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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