Milk Thistle is one of the most researched of all herbs. This is due to its ability to protect the liver against a wide range of chemical and environmental toxins. Its liver-protecting action has been the source of some 200 clinical studies and researches for over 30 years.
Milk Thistle has been in the lime light for centuries: a 1597 herbalist referred to it as the best remedy for liver and biliary diseases. Greek herbalist, Dioscorides used it to treat snake venoms; Roman writer, Pliny proposed mixing it with honey to eliminate toxins in the gallbladder. The Chinese employed it for eliminating obstructions in the liver and spleen.
Today, Milk Thistle is one of the most commonly prescribed medicinal herbs. Clinical researches have proved it to be medicinal time after time. The name, Milk Thistle refers to breast milk. Its white veins have been associated to the breast milk of a virgin mother.
This was probably an indication that it would help nursing mothers. Historical use supports its use to enrich and increase breast milk production in nursing mothers. Another species, Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) also shares this benefit. Combining either thistle with Marshmallow or Red Raspberry yields huge results for nursing mothers.
Perhaps the use of Milk Thistle that earned it a permanent place in medicine is the fact that it is the only known cure for the deadly Amanita mushroom poisoning and carbon tetrachloride poisoning (common dry-cleaning fluid). It reduces the effect of toxins on the liver, even obstinate toxins such as cadmium bow down to Milk Thistle.
Research suggests such therapeutic powers lie in its complex group of flavonoids called Silymarin. Silymarin has been proven to increase protein synthesis in liver cells. It inhibits absorption of toxins, and at the same time stimulates production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), a potent free radical scavenger in the liver. Silymarin absorption is enhanced by Lecithin, so taking Lecithin along with Milk Thistle is highly recommended, especially if it is a timed-release kind.
Milk thistle is both protecting and rejuvenating to the liver. It has been shown to protect the brain, kidneys, gallbladder, the blood and vascular system, as well as other tissues from chemical toxins. It is particularly helpful in overcoming alcohol toxicity, hardening of the liver and also liver damage.
The most common cause of liver damage is fat accumulation, which may progress to liver inflammation, fibrosis, hepatitis and cirrhosis. The American Liver Foundation estimates that 50% of adults over 50years of age have a “fatty liver”. Milk Thistle has been in the forefront of the war against fatty liver.
Milk Thistle is a bitter herb, hence it stimulates bile flow from the gallbladder helping to decongest blood flow to the liver; helps remedy cholangitis (suppression of bile flow). It therefore settles an acid stomach, stimulates weak digestion, ease gas, diarrhea, and helps relieve coughs, bronchitis, and skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and varicose veins.
Milk Thistle works well with other herbs, especially blood purifying herbs like Red Clover, Yellow Dock and Burdock. Milk Thistle in combination with Burdock makes the best remedy for treating people who have been exposed to heavy metals, pesticides, radiation, drugs (prescription and street); as well as for hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.
It has been shown to facilitate hydrochloric acid production, pancreatic enzymes and bile; improve the flow of bile through the biliary tract; stimulate peristalsis; and improve immune function. Furthermore, recent animal research on Milk Thistle has identified anti-inflammatory, anti carcinogenic and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Milk Thistle is determined safe, even during pregnancy and lactation. In fact, research suggests that it may prevent and correct liver damage during pregnancy. However, mild laxative effects may occur in high doses due to its ability to increase bile secretion and flow. It is also known to protect from medication-induced liver damage. In a study, Milk Thistle was shown to provide significant liver protection in psychiatric patients. It did not interfere with the efficacy of antidepressants. Another study suggests that Milk Thistle reduces the side effects and gastrointestinal disorders experienced by Alzheimer’s patients during long-term drug therapy.