Properties of milk thistle

Milk thistle, also known as milk thistle, and whose scientific name is Silybum marianum, is a plant of the Asteraceae family, like other plants such as from which rock tea is extracted . It is considered a wild plant present in southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and its medicinal uses date back thousands of years. Its flowers are blue-violet or pink, and its oval leaves can reach up to 30 cm. The active principles of milk thistle and, more specifically, a flavonoid called silymarin, contain properties that give it benefits at the liver level , in addition to being able to treat gallbladder problems and other ailments that we will explain in this article.

One of the greatest benefits that milk thistle is known for lies in its beneficial properties for the liver. This plant is a powerful antioxidant that works by eliminating toxins and regenerating liver cells, as well as exerting a protective effect. Therefore, it is a good option for those who are used to drinking alcohol or to treat alcoholism, since it helps prevent cirrhosis.. Other ailments for which it can be effective are: fatty liver, hepatitis, jaundice and liver failure. In the same way, they have a cleansing effect by expelling the impurities that remain in the liver when filtering contaminated blood. Milk thistle increases the production of glutathione, a substance that acts as a cellular detoxifier in the liver.

Several studies have shown that patients with diabetes who were administered silymarin capsules saw their blood sugar levels improved, as well as cholesterol and triglycerides . Therefore, the properties of milk thistle can be indicated as a natural treatment for cholesterol and diabetes .

In terms of cardiovascular problems, milk thistle has been shown to be effective in treating low blood pressure . This is because this plant exerts decongestant effects on abdominal circulation, which could also relieve hemorrhoids.

• The silymarin present in milk thistle provides this plant with potentially effective liver protection to cope with the powerful effects of AIDS drugs.
• Another of the properties of milk thistle helps to lower fever , as is the case of the herbal teas called febríguas that this plant has.
• Hemostats . The properties of milk thistle help stop bleeding from wounds or other tissue damage.
• Antiallergic . Allergy symptoms can be alleviated thanks to the effects of milk thistle, reducing the effects of histamine.
• Milk thistle is positive for preventing gallstones in the gallbladder.

Some studies have proven the efficacy of this plant in preventing cancer . They indicated that some of the compounds in milk thistle, such as silymarin and silibinin, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells in prostate, breast and cervical cancer. However, more studies are needed to support its effectiveness against cancer.

The recommended consumption of milk thistle in order to treat liver conditions is in the form of tablets. The dose can vary depending on the level of liver damage that you want to treat. The recommended daily dose is 420 milligrams daily; Each tablet is usually 140 mg, so three tablets should be taken a day. However, we must consult the amount that we should take to a specialist.

On the other hand, the properties of milk thistle can also be obtained through infusions. In this case we must get the seeds of the plant, although some of the positive effects are lost through this form of consumption. In addition, we must bear in mind that the leaves of milk thistle are edible, so they can be consumed through salads if we extract the outline with thorns.

• Initially, it seems that milk thistle improves the flow of maternal milk. However, the consumption of milk thistle in pregnant women has no evidence to deny any negative effect on the health of the fetus, so a specialist should be consulted.
• People with high blood pressure should avoid consuming milk thistle, as it can worsen blood pressure.
• Some substances present in milk thistle can interact with certain antidepressant medications.
• Some of the substances in milk thistle can cause allergic reactions.

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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