Traditional Uses
In Europe, milk thistle was traditionally used as a remedy for snakebites and rabies.
It was also used for encouraging lactation because of the he milklike liquid in the veins of the plant.
Milk thistle was listed in Renaissance herbal collections as a remedy effective in expelling melancholy and for treating kidney stones and obstructions of the liver and spleen
Current uses
Milk thistle is regarded as one of the most important herbal liver tonics and restoratives . As is the case with Feverfew, medical use of Milk Thistle may be traced back more than 2000 years.
Scientific analysis of Milk Thistle shows that it contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the medical benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and can block the entrance of toxins into the liver and remove toxins at cellular level, thereby resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved liver functioning.
One of the actions of the liver is to cleanse the blood. Should the liver become dysfunctional this can result in skin problems ranging from acne to psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Milk Thistle is a powerful herb for supporting the liver to purify the blood and is one of the best herbs for such skin disorders.
News Comment
Herbs for happiness, health and hangovers
CITY A.M., UK - 23 Jun 2008
Milk thistle is an oldie and a goodie because of its renowned benefit for the liver — you can buy it from most healthfood stores. Milk thistle contains the ...
Dr. Carol Rossetti: A toxin-free body: where to start
Noblesville Daily Times, IN - 10 Jul 2008
I also highly recommend Milk Thistle Combination. The active ingredient in Milk Thistle is Silymarin and studies have shown it can prevent damage to liver ...
Milk Thistle Extract Benefits Diabetes Patients in Clinical Trial
Courtney Cavaliere -
American Botanical Council
... In a recent clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research, a milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed extract produced beneficial effects on the glycemic profiles of diabetic patients ...
Natural and Alternative Health Remedies For Headaches
eMaxHealth.com, NC - Jul 2006
... Use herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion or burdock root or try a liver cleansing program such as Nature's Sunshine's Tao He Cleanse. ...
SPRING LEAN
ic Scotland.co.uk, UK - Apr 2006
... If you drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, add three or four drops of milk thistle tincture ...
Detox Special: What to do
Times Online, UK - Apr 2006
... step 3 take 200mg of standardised extract of milk thistle containing 70%-80% silymarin, three times a day.
There's no time like now to clean toxins out of your system
Mail Tribune, OR - Apr 2006
... Once you've cleansed, Miki recommends milk thistle seeds to rebuild and protect your liver. ...
Precautions and side effects (refer also to statements below)
Side effects from milk thistle are rarely reported, but may include stomach discomfort and loose motions
Research
Milk Thistle has been subject to many clinical trials which clearly demonstrate its effectiveness.
It is frequently recommended to counteract the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on the liver and clinical studies have shown that it helps the liver to return to normal functioning once drinking has stopped.
| Please refer to suppliers sites for price comparisons as prices and discounts are subject to change | |
