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The Use of Milk Thistle as a Herbal Remedy for Cirrhosis, Gallstones, and Hepatitis Liver Problems
Milk thistle (Silybum Adans) is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Though this plant is indigenous to North Africa, the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern region, it is also being grown in some of the eastern states in the United States, as well as California which is on the west coast. The herb offers a multitude of benefits, but it is probably best known for its ability to protect and strengthen the liver.
Milk thistle and its curative abilities have been known for a long time, ever since the medieval period. But only recently was the herb thoroughly researched and studied to throw light on its chemical ingredients and their effects. The therapeutic properties of the herb can be attributed to the presence of the active ingredients called silymarin. The latter are flavanoids which lend to the herb, antioxidant properties and this makes it effective in eradicating the harmful free radicals from our system.
Free radicals refer to unstable molecules, engendered from exposure to toxic chemicals such as vehicular pollution, smoking, industrial waste, pesticides, alcohol etc. Free radicals cause a lot of damage to the system. They destroy the body cells and accelerate the process of aging and also oxidize the low density lipids, which can cause heart problems. It is very important to detoxify the body, to be able to lead a healthy life.
The liver acts as a natural filter which works to remove toxins from our system. However, with our environment becoming increasingly toxic, our system is being exposed to more and more harmful elements and this causes great stress on the liver. In this regard, milk thistle is of great value. The flavanoids found in milk thistle, namely silymarin, are particularly beneficial for detoxifying the liver. Silymarin creates a protective coating around the liver by binding to the cell membrane and this prevents the toxins from entering the cells. Additionally, the antioxidant effects of silymarin nullify the harmful effects of the free radicals. Milk thistle encourages the production of proteins which speed up the healing process and also curbs fibrosis. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on damaged cells.
Due the fact that silymarin works specifically on the liver, it is often used by physicians to cure liver-related diseases such as jaundice, hepatitis, liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Over and above its direct therapeutic effects, silymarin has the additional benefit that it stimulates the production of glutathione, a strong antioxidant which is generated when the body is under oxidative stress. Consumption of milk thistle prevents liver failure in cancer patients, by aiding the liver in carrying out its function of cleansing the system. Also, it is often prescribed by doctors for patients who are taking a number of different medications as this helps the liver to metabolize these medications and this preserves their efficacy.
Milk thistle has other uses as well. For instance, it helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system by stimulating bile production in the gall bladder. It acts as a laxative and helps relieve constipation, but at the same time it can also be used to treat loose stools. Moreover, in certain cases where the gallstones aren’t too large, milk thistle can be used to get rid of them. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it is useful in the treatment of acne and is also used for relieving inflammations in the gall bladder, kidney and bladder.
Consumption of milk thistle may result in side effects, although these rarely occur. Since milk thistle helps in releasing toxins from the liver, into the system, it can cause problems such as diarrhea, headaches and abdominal pain. However, in all likelihood regular use of the herb will eventually stabilize the system.
Liver is one of the most vital organs of our system and we need to take steps to promote its healthy functioning. Milk thistle is a great supplement in this regard. However, if considering milk thistle as a treatment for a particular condition, it is important to first consult a certified physician, who will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and proper advice.
See more on: Therapeutic Uses, Claims and Benefits of Milk Thistle
"We know from our clinical experience in the practice of medicine that in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, the individual and his background of heredity are just as important, if not more so, as the disease itself."
Paul Dudley White
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