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Milk thistle Benefits and Advantages

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. Sometimes known as silymarin, this herb is called a milk thistle because of the white features on the leaves and the milky sap that the leaves contain.

Milk thistle has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and was most popular in the countries where it is most often found. This includes Ancient Greeks throughout the Mediterranean as well as North Africa and the Middle East. There is also evidence to suggest that milk thistle was being used in ancient Chinese medicine over 2000 years ago.

Milk Thistle seed is a well-regarded liver protectant that also restores the liver's ability to detoxify harmful substances. The liver-protecting and liver-repairing functions are due to two main actions: antioxidant and protein-restoring activities. The antioxidant activity of silymarin, the active constituent, is ten times more powerful than vitamin E. Silymarin prevents toxic and foreign substances from penetrating liver cells by stabilizing the outer membrane of liver cells. The active constituents displace toxins by binding to proteins and receptors on the cell membrane. Silymarin also stimulates protein synthesis so that new liver cells can grow and damaged liver cells can be replaced. Because silymarin acts mainly on the liver and kidneys, it is an effective antidote against poisonous substances that accumulate in the liver.

Milk Thistle Benefits

1. Liver
Milk thistle contains bioflavonoids that can protect our liver and the plant has been used extensively in Asia as well as European countries for pharmaceutical material to treat liver problems. Sylmarin found in milk thistle contains silychristin. silydianin and silibin. A number of clinical studies support that silymarin has protective properties on our liver by shielding it against common toxins such as carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen and alcohol. Silymarin can enhance cell membranes in liver, which can prevent toxin from getting through and damaging the cell interior. The bioflavanoid compounds in milk thistle can effectively boost cellular growth by stimulating protein synthesis. The milk thistle seeds contain betaine hydrochloride that may have a contribution in protecting the liver.

2. Gallbladder and Gallstones
The silymarin found in milk thistle can increase the bile solubility, which promote its flow. This can be very helpful when you want to prevent or treat gall stones. If the bile has an improved flow, it is less likely for the gallstone to form. Researches prove that regular usage of milk thistle can cause a noticeable reduction of cholesterol level in the bile.

3. Obesity
Not many people understand the role of liver in weight reduction. Improving liver function is often neglected in nearly all weight loss programs. Liver is important for metabolizing the fat and purifying the blood. As silymarin boosts the liver action, fat will be metabolized faster and it is far easier for us to lose weight.

4. Hormone-Related Diseases
Breast tumor, for example, is suspected to be significantly influenced by the estrogen level in women's body. Based on some researches, healthy liver can filter bad forms of estrogen, as the result silymarin can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. In women, estrogen and progesterone levels are fluctuating, which increase the probability of various types of cancer in ovaries and uterus. Milk thistle can maintain hormonal balance, which can prevent hormone-related diseases.

5. PMS
Liver breaks down excess hormones such as oestrogen, but sometimes it is not degrading oestrogen properly, which causes or increases hormonal imbalance. In addition, period can be heavy because the liver does not detoxify the bloodstream properly, leading to accumulation of toxins. This also results in outbreaks of acne in females. Healthy liver function may contribute to a better hormone balance, thus helping to alleviate PMS symptoms and clear the skin in cases on hormonal acne. Taking milk thistle prior to period can help to lighten it and reduce the discomfort.

6. Diabetes Complications
According to studies, silymarin can inhibit aldose reductase. This enzyme has an important role in sugar deposition on the eyes of people with diabetes, which can prevent eye damages. Milk thstle can effectively scavenge free radicals and reduce sugar level in the eyes.

7. Skin
As the liver can purify our blood, the effect will be felt in our skin. Skin is the largest organ in our body and an important tool for detoxification. Psoriasis is suspected to happen due to the presence of certain toxins in our bloodstream. There are some evidences that indicate the link between abnormal liver functions and the risk of psoriasis. Unexplained itchiness may also be caused by the release of blood toxins through the skin.

8. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are many possible causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Anxiety and depressions are psychological factors that cause many physiological diseases. Researches found that a poorly functioning liver may contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome. A damaged liver can increase the chance of infection and the higher level of toxins in our bloodstream.

9. Unhealthy Lifestyle
It is common for modern people to consume dishes that are high in cholesterol, protein and fat. Unlike our great grandparents, we are exposed more to toxins, radiation, pollutants and medications. We are very much stressed and seldom exercise. Unhealthy lifestyle can cause serious health problems, including damaged liver. You can take care of your health by taking milk thistle regularly, as it can have a huge impact on your health and natural healing. To get your body protected, you should have a healthy liver.

10. Bad cholesterol
One of the more positive milk thistle benefits is the effect it has on lowering LDL (known as the “bad” cholesterol). By lowering LDL, milk thistle may decrease the chance of heart disease. However, the benefits of milk thistle for preventing heart disease have only been tested on patients suffering with diabetes (who naturally have higher than average LDL cholesterol) and it is still unclear whether the treatment would be as effective in other people.

Milk Thistle as a supplement
Milk Thistle comes as liquid tincture, with or without alcohol, capsules and sometimes tablets. It can be sold as a whole herb, a standardized extract of Silymarin on it’s own, or a combination of both. If you do prefer capsules, look for a standardized extract of no less than 80% of Silymarin. A good quality supplement will combine standardized silymarin extract with whole herb seed, so that you get the benefit of silybin, silydianin and silychristin. Note that these compounds are often not mentioned on the label, but it is assumed that you get it if the supplement is whole, rather than just standardized extract on its own. Typical intake range of standardised extract in capsules or tablets is 200mg-500mg.

• For detox and weight control, take Milk Thistle for three months.
• To ease PMS symptoms, take one week prior to period and continue taking until it ends.
• To ease hangover, take 20 drops of liquid extract before going out, then 20 drops before going to bed, followed by another 20 drops on waking. This way, you will hydrate yourself and aid liver detox. Those who drink regularly, or alcoholism sufferers, might consider taking 500mg a day of Silibinin, which is the most potent constituent of Silymarin. An extract of an extract if you like. In Germany, silibinin even sold as a drug to treat liver diseases.

Milk Thistle is also common in herbal complexes for liver detox. The most common herbs to combine it with are artichoke and dandelion. Phosphatidylcholine enhances bioavailability of many nutrients and herbs, including Milk Thistle.