Milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many different ailments. The active ingredient in this herb is silymarin, which is thought to have liver-protecting and antioxidant properties. This article will explore the science behind milk thistle and its potential health benefits, including detoxification and skin health.
What is Milk Thistle and its benefits to liver health?
Milk thistle is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of liver problems. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which is a type of flavonoid that has been shown to have a number of benefits, including the ability to protect the liver from damage. It can also help to improve liver function and increase the production of new liver cells. Silymarin has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Additionally, it may help improve liver function in people with hepatitis C. It may also be effective in treating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
In one study, participants who took milk thistle supplements for 8 weeks had significantly improved skin health compared to those who did not take the supplements.
Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth in the short-term. However, there are some potential side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and gas. It should be used with caution in people with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
How to Use Milk Thistle
To use milk thistle, you can take it in capsule form or make a tea using the dried herb. If you are taking it in capsule form, follow the dosage instructions on the package. For tea, steep 1 teaspoon of milk thistle in boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. You can drink this tea once or twice per day.
In addition to taking milk thistle internally, you can also apply it topically to your skin. To make a milk thistle topical treatment, steep 1 ounce of dried herb in 1 pint of boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and add it to 1 cup of cold cream or lotion. Apply the topical treatment to your skin 2-3 times per week.
Milk Thistle products that are available on the market today
Milk thistle is available in supplements, teas, and tinctures. It can also be found in some skincare products.
Some common milk thistle supplements include
• Standardized milk thistle extract: This is the most common form of milk thistle supplement. It typically contains around 80% silymarin.
• Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex: This is a newer form of milk thistle supplement that is thought to be more absorbable than standard milk thistle extract.
• Milk thistle tea: This can be brewed using dried milk thistle seeds or an herbal tea blend that includes milk thistle.
• Milk thistle tincture: This is a concentrated liquid extract of milk thistle that is taken orally. It can be made at home or purchased from a natural health store.
Some common skincare products that contain sylmarin
• Moisturizers: Milk thistle can be found in some natural moisturizers. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit the skin.
• Facial cleansers: A few facial cleansers on the market today contain milk thistle. It is thought to help cleanse and tone the skin.
• Soaps: There are a few soaps on
Conclusion
Milk thistle is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat liver problems. It is thought to work by protecting the liver cells from damage and promoting repair of damaged liver cells. Milk thistle is available as a supplement in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas. It can also be found in powder form, which can be mixed into smoothies or juices. If you are interested in trying milk thistle to improve your liver health, talk to your healthcare provider first to discuss whether it is right for you.