Milk thistle, also known as borriquero thistle, is a widespread plant in Europe that belongs to the compound family that has a beautiful head adorned by pink and purple leaves. In addition to its characteristic beauty, it stands out among other plants for its medicinal properties that offer to alleviate and treat conditions of the digestive system. Still, above all, they are instrumental in stimulating and improving liver health. If you want to know the benefits of this plant and the possible forms of consumption, we invite you to continue reading this article by FastlyHealon on how to take milk thistle.
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What is milk thistle for?
The milk thistle plant gathers in its roots, leaves, and seeds a series of natural compounds that offer it the properties that make it one of the best medicinal plants. Essential oil, flavonoids, silymarin, histamine, mucilage, and tyramine are some of the substances responsible for the actions that milk thistle exerts in the body. Among the properties of milk thistle, its hepatoprotective, hemostatic, hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, antioxidant, antitumor, antidepressant, antipyretic, and cardioprotective effects stand out. The actions of this plant translate into the following health benefits:
Liver health
One of the most prominent health benefits of milk thistle is its antioxidant power that helps regenerate liver cells and stimulates the proper functioning of that organ. This plant is widely used to treat cirrhosis and hepatitis C . Certain chemicals in milk thistle have also been known to help prevent certain types of cancer and reduce blood flow in tumors to prevent their progression. Milk thistle is also rich in silymarin, an enzyme that helps purify the body and liver of accumulated toxins.
Lowers cholesterol
Many people find milk thistle an alternative to lower cholesterol naturally. The consumption of this plant allows for high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood, helping to promote cardiovascular health and prevent diseases such as atherosclerosis.
It is suitable for diabetes.
Recent research has shown that milk thistle helps regulate blood glucose levels. People with diabetes need to keep sugar levels in the body in check to prevent the negative progression of the disease.
Improves digestion
Many people who suffer from dyspepsia or indigestion relieve the heaviness, nausea, and gas of this condition with an infusion of milk thistle after meals.
Other health benefits of milk thistle:
- Relieves headache.
- Lower the fever.
- Fight dizziness.
- Reduces hemorrhoids.
- Promotes blood circulation.
- It helps the body recover from the flu.
- Fight heartburn.
- Protects the nervous system.
- Due to its antioxidant power, this plant helps fight premature aging.
How to take milk thistle infusion
The best way to take advantage of all the benefits and take milk thistle is to prepare an infusion. You can find an extract of this plant in health food stores or herbalists, and it is essential that when making your purchase, you verify that you are buying a pure and 100% natural content. To make an infusion of milk thistle, you must follow the following steps:
- Heat 12 ml of water in a pot and add a tablespoon of milk thistle extract when it starts to boil.
- Let cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Let it rest for 6 minutes.
- Strain the preparation and service in a cup.
- You can add saccharin if you wish.
The ideal is to consume 3 cups a day of milk thistle infusion. However, the benefits of consuming this plant are not immediate; we recommend you be constant and patient. As your body gets used to the injection, you will notice the changes in your body.
How to take milk thistle in capsules
In health food stores and herbalists, you will also find milk thistle supplements as capsules that represent a much simpler or practical alternative to obtain the benefits of this plant.
The maximum amount allowed per day of milk thistle in capsules is 420 mg in people with liver complications. Each table generally contains 140 mg, so you should take three capsules daily. If your liver is working correctly and you want to benefit your health by taking milk thistle, the recommended dose is 248 mg per day.
Contraindications and side effects of milk thistle
- Milk thistle exerts a hypertensive effect on the body that can significantly alter blood pressure in hypertensive people.
- Due to its nitrate content, this plant can overstimulate the intestinal tract causing diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
- People allergic to compound plants may have a skin reaction or eczema.
- Before taking milk thistle, it is essential to check its interaction with the medications we consume daily. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are a candidate to take this plant.
- People with controlled diabetes should be careful when taking milk thistle, as their blood sugar levels may drop more than recommended.
- The use of milk thistle is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.