Risk Category: L3.
Adult concerns: Virtually nontoxic.  Pediatric concerns: None reported via
milk."

If there is an update on blessed thistle in Hale 2004, please post. Do you
believe that blessed thistle/milk thistle has a diuretic effect in the
treatment of areolar edema?  If blessed thistle/milk thistle is taken
orally, and if diuresis is thought to occur as a consequence, wouldn't this
diuresis be systemic if, in fact, such diuresis actually occurs?  If so,
this could contribute to a decrease in milk supply, no?  I am not presently
aware of any known or suspected diuretic effect in blessed thistle.
However, if there is such an effect, it would be prudent to avoid blessed
thistle in nursing mothers in favor of cabbage leaves, cold packs, and RPS
in this regard.  Do you recommend the oral route or the topical application
of blessed thistle to mothers? It would be interesting to hear from an
herbalist on this topic.

Approximately 20 - 25% of all pharmaceuticals in the U.S. are plant-based
and thus are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  One
classic example is the cardiac stimulant Digoxin, derived from the
beautiful biennial, digitalis (foxglove).  Foxglove is also a classic
example of a plant that is highly toxic (do NOT chew on the leaves and do
NOT ingest the leaves) but that also has beneficial pharmaceutical
applications in carefully manufactured and carefully administered, safe
doses.  The FDA has not yet accepted the responsibility for regulating the
other 75% - 80% of the herbal industry, and in my opinion, this is so very
unfortunate.

Naturally, I find nature fascinating.  However, the FDA needs to accept
full responsibility in regard to all plant-based medicines.  An excellent
model is Germany's Commission E.

Debra Swank, RN BSN IBCLC RLC
Winchester, Virginia USA

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