Benefits of milk thistle

Milk Thistle, also known as St Mary’s Thistle, is a thistle plant with a unique purple flower, native to Europe. In Australia, you may actually see milk thistle growing as a weed on the side of the road! However this plant is no ordinary weed, in fact, milk thistle holds amazing liver regenerating properties. If you have seen the word ‘silymarin’ on milk thistle products and wondered what on earth it is, this is the milk thistle active ingredient. 

Primary use of milk thistle

Most commonly, milk thistle is used as a liver tonic. It has the ability to assist the liver in its normal detoxification process, while actually increasing new liver cell production. It is the most common plant used for liver conditions, as it is very versatile (being that it can be used for all liver conditions) and it is safe to use. As milk thistle assists with the liver, it also has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. Bile (the salt to emulsify and digest fats) is produced by the liver and then stored in the gallbladder to be released upon eating a meal containing fat. By assisting in the health of the liver, bile production is improved, which can help with digestion. Nausea or discomfort after eating fatty foods can be a sign that your liver is not functioning optimally.  Milk thistle can also assist in healthy cholesterol levels. As cholesterol is made by the liver, supporting this important organ can help to improve the balance of good and bad cholesterol, including total triglycerides. Being a natural anti-oxidant, milk thistle can also reduce the oxidisation of cholesterol, which is ultimately responsible for the formation of plaques leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the blood vessel walls). 

What about milk thistle and alcohol?

If you have heard of milk thistle being used as a hangover cure, the good news is this is true! Taking milk thistle before and after consuming alcohol will aid in the detoxification process, ultimately clearing the alcohol from your system more efficiently. The liver regenerating properties also have protective effects on liver cells which can be damaged during overindulging in alcohol. That said, we don't encourage overuse of alcohol in any case.

Can milk thistle help with a fatty liver?

Milk thistle is a common natural remedy to assist in fatty liver, due to its hepatoprotective (liver protective) properties. It does not matter what caused fatty liver (eg. long-term medication use, alcohol or secondary to a disease process), milk thistle can still benefit. If possible, the best milk thistle to take is that of organic origin. A liquid is also preferable, as tasting the bitter herb on the tongue will help to stimulate digestive secretions improving digestion and nutrient absorption from meals.

Are there any side effects of using milk thistle?

Generally speaking, a good quality milk thistle supplement, herbal tincture or tea is safe to take. In some cases, the detoxifying effect can cause symptoms such as headache and nausea. If you know you are particularly sensitive, starting off slowly is the best way to go. Start with a half dose or less, and gradually increase until you get to the therapeutic dose. You should always consult a qualified health care practitioner if you have any health conditions before you start taking a new herbal remedy. 

Milk thistle in skin care and supplements 

Since milk thistle is known for its detoxifying properties, Black Chicken Remedies have cleverly used this miracle herb in their natural eye serum. Externally, milk thistle is considered to be a potent antioxidant, removing pollutants and free radicals out of the body and skin. It's protective qualities mean it’s a fantastic at reducing the signs of aging. Combine this with organic cucumber seed oil and green coffee seed and you have a cocktail of ingredients that assist to improve elasticity and help to regenerate skin cells. Learn more about Black Chicken Remedies ICU Intensive Care Natural Eye Serum. You will also find milk thistle in natural and organic proteins such as Nutra Organics Clean Protein range, which each protein containing 10 mg of milk thistle (St Marys Thistle) for liver support. You can learn more about Nutra Organics Certified Organic Proteins below.

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