Milk Thistle (sylibum Marianum)

Milk thistle is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems. 

The main reason for the popularity of Milk Thistle is that it both protects the Liver, and improves its function.

In addition, there are no contra-indications that I know of for Milk Thistle. I can find no reports of bad reactions; the only mild reaction which has been noted is occasional loosening of the bowels. This is nearly always for a few days only; and is because Milk Thistle stimulates Liver function. Extra bile is therefore produced, which may have a temporary laxative effect.

The only noteworthy 'inter-actions' with drugs have been where Milk Thistle has reduced the damaging effects of taking drugs. Milk Thistle is widely regarded in the natural therapy field as being protective of the Liver when drugs are being taken.

The most active parts of Milk Thistle appear to be a group of agents known collectively as 'Silymarin'. Certainly, research has shown that Silymarin appears to have two particular effects on the Liver:
1. It protects the Liver from damage due to toxins or disease, and
2. It can actually boost regeneration of Liver tissue where there has been damage.
It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. Treatment claims also include:
· Lowering cholesterol levels
· Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
· Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers

This explains why Milk Thistle has been popular to take alongside medical drugs. For example, some sources recommend taking this herb where chemotherapy is being used. Also, Milk Thistle appears to promote repair of damaged Liver tissue following alcohol abuse. Anecdotal evidence (reports from users who are not in a scientific study) certainly supports this. Milk Thistle is also recommended to assist recovery after hepatitis, which can cause damage to the Liver.

Milk Thistle has been shown in laboratory experiments to protect the Liver against attack by carbon tetrachloride - a strong poison found in some household cleaners; and against Death Cap mushroom - which can be fatal if eaten. Such results highlight its protective abilities.

A further use of Milk Thistle recommended by some, is for nursing mothers to improve breast milk. Some authorities, however, doubt the benefits of Milk Thistle for this purpose.

From all the evidence, Milk Thistle is certainly a very safe and valuable herb to protect and repair the Liver. The Liver is abused so much in everyday living - stress, pollution, and chemicals are all a challenge for the Liver; anything that we can do to improve the Liver's ability to cope with these influences will be for the good.

The Liver assists scores of body functions, including:

• Detoxification of poisons - for example, alcohol
• Fat digestion
• Maintenance of body metabolism - ie helps keep all the cells working
• Vitamin storage
• Breakdown of excess hormones
• Maintenance of good blood quality

The Liver performs so many funtions in the body that, if it is not working at top efficiency, these functions can easily suffer.
A small or moderate decrease in the performance - because of a 'clogged up' Liver - would not be picked up by normal medical
tests.

But an alternative Practitioner would be alerted by such symptoms as:

• Poor digestion of fatty foods
• Headaches on the sides of the head, and/or affecting the eye(s)
• Dark or clotted menstrual blood
• Feeling bad for the first 30-60 minutes of the day
• Easily stressed or frustrated
• These symptoms often occur when the Liver is 'congested', and can be very unpleasant. They are not life-threatening, but certainly damaging to the quality of life. If they continue for some years, other organs will become involved and, eventually, serious disease may occur.

Use Milk Thistle to reduce the damaging effects of a 21st century lifestyle!

Everyone needs help for the Liver in these days of high stress and fast living. Unless you live on top of the Himalayas and medidate daily for long periods, you could do with support for the Liver!

I am not saying 'take Milk Thistle to solve all your problems'. If you have cancer or cirrhosis of the Liver, or another disease, you obviously need further expert advice. But if you recognise any of the symptoms listed above, you will probably benefit from taking Milk Thistle. Either take it alone, or alongside any other treatment you may be having.

As with all herbs, it is probably best not to take Milk Thistle continuously. You could take it for three to four months, for example, then break for one to three months before resuming.

If you decide to try Milk Thistle - or any other herbal supplement - make a brief note in a diary of how you feel each day or each week. Then you can see whether or not the herb is beneficial for you. It is very hard to remember how you felt several months ago; referring to notes you made at that time is extremely useful.

 'Liverish' symptoms can just creep up on you; keep an eye out for them (as listed above) and take your Milk Thistle!