Benefits of Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
The benefits of milk thistle on the liver have been known since ancient times. It has antioxidant properties that equal those of vitamins C and vitamin E.
Milk thistle is a noxious weed that is native to the Mediterranian Region of Europe. It has spread to other areas of the world including California and Oregon in the United States where it has become a problem for farmers and ranchers. Milk thistle is highly toxic to cattle.
The root of milk thistle and also the stems can be eaten by humans. The roots and stems are boiled. The stems must be peeled first. When used for health benefits, it is the seeds that are usually used.
The most well-known benefits of milk thistle is for its effect on the liver. It has the ability to stimulate the growth of new liver cells which replace damaged cells. It is for this reason it is used today by the medical profession to treat mushroom poisoning caused by the deadly amanita mushroom. Silybum is the substance in the plant that affects the liver.
Milk thistle may also:
- Aid in weight loss by cleansing the liver and thereby enabling it to flush toxins from the body and reducing water retention.
- Improve acne outbreaks by reducing dryness and inflammation of the skin.
- Reduce psoriasis and eczema by improving liver function in removing toxins from the blood stream.
- Protect the body from producing gall stones by enabling the gall bladder to produce more bile.
- Reverse the negative results of alcholol abuse on the liver by encouraging new cell growth.
- Heal liver damage caused by hepatitis C.
- Improve cholesterol by increasing HDL cholesterol (good) and decreasing LDL cholesterol (bad in the blood stream.
Milk thistle is now being studied for its possible effect on cancer cells. It may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in prostrate, breast, and cervical cancer. It is also thought to reduce the negative affects of drugs used in chemotherapy. It is extremely important that you do not use milk thistle if you are undergoing chemotherapy without discussing it with your physician. While it may have positive effects when some drugs are used, it can interfere with the performance of other chemotherapy drugs.
Milk thistle is usually taken in capsule form which is the most convenient form in which to take it. Just follow the dosage recommendations on the bottle. Ground milk thistle seeds are also available and some recommend the seeds as being the most effective. When taking the seeds, take 1/2 teaspoon to one teaspoon twice a day followed by a glass of water. You may want to start with a lower dose and work up to a full dose over time.
Side effects of milk thistle are not very common. However, when you begin taking it, you may have loose bowels - a good reason to begin with a lower dose. Allergy reactions can occur. If you are allergic to sun flower seeds, rag weed, marigolds, or artichoke, do not take milk thistle. Stop taking milk thistle immediately if you notice any itching or swelling in any part of the body.
Milk thistle can interact with other medications. If you are taking doctor prescribed medications, discuss taking milk thistle with your physician before you begin.
More Information:
Herbs for Acne
Psoriasis Home Treatment
Herbs for Lowering Cholesterol
