Could Milk Thistle Work its Magic for You?
You might not have heard of milk thistle but this plant (which has been used as a herbal healer since ancient Greek times) is a natural detoxer which is renowned for its liver-boosting properties.
It is a flowering plant with red to purple flowers and pale green leaves that are networked with white veins.
Also known as silybum marianum, during the middle ages the leaves were used in salads.
It was originally native to southern Europe and Asia. However, today it is found in almost every country in the world. The plant produces flowers depending during the summer months.
Today, the seeds are most commonly used in supplements.
We share some thought on how milk thistle could help you
- If you've overindulged on a night out, milk thistle may help you recover more quickly as it is well known for being a natural detoxifier. It will tackle indigestion and will also help support the liver to filter toxins including alcohol.
- At the same time, studies have shown that milk thistle helps protect the liver, possibly even helping to regenerate new liver cells. In addition, studies also found improvements in markers of healthy liver function including levels of aminotransferases, enzymes that are released into the blood when the liver is damaged.
- Milk thistle could support our hormonal health as a healthy liver will balance out hormones including estrogen.
- It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce flare-ups.
- Another advantage is said to be that using milk thistle (alongside conventional treatment) may help those with diabetes, lowering blood sugar and guarding against insulin resistance. However, it is advised that you consult your doctor before trying milk thistle if you have diabetes.
How to take milk thistle
- Milk thistle can be taken in tablet or capsule form.
- It can also be taken as a powder, tincture or tea.
A word of warning: Milk thistle can interact with certain drugs, so you should check with your doctor if you take prescription medications, if you are pregnant, if you are breast feeding or having a history of certain cancers.
Milk thistle can also be helpful in treating dogs too
It can be used therapeutically as a supplement to cleanse the body of a dog from toxins and also as a natural therapeutic agent for supporting the liver with little or no side effects.
The most commonly used format for dogs is a chewable capsule which is more effective when administered simultaneously with the dog's own food.
It is very useful when given to dogs with impaired liver functions, Cushing’s disease and other diseases. It is among the least toxic medications with very limited side effects if any. In addition, some studies have shown that milk thistle can be used as a natural remedy for seizures.
Milk thistle when added to your dog's diet will not only accelerate liver regeneration but, for pets with liver issues, will also help prevent damage to the liver.
Sources
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Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.