Milk thistle is know to help the liver.
However, I've heard you should not take it during hep C treatment as it may protect the liver from the very meds that are killing the hep C virus.
The docs in Germany can prescribe certain herbals and milk thistle is one of the few that can be prescribed.
The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines is the English translation. If bought new is rather expensive but can be found used... and at many libraries.
Of course this means that in Germany herbals are regulated unlike in the USA!!!
MT can cleans the liver. I am not sure of the recommended dose.
Best of luck, frank
I relapsed after a year on triple treatment.
I take Milk thistle. I drink licorice and green teas.
I eat a liver friendly diet.
I don't know what's working, but the virus, so far touch wood, has stayed at just DET <15 for 3 months now, my bloods are starting to improve, and I am going for a liver function test this week, and a CBC (TBC).
I'd say something in the above mentioned diet is working to improve my liver. Thus far.
Yes, people who are allergic to daisies, artichokes, kiwi, common thistle etc should stay away from milk thistle, and if you do develop any sideys that can't be explained after you start taking A PRESCRIBED DOSE of silymarin (milk thistle), then STOP.
Some people have a tendency to just pop a couple more in their gob just in case, or to speed up recovery or for some reason.
Best of luck.
I've tried it many years ago before I cleared the virus by conventional means. I had a little allergic reaction so I stop taking it right away.
I'm sure you'ved heard of this website the HCV advocate,there is a world of imfo there...here is the link to the herbal supps section.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/library/herb_glossary.asp#m
All the best to you Dee.