Milk thistle benefits, like treating digestive problems, liver problems, and diabetes, are made possible due to the substances like silymarin and silybin which are naturally found it. These substances have a potent antioxidant effect that can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
To achieve specific health benefits, silymarin and silybin are extracted from milk thistle seeds and concentrated for the use of tea or to be made into capsules.
Milk thistle can be purchased at natural health stores, pharmacies and open markets, and should be used as directed by a doctor or medicinal plant specialist.
Health benefits
The main benefits of milk thistle are:
- Treating digestive problems, like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, pain or swelling in the belly;
- Treating liver problems, such as fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis and fibrosis;
- Managing type 2 diabetes;
- Treating neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease;
- Treating fungal infections, caused by Candida albicans;
- Helping to increase breast milk production.
Some studies have shown that milk thistle could also help complement the treatment of some types of cancer, such as stomach, prostate, liver, colorectal, bladder, melanoma and leukemia, for example. However, more comprehensive studies are still needed to prove this possible benefit.
Does milk thistle help you lose weight?
Although it is popularly used for weight loss, to date there are no scientific studies that support the relationship between taking milk thistle and losing weight.
Also recommended: 14 Best Weight Loss Tea Recipes tuasaude.com/en/weight-loss-teaHow to make milk thistle tea
Milk thistle tea can be prepared with the seeds of this medicinal plant. This tea can be consumed as a compliment to the medical treatment of fatty liver, although it should be combined with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a non-smoking, non-drinking lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of milk thistle seeds
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the seeds to the cup of boiling water and soak for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 3 to 4 cups per day, 30 minutes before meals.
Milk thistle capsules
Milk thistle can also be found in pill or capsule forms, although they are usually combined with other plants, like boldo and artichoke, which also promote liver regeneration.
The daily recommended dose for capsules is generally between 200 mg o 5 g, although you should see a naturopath or medicinal plant specialist for specific dosing..
Possible side effects
Milk thistle is considered to be safe, although ingesting high amounts can cause side effects like stomach irritation, burns along the gastric mucosa, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
Because it has antidiabetic properties, milk thistle can greatly reduce blood sugar levels and lead to hypoglycemia. This can be noted through symptoms like tremors, weakness, cold sweats, pale skin, blurry vision, palpitations, chest pain, confusion, difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
Milk thistle can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with an allergy to this plant or an allergy to chrysanthemums, daisies, artichokes or kiwi.
Contraindications for use
Milk thistle should not be used by children, pregnant women or patients with a history of high blood pressure, obstructed bile ducts, or gastric issues (like gastritis or ulcers).
When breastfeeding, milk thistle should only be consumed as directed by a doctor. This plant has been shown to increase breastmilk production and does not crossover into breastmilk, however there are not enough studies available to guarantee that it does not pose as a health risk for the mother or baby.
Milk thistle should also not be used by people with estrogen-promoting cancers, like breast cancer or ovarian cancer, due to its natural estrogenic action.