Juicing For Health - Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Name
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) also known as Cardui mariae, Carduus marianum, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Our Lady's Thistle, Silimarina, Silybin, Silybum, Silymarin, St. Mary Thistle and Wild Artichoke.
Parts Used
Fruit, Leaves, Seeds.
Information
Milk thistles are thistles of the genus Silybum Adans which are flowering plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae). They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Milk thistle has been used medicinally for thousands of years for a variety of ailments, particularly liver and gall bladder disorders. Studies show milk thistle can protect the liver from toxins, drugs and alcohol whilst it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells. The active compound is thought to be a flavinoid called Silymarin which has antioxident and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally milk thistle was used in the treatment of inflammatory liver disease, adrenal disorders, psoriasis, weakened immune syste, inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder aid, cirrhosis, fatty liver and other liver diseases.
Benefits
- Cancer
- Liver Health
- Mushroom Poisoning
- Viral Hepatitis
Studies have shown that milk thistle and the compounds it contains such as silymarin may have anti-cancer effects. These chemicals appear to stop cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, shorten their life span, and reduce blood supple to tumors.
Milk thistle is often recommended for liver complaints. Milk thistle is thought to protect the liver from toxins, drugs and alcohol damage by preventing free radical damage and stimulating the production of new liver cells. Often recommended for fatty liver, liver disease, cirrhosis, gallbladder disorders, hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.
Milk thistle has been used as an emergency antidote to poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Studies have shown that milk thistle counteracts the toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given within 24 hours, it significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.
Milk thistle is widely used in the treatment of viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C). But studies show mixed results. Some found improvements in liver function, while others did not.
Side Effects/Precautions
Milk thistle is generally considered a safe herb, with mild side effects such as upset stomach and slight laxative effects reported.
Milk thistle and most other herbs are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast and uterine cancer and prostate cancer, should exercise caution using milk thistle.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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