Milk Thistle with its active ingredient, Silymarin had been a widely used alternative medicine for many diseases especially those that affects the liver and gallbladder. Milk Thistle is a native European herb of the genus Silibum adans, a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family. Many studies suggest that Silymarin, a flavonoid found in the seeds of this plant is the liver’s best friend. Substances in Milk Thistle especially Silymarin acts by protecting the liver from harmful toxins like alcohol and drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol). In European countries, Milk Thistle is given to patients taking hepatotoxic drugs. Apart from detoxifying the liver, Milk Thistle also promotes healing of the liver in patients with Hepatitis and Cirrhosis.
Milk Thistle Benefits
- Milk Thistle acts as a very effective antioxidant. It helps the body to get rid of free radicals which are considered to be toxic substances. Free radicals are the culprit to cellular damage that eventually leads to premature aging and diseases.
- Milk Thistle helps the liver perform it vital functions by increasing Glutathione levels in the body by as much as 30%. Glutathione helps the liver in the body’s detoxification process.
- Alcoholic patients with liver cirrhosis are greatly benefited by Milk Thistle. Excessive alcohol intake causes extra work for the liver that causes liver damage like Cirrhosis. Milk Thistle helps by blocking fibrosis or scars and regenerating liver cells.
- Flow of bile from the gallbladder is stimulated by Milk Thistle. By which, Milk Thistle reduces the risk of developing gallbladder stones.
- Recent studies suggest that Milk Thistle has promising anti-cancer properties. Milk Thistle is said to be effective in fighting cancer cells of certain cancers like that of the prostate, breast, and the cervix. It also increases the efficacy of chemotherapeutic medications.
- Milk Thistle is the traditional antidote to poisoning caused by the deathcap mushroom. When given within 10 minutes of ingestion, Milk Thistle extracts totally eliminates the poison and its effects.
- Clinical trials on Milk Thistle show that it has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Milk Thistle helps in treating endometriosis and in reducing excessive growth of skin cells.
Milk Thistle Preparations
Milk Thistle is available in several forms. You can take Milk Thistle by capsule (usually contains 120-140 mg silymarin), liquid extract, tincture, and thru silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex. Experts recommend that the daily dosage of silymarin is 200-400 mg two to three times a day to achieve its full health benefits.
Milk Thistle Side Effects
Milk Thistle when taken by the prescribed dosage causes no or very few side effects. Few of the reported Milk Thistle side effects include upset stomach and other laxative-like effects.
Milk Thistle Precautions
Milk Thistle is best taken under medical advice. Like any other supplements and alternative medicines, it shouldn’t be taken in high doses. Patients with known liver problems should take extra precautions when taking Milk Thistle.
Milk Thistle is not recommended for use with pregnant and nursing mothers.
