Scotch thistle is a plant. It is used as medicine.
People use Scotch thistle for cancer, ulcers, fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Be careful not to confuse Scotch thistle with similar sounding natural medicines such as milk thistle or Scotch broom.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Stimulating the heart.
- Cancer.
- Fever.
- Ulcers.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Scotch thistle for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Some chemicals in scotch thistle might kill bacteria or reduce swelling (inflammation).
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Scotch thistle is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Scotch thistle is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergy to ragweed, daisies, and related plants: Scotch thistle may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking Scotch thistle.
It is not known if Scotch Thistle interacts with any medicines. Before taking Scotch Thistle, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of Scotch thistle depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Scotch thistle. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Acanthe Sauvage, Alcachofa Borriquera, Ansarina, Cardo Borriquero, Chardon aux Ânes, Chardon d'Écosse, Chardon à Feuilles d'Acanthe, Herbe aux Ânes, Onoporde Acanthe, Onopordon Fausse-Acanthe, Onopordum acanthium, Toba, Woolly Thistle.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.