Milk Thistle - Soothing Mediterranean Herb That Cures
Carol Gomes
What is Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is used particularly for liver
problems and other ailments. It is a popular herb and has been
used since the Greek-Roman times.
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean, but is now
widespread throughout the world usually in dry, sunny areas.
Milk Thistle is commonly known as St. Marys thistle, Holy
thistle. It is sometimes also called as silymarin, which is
actually the herb's active component.
Benefits of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has been widely known for curing the liver related
problems. However, there are a lot other benefits of Milk
thistle. The benefits of Milk thistle with respect to different
organs and ailments are as follows-
LIVER
The main component in Milk Thistle called as ‘Silymarin’
protects the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins,
alcohol, acetaminophen (also called as paracetamol that is
commonly used for headaches). These substances can cause liver
damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink
alcohol regularly.
Milk Thistle protects and regenerates the liver in case of
liver cirrhosis, jaundice, and chronic hepatitis. It cleans the
liver of harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs, metals,
anesthesia, etc. Milk thistle is particularly known for curing
damage due to intake of poisonous mushrooms popularly known as
the Death-cap mushrooms.
SKIN
Skin problems arise mainly due to the non-cleansing of blood.
This results in acne, eczema and other skin related problems.
Cleansing of the blood depends on the liver. Milk thistle
strengthens the functioning of a damaged liver and detoxifies
it. Thus, by purifying the liver, milk thistle results in
depletion of skin related problems. The reduction of skin
impurities leads to healing of redness or inflammation, added
glow in the skin, etc. As milk thistle is a demulcent, it
softens and moistens the skin.
KIDNEY, SPLEEN AND PELVIC REGION
Milk Thistle is a mild laxative and helps in reducing the
congestion in kidney, spleen and pelvic region. It has the
ability to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal
tract. Due to its laxative effect, it helps in maintaining the
consistency of stools for people who alternate between diarrhea
and constipation.
Milk Thistle is also a demulcent i.e. it soothes and moistens
the mucus membranes, kidney and bladder irritations and
inflammations in general.
GALL BLADDER
Milk Thistle can calm down an inflamed Gall Bladder and also
clears out any stagnation that might be present. It is
important to verify whether an individual has no Gall Stones
when he is using Milk Thistle to combat Gall Bladder symptoms.
One must visit a local physician to find out regarding the
same.
DIABETES
Diabetes control depends upon the smooth functioning of the
liver. The liver is the primary tissue involved with the
utilization of insulin. Milk thistle reduces insulin resistance
in people with type 2 diabetes. The reduction in lipid per
oxidation produced by silymarin can lead to improved metabolic
control and a reduced requirement for endogenous insulin in
such patients.
LOWERING CHOLESTEROL LEVELS:
Silymarin (an active compound in milk thistle) works as an
effective cholesterol-lowering drug with the additional benefit
of substantially increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
CANCER:
Silymarin has strong antioxidant properties and is believed to
inhibit the growth of human prostate, breast, and cervical
cancer cells in test tubes.
Silymarin
Silymarin is the most active component or ingredient of Milk
Thistle Seed. Silymarin is composed mainly of silybinin,
silychristin and silydianin. Silymarin is difficult to absorb.
It is soluble only in Alcohol and not water. Therefore, alcohol
is the preferred medium for its extraction. As of today, the
only known source of Silymarin is the Milk Thistle Seed.
Silymarin is also known as the liver-protecting compound in
milk thistle. It helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol
and other toxic substances. Silymarin protects the liver cells
from being destroyed by these substances. It has antioxidant
properties that help to cure various problems.
Milk Thistle Consumption
The seeds of Milk thistle contain Silymarin and are the active
part of the herb. This component is difficult of absorb. It is
easily soluble in alcohol rather than water. Hence, alcohol is
the preferred medium in which silymarin is extracted. The
absorption level of milk thistle in the blood stream increases
if the solution of silymarin is concentrated.
The Milk thistle seeds are used to prepare: -
- Milk thistle capsules containing dry powdered herb or seed.
- Milk thistle teas.
- Liquid extract of Milk thistle.
- Milk Thistle Tincture.
The capsules are the most concentrated form of Milk Thistle.
Areas of Concern
• The in-take levels or dosages in which adults and children
must consume milk thistle should be strictly taken care of as
an overdose can lead to hazardous conditions.
• Milk thistle has a few side effects such as stomach upset,
stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, skin reactions,
diarrhea or bloating after consumption of the same.
• In extreme cases, a person may suffer from impotence or
anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that can be fatal) as the
side effects of Milk thistle. These reactions are very rare.
• For safety purpose, it is essential that one must inform
one’s doctor, medical practitioner or physician about the
consumption of milk thistle so that it does not contradict with
any other form of treatment taken for other ailments.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women must not consume Milk
Thistle.
About The Author: Kevin Pederson, Webmaster for
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com gives valuable online home
solutions using natural herbs and things you can whiff up
together in the kitchen to treat common health problems. He
also writes content for many other health sites on yoga, hair
and skin care and so on.
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