Debra writes of my suggestion to use milk thistle for edema:

" 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."

You seem to imply that these two herbs are the same--they are not. milk thistle has traditionally been used in both eastern and western medicine to treat disorders of the liver and edema. Many herbalists also believe it is a galactogogue and its benifits to the liver suggest to me that this would be true. Blessed thistle is most often used as a digestive bitter, although it has a much broader history and is also a known galactogogue (most galactogogues are digestive herbs or drugs). So, Hale's, or any other source that reviews blessed thistle would be useless in a discussion of milk thistle. As a matter of fact, milk thistle is safe for use during pregnancy, while blessed thistle is generally not considered to be (this is also the postition of the German Comm E).


Even so, you quote Hale:

 "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."

Yet, he lists it an L3--sounds like a little bias against an herbal medicine, IMO.

 "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."

I am not sure what this part of the post is about--I guess you are suggesting that herbs are not safe? IMO, drugs are rarely safe and herbs are used safely far more often.

" 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."

This is not an opinion that we share. I do not trust the FDA.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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