Milk Thistle, the Liver Detox Herb
Milk Thistle Seed, Herbal Extract Used to Cleanse & Support Liver
Nov 4, 2009
Milk thistle is often recommended for liver support and cleansing, but its medicinal power goes far beyond the health of the liver. Recent studies on milk thistle seed and extract indicate that this herb, used in traditional healing for at least the past two and a half millennia, has medicinal ingredients which lower cholesterol, support the pancreas against diabetes, protect the kidneys and help flush heavy metals from the body.
What is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb, a small prickly plant native to the Mediterranean region. It grows in dry, sunny areas and can be anywhere from four to ten feet tall, with large prickly leaves and purple flowers. The name comes from the milky fluid that leaks out when the leaves or stems are broken.
The use of milk thistle by herbalists and traditional healers has been documented since the 4th Century B.C. Greek and Roman doctors used it to protect and heal the liver, while herbalists of the Renaissance used it against illnesses of the liver and spleen.
The active ingredient in milk thistle supplements is a compound called "silymarin" – actually a group of flavinoids, which are antioxidants that protect the cells of the liver against damage and restore health to those with liver disease.
Milk Thistle for Liver Disease and Detox
Despite the long history of using milk thistle for the liver, medical research has only begun to investigate this plant's potential. Several studies demonstrate its ability to protect the liver against damage and restore liver health after cirrhosis or alcohol abuse.
Milk thistle is one of the most used natural remedies used in liver cleansing and detox, for dogs and cats as well as human beings.
Other Studies on Milk Thistle Seed and Extract
In addition to its protective effect on the liver, milk thistle has been studied for its ability to:
- lower cholesterol levels
- reduce atherosclerosis
- stimulate insulin receptor sites, aiding in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- protect against cancers (silymarin tested against prostate, breast and cervical tumors)
- have antibacterial action
- protect the health of the kidneys
- help the body to cleanse heavy metal toxins
Most milk thistle supplements contain preparations or extracts from the seeds, usually made up 70-80% of silymarin.
Milk thistle may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the family of plants that include ragweed, marigolds and daisies. It's a good idea to consult with a naturopath or holistic practitioner before starting to use any potent herbal remedy.
References:
- A.D.A.M. Inc., "Milk thistle," University of Maryland Medical Center, UMM.edu, 2009.
- Dugoua, Jean-Jacques, "Milk Thistle May Prevent Liver Damage," MyFit.ca, 2009.
- Willard, Terry, "Milk thistle: More than a great liver herb," Alive, March 2009.
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