Natural alternatives to modern medicine are now all the rage when it comes to treating various conditions in the body, including anal fissures. One contender for anal fissure treatment is milk thistle, which has proven itself effective in countering other diseases. Though research is still ongoing as to where or not using milk thistle (silybum marianum) to treat anal fissure is a viable option, various evidences point to the fact that the plant, indeed, can help in reducing complications around the fissure while helping the anal area heal.
Background
Milk thistle is a flowering herb that shares similarities with daisies and ragweeds. It is native to Mediterranean countries where it is both used as a spice and as part of various healing salves. All parts of the thistle, from flower to root, can be used in various medicines and has been made a supplement in recent years.
It is often taken in supplement and liquid form or can be part of various topical anesthetics like gels and creams. It has been proven to be effective in treating various digestive problems and even cardiovascular diseases. As for the field of anal fissure treatments, experts are still finding out how it has a hand in helping the wound heal though they are quite certain how it does this.
What’s in Milk Thistle?
The plant contains a compound called silymarin which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When used as an ointment, milk thistle can help soothe the inflammation around the affected area while helping moisten the stool and lubricate the anus, allowing for easier and less painful bowel movements.
When part of a supplement, milk thistle is known to provide good digestion which lessens the chance of the formation of hard stools. In turn, the lower chances of having constipation will prevent constant stress on the sphincter muscles, a primary cause for the formation of anal fissures. It also relieves the pain around the sphincter muscles which can help in the passage of stool. It could also help in restoring the flow of blood around the sphincters, quickening the rate of healing in the anus.
Side Effects
Usually, consuming milk thistle does not pose no threat to the body but there have been instances when consuming too much of it has led to various adverse results. Ointments that contain milk thistle (silybum marianum) to treat anal fissure would result in allergy to certain skin types as the plant itself has several allergic properties. This is also true for individuals with allergies to milk thistle and every other ragweed in general.
Milk thistle can also mimic the effects of estrogen, which means some women should avoid ingesting them as supplements at all costs. Women who have fibroid tumors and cancer are just a few examples of those who can’t take in milk thistle supplements.
Ingesting too much milk thistle can lead to diarrhea which is a primary cause for the formation of anal fissures. In addition, compounds in the plant will counteract the effects of several medications. Consultation with a physician beforehand is necessary to avoid suffering from unwanted complications.
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