Milk Thistle and Acne--Dosage?

[jb]

I am a 34 year old female. and I have been taking milk thistle extract for about a week now and have seen a huge improvement in my skin already.  I have cyctic acne, and I've done three courses of accutane in the past--the most recent course I stopped mid-way a month ago, because I was getting migrane headaches.

My question is, what is the correct dosage for the extract and how long can I use it?  I've heard conlicting reports on the net as to liver function deteriorating with prolonged usage, and I wanted to make sure it was OK to use it long term.  I am currently for the last two days, experiencing diarrhea after taking the extract in hot water--I'm putting 20 drops in hot water, twice a day. Am i taking too much?  Or is my body just cleansing itself?  I am also drinking a liver de-tox tea with burdock, red clover, and licorice in it.
All best,

Jennifer

[Admin]

Thanks for the question Jennifer.  Many people take milk thistle long term, and I have not yet seen a study that reports a deterioration of liver function.  If you are on high dosages, and are taking drugs for HIV, then it is important to take breaks in your milk thistle dosage, as the milk thistle lowers a very specific liver enzyme that is need to break down the drugs that are used with HIV.  But, for most people this is not an issue.

That said, we suggest going in three month rounds, with a month or two off in between.  If the symptoms that you are taking the milk thistle for clear up, then after a three month round, there will be no reason to take it for a while, unless the symptoms come up.  Many people that have no known symptoms, take milk thistle only in the spring time for a spring cleanse. 

In terms of having diarrhea, it is odd that 20 drops in hot water would have that strong of an effect right away, but with some bodies, it does happen.  It should definitely regulate itself in a couple days, and if it does not, cut the dosage back in half.  Make sure to stay very hydrated.  I always suggest a couple glasses of hot water, or light herbal tea in the morning before eating any food.  This helps to flush out the intestines, and helps to rehydrate the body.

I hope this helps, please keep us up to date, and let us know if you have any more questions.
-Mark

[JB]

Thanks so much for the advice, and the quick answers to my questions!  I really appreciate it.  My tummy only started acting up after I'd ben taking the extract twice a day for a week, putting 20 drops in hot water.  I started out only puting in 15 drops, then increased it.  Hopefully it will go away soon.  I know its the extract, because the diahrrea happens shortly after I drink it.  The thistle is helping my acne tremendously, and its good to know i can take it long term with no side effects!