Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been used for various medical treatments for thousands of years, providing a wide variety of health benefits. It is derived from a plant that is actually part of the daisy family and contains a beautiful purple colored thistle flower. These flowers are native to regions in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It is also widely considered to be the national flower of Scotland. It generally grows anywhere between 2 to 7 feet in height and is also known as wild artichoke, holly thistle and Mary thistle. Traditionally it has been used as both a food and a medical supplement. As a food, it was primarily used in English gardens for a variety of food products.

Milk thistle extract is thought to be capable of providing a wide variety of health benefits. One of the most common uses of milk thistle extract is related to its ability to protect and regenerate the liver in many liver diseases such as Cirrhosis, Jaundice and Hepatitits. It is also believed to be useful in treating Cholangitis. Many of the benefits associated with milk thistle extract are believed to be due the fact that it encourages the liver to cleanse itself of substances which could be damaging to the body such as drugs, medications, alcohol, heavy metals and pestiticides. By encouraging a healthy liver to cleanse the blood; milk thistle extract can also provide benefits in treating psoriasis, dermatitis and exzema. Acting as a mild laxative, milk thistle extract increases bile secretion and may also provide relief for people who suffer from either continual constipation or disarrhea.

Milk thistle extract is also believed to be beneficial in treating gall bladder diseases. For example, milk thistle extract has been reported as soothing inflamed gall bladders. One of the more traditional uses of milk thistle extract include its use as a stimulant for breast milk production.

Milk thistle contains four active ingredients which are commonly referred to as silymarin. The most potent of these ingredients is silibinin and it is widely known to be one of the few antidotes for deathcap mushroom poisoning.

Studies are still underway to determine other health benefits that may be provided by milk thistle. One study indicates that it may protect against fetal damage caused by alcohol.

Very few side effects have been associated with milk thistle extract and those that were reported primarily were related to digestive or gastrointestinal issues. It should be noted that milk thistle extract may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

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