what milk thistle benefits

Full Answer

Protects The Liver

What Is Milk Thistle Used For?

• Liver Disease. Some preliminary studies have suggested that silymarin may improve liver function by keeping toxic substances from binding to liver cells.
• Chronic Hepatitis C. Milk thistle is sometimes used by people with chronic hepatitis C (a viral infection characterized by the progressive scarring of the liver).
• Type 2 Diabetes. ...

Manages Diabetes

What happens if i take too much milk thistle? In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ). When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating. Some people are advised to be cautious when taking milk thistle.

Improves Heart Health

Possible interactions include:

• Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates. Taking milk thistle might affect this enzyme and drugs it processes, such as diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven) and others. ...
• Diabetes medications. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes. ...
• Raloxifene (Evista). ...
• Simeprevir. ...
• Sirolimus (Rapamune). ...

May Have Anticancer Potential

There is extensive evidence to show that milk thistle improves liver function and may even increase survival in some patients. The herbs anti-fibrotic properties help to prevent scarring in the liver tissues and reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

Regulates Cholesterol

What are the healing properties of milk thistle?

What happens if I take too much milk thistle?

What are the side effects of milk thistle?

Does milk thistle really help the liver?

Where is Milk Thistle native to?

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.

Can milk thistle be taken with statins?

It’s unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes. Milk thistle can also be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. Find out more on the side effects of statins.

Does milk thistle lower cholesterol?

By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. But studies on heart benefits have only been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. It’s unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes.

Does milk thistle help with liver disease?

There’s some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. But experts say that the evidence isn’t conclusive.

Can milk thistle be used for any condition?

The best doses of milk thistle have not been established for any condition it may be used to treat. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice.

Does milk thistle cause diarrhea?

Side effects. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle.

Can milk thistle cause allergies?

Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle.

Why is milk thistle used for liver problems?

You can see why liver problems and poor liver function can create so many problems! Milk thistle has been historically used for a variety of liver diseases, including: alcoholic liver disease. acute and chronic viral hepatitis. toxin-induced liver diseases.

How to grow milk thistle?

If you purchase or grow a milk thistle plant, cut off the entire head and hang the plant upside down for about one week to draw out the seeds. You can then crush the seeds and steep them, along with the leaves, to make tea, eat them raw or dry them into powder form.

What is the silymarin in milk thistle?

About 50 percent to 70 percent of the silymarin molecules present within milk thistle are the type called silybin , also known as silibinin. This antioxidant stimulates protein synthesis and changes the outside layer of healthy cells, keeping them protected from damage and mutation.

How long has milk thistle been around?

The milk thistle plant is a popular herb that has actually been used for over 2,000 years. In fact, Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides was the first to describe milk thistle’s healing properties back in the year 40 A.D.

What is the role of insulin in the body?

Insulin is responsible for managing blood sugar levels in the blood , which is especially important for those with diabetes. 5. May Help Prevent Gallstones. The liver is a major digestive organ, which helps process nutrients and toxins that enter our body through foods, water and air.

What is glutathione used for?

Glutathione’s biggest role is to help fight oxidative stress that leads to such diseases as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. It can help prevent damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species, such as free radicals.

Can you eat milk thistle seeds?

There are a variety of milk thistle products available, and the seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant can be consumed either in pill, powder, tincture, extract or tea form. The seeds can actually be eaten completely raw, too, but usually people prefer to take a milk thistle extract or supplement in order to consume a higher dose ...

What is milk thistle used for?

Different parts of the milk thistle plant may be used to treat various health conditions. The most common use of milk thistle is for liver problems. Some claim it can help treat: cirrhosis. jaundice. hepatitis. gallbladder disorders.

Does milk thistle lower cholesterol?

It is mainly used to treat liver problems, but some people claim it can lower cholesterol and help manage type 2 diabetes. This article explores 10 potential milk thistle benefits and examines whether there is any scientific evidence to support its use.

Does milk thistle help with cancer?

Milk thistle may help to stop the spread of certain types of cancer. A 2016 review#N#Trusted Source#N#found that milk thistle extract inhibited the growth of cancerous cells in colorectal cancer.

Does milk thistle help with inflammation?

The active ingredient in milk thistle can help to reduce inflammation. A 2012 study#N#Trusted Source#N#found that silymarin helped to protect against inflammation in the airways of mice with allergic asthma.

Does milk thistle oil help with skin?

Milk thistle oil may be used topically to improve skin health. Milk thistle may help to promote healthy skin. A 2015 study. Trusted Source. found that milk thistle helped improve inflammatory skin conditions when applied to the skin of mice.

Is milk thistle good for liver?

Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, which is why it is milk thistle may be beneficial for liver problems. Until more research is carried out, however, milk thistle is not recommended as the primary treatment option for liver problems. But it may be a helpful complementary treatment to try. 2.

Is milk thistle a plant?

Share on Pinterest. Milk thistle is available in a range of forms, and is most popular as a supplement or in tea. Milk thistle is a flowering plant that comes from the same family of plants as the daisy. It grows in Mediterranean countries and is used to make natural remedies.

What is milk thistle?

Other Questions. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is a perennial herb believed to have medicinal properties. The seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

What happens if you take milk thistle?

Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience shortness of breath, rash, hives, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, or swelling of the face, tongue, or neck after taking milk thistle. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, cardiac or respiratory failure, or death.

How to make milk thistle tonic?

Milk thistle tonic is typically made by steeping a tablespoon of crushed seed in three cups of hot water for 20 minutes. Do not harvest milk thistle plants that have been exposed to pesticides or found along roadways or industrial sites.

How much milk thistle is in a capsule?

Doses range from 175 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. Generally speaking, the higher the dose, the greater the risk of side effects.

What is the most common herbal supplement for hepatitis C?

In fact, a survey funded by the National Institutes of Health reported that 23 percent of 1,145 people with hepatitis C used herbal supplements, with milk thistle being by far the most common. 4 .

How to grow milk thistle?

To grow milk thistle, spread the seeds over the loose soil in the spring or fall. Milk thistle seeds only take only around two weeks to germinate. Since milk thistle grows in clumps, space each cluster of seed s about 12 inches apart. Milk thistle is drought resistant and needs very little watering.

Does milk thistle lower blood sugar?

Milk thistle may reduce your blood sugar, so it needs to be used with caution as it may trigger hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people on diabetes medications. 7 

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybmommarianum, is an annual flowering plant with reddish-purple flowers. You may also know milk thistle by any number of other names, depending on where you are in the world, including Marian thistle, Mediterranean, Scotch thistle, and others. [1]

What is the most unique ingredient in milk thistle?

It is from milk thistle seeds that the extract is derived, which includes high concentrations of silymarin, the most unique and active ingredient in the extract. The extract also contains various fatty acids, including linoleic acid.

Does silymarin extract help with cholesterol?

It is an anti- inflammatory, helps lower the cholesterol levels in the body, cleanses the blood, and prevents oxidative stress. The silymarin present in it extract improves the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in the body.

Does milk thistle extract help with heart disease?

Improves Heart Health. Milk thistle extract contains high concentrations of beneficial fatty acids and omega-3s, which are essential for maintaining heart health . Omega-3 fatty acids are able to balance the cholesterol levels in your body, which can prevent atherosclerosis, thereby lowering your risk of experiencing a stroke or a heart attack.

Does milk thistle help with liver damage?

Milk thistle is known for its detoxifying effects on the liver thanks to its flavonoid complex called silymarin. A 2017 study confirms that it can help to speed up the healing process in the liver, undoing much of the damage from excessive drinking or other damaging behaviors on the liver, including cirrhosis.

Can you use milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed?

Weakness. Excess gas. Also, if you are allergic to ragweed, you should avoid using milk thistle, as they are closely related. Finally, women with estrogen deficiencies or endometriosis should avoid this extract, as it can cause estrogen levels to fluctuate. Caution is also advised for breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Does milk thistle help with gallstones?

Prevents Gallstones. By purifying the body of metabolic waste, milk thistle helps improve the function of the gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen, thereby preventing the risk of gallstones.

What is milk thistle?

Overview. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract.

Does milk thistle affect osteoporosis?

Milk thistle may affect how your liver processes this osteoporosis medication, causing higher levels of the drug in your bloodstream. Talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle if you're taking raloxifene. Simeprevir.

Is milk thistle safe to take?

Taken in appropriate doses, oral use of milk thistle appears to be safe. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache. If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar.

Does milk thistle help with diabetes?

Diabetes. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes, but more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. Indigestion (dyspepsia). Milk thistle, in combination with other supplements, might improve the symptoms of indigestion. Liver disease.

Can you take simeprevir with milk thistle?

Simeprevir. Taking milk thistle with this hepatitis C medication might increase levels of the drug in your blood plasma. Avoid using milk thistle and simeprevir together. Sirolimus (Rapamune). Taking milk thistle with this immunosuppressant might change the way your body processes the medication. Nov. 19, 2020.

Can milk thistle cause an allergic reaction?

Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums.

What are the benefits of milk thistle?

For the further explanation, hereby the health benefits of milk thistle: 1. Fight the Cancer. The great health benefit of milk thistle has been known as the cancer fighter . The milk thistle seeds are very rich in antioxidant flavonoid, silymarin. The antioxidant flavonoid such as silymarin has been analyzed in reducing and fighting the cancer cells.

How does milk thistle help the body?

The milk thistle can stimulate the regeneration of damaged cells inside the body. Besides, the milk thistle can also neutralize the toxic inside the cells.

What is milk thistle used for?

The milk thistle is currently being used as the supplement to treat some diseases and health disorders. Since very long time ago the milk thistle has been used as the traditional medicine to treat some illnesses such as digestive problem, increase the bile production and especially reduce the inflammation.

Does milk thistle cleanse blood?

Clean the Blood. As for the medical science stated that the milk thistle is very great in treating the body healthy and keep the diseases at bay including the cleanser for blood. It is still relating to the detoxification function of milk thistle which cleanse the blood from free radicals. 15. Detoxification Function.

Does milk thistle block UV light?

The phytochemicals of silymarin in milk thistle has been analyzed and it is very great to block the UV light and it can heal the stressed skin. This condition will significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer. In the same case the silymarin of milk thistle can fix the skin damaged such as radiated skin or skin burnt.

Does milk thistle help with diabetes?

Another great health benefit of milk thistle is that it powerfully treat and even heal the diabetes . According to numerous studies stated that the silymarin that contained in milk thistle will heal the diabetes. The silymarin will work very well with glycemic control associated to diabetes.

Is milk thistle an antioxidant?

There has been numerous discoveries about it including on Milk Thistle potential. Milk thistle is categorized as the great herb which can be the antioxidant and also anti inflammatory agent. The milk thistle has been known as the detoxification agent for the body. It has the scientific name as Silybum Marianum.

Why is milk thistle called liver herb?

There is a reason why milk thistle is called the “liver herb.” The flavonoid combo of silymarin (and especially the phytonutrient silybin) can help rebuild liver cells while it removes toxins from that organ at the same time.

What is the name of the plant that is used for liver detoxification?

For thousands of years, however, people have used the leaves, seeds, and flowers of Silybum marianum as a liver detoxifier and overall health tonic. Other names for milk thistle include Mary thistle, blessed thistle, Marian thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, Saint Mary’s thistle, and Scotch thistle.

What is the best herb for detoxing the liver?

One well-known natural herb for helping to detoxify the liver is milk thistle (S ilybum marianum). Milk thistle is often referred to as the “liver herb” and taking it is a fantastic way to give this vital detoxifying organ (and your whole body) that extra boost. Read on to discover more about how milk thistle benefits your health.

Does milk thistle help with liver gluconeogenesis?

A 2007 study conducted by the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain found that milk thistle has “anti-hyperglycemic properties” and may help regulate “liver gluconeogenesis.”.

Does silymarin help with liver function?

Silymarin can boost the production of the super-antioxidant glutathione, which is found in its most potent form when it is produced inside the body. Glutathione is produced in part within the liver, and milk thistle has been found to strengthen liver cell walls.

Does milk thistle help the liver?

Milk thistle has been shown to help reverse damage to the liver caused by heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. It can protect against these metals because of the boost it gives to the liver.

Can milk thistle be used as a tea?

Milk thistle can be found in the whole dried form in herb shops and used as a tea. Increasingly, however, it is powdered and used alone or in conjunction with other liver-supporting herbs in specific formulas.

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle is named for the white milky sap it produces when the leaves are crushed. However, most of the healing powers of milk thistle are extracted from the seeds, which contains its active ingredient, silymarin. This chemical extract is a group of flavonoids that serve both a body guard and nurse for your liver, ...

What is the silymarin found in milk thistle?

Some studies indicate, that along with conventional treatment, the silymarin found within milk thistle may help provide glycemic control .

How do antioxidants help protect against cancer?

One particular antioxidant, silymarin, is especially powerful, helping to protect against cancer by protecting against DNA damage, preventing tumor growth , and by boosting the immune system.

Does milk thistle protect against UV damage?

Loaded with antioxidants, milk thistle provides protection against UV-damage on the skin. Skin cancer and other conditions of the skin are aggravated by oxidative stress placed on the skin by UV light.

Does milk thistle protect you?

Milk thistle preserves you inside and out, protecting your skin while helping to stave off such serious conditions as heart disease and diabetes. Continue reading if you want to find out how milk thistle can benefit you and your health.

Does milk thistle help with hepatitis?

The antioxidant action of milk thistle suggest that it may be useful in treating the symptoms of hepatitis or inflammation of the liver. As effective as vitamin C or vitamin E, milk thistle helps fight free radical damage and helps stop premature aging.

Is milk thistle safe to eat?

Milk thistle, taken at its recommended dose is generally considered safe and free of allergic reactions. In some instances, although rare, milk thistle may cause gastrointestinal upset. Some people have found that Milk thistle can have a laxative effect.

What Is Milk Thistle Used for?

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Possible Side Effects

Dosage and Preparation

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