. . . the United States National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health have cataloged more than 400 scientific studies of milk thistle . . . These studies reflect what generations past knew and depended on— that milk thistle is one of the most valuable and beneficial herbal remedies and treatments available anywhere in the world.

 --http://www.liversupport.com

 

Common Name:   milk thistle

Botanical Name:    Silybum marianum

Parts Used:             seeds

 

Proper liver function is critical to good health in so very many ways. According to Kathi Keville, in her excellent book, Women's Herbs;  Women's Health, "the liver is the organ that makes sure the body is able to absorb the nutrients it needs and get rid of waste products, toxins, and excess hormones. It acts as a filter for the blood..." Stress on the liver from poor diet (especially high fat foods), excessive alcohol consumption, and long-term patterns of toxic emotions can show up in many ways. Natural health practitioners have succeeded in tracing everything from high cholesterol, to PMS, to acne and other skin ailments, and much more, back to the liver. Supporting the liver will often ease these symptoms.

 

Milk thistle is the number one liver tonic. This cholagogue is highly beneficial to the liver and gallbladder as it supports healthy liver function and increases the secretion and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. Milk thistle is very helpful for all types of liver and gallbladder dysfunction, such as gallstones, choledocholithiasis and cholecystitis, among others.

 

Milk thistle is actually sold as a prescription medication in Europe to treat liver disorders. It can be a help even with degenerative fatty liver disease and even hepatic cirrhosis. It is especially effective when combined with other herbs such as schisandra, ginger, turmeric, artichoke leaf and grape seed extract, which help rebuild liver tissue. Of course, dietary changes and cutting out alcohol consumption are necessary as well to allow the liver to heal.

 

Milk thistle is also excellent for increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers (galactagogue).

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

In addition to being a powerful rejuvenator for your liver, milk thistle has a delicious, nutty flavor) Try this  

flavorful spread wrapped in nori or steamed collard greens with your favorite veggie toppings, such as thinly sliced carrots, shredded lettuce, sprouts and cucumber slices.

 

Pumpkin Seed Spread (from www.sunfood.com)

2 cups raw pumpkin seeds, soaked for two hours

1/2 cup celery

1/2 cup carrots

1/4 cup olive oil  

1/2 t sea salt

1/4 t kelp powder, spirulina or chlorella

1/2 cup water

1 lemon, squeezed  

1 t fresh ginger

1 clove fresh garlic

dash of ground black pepper

2 T ground milk thistle seeds (grind in coffee grinder or VitaMix)

 

In food processor, add all ingredients and process thoroughly. You might need to add more water or oil to make it creamier. Adjust flavors  

to your preferences. You can then add to nori rolls, on top of salads, or even dehydrate for a delicious herbal cracker)

 

Contraindications, if any: For most people, milk thistle is completely safe. For transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine, milk thistle might affect these drugs' ability to prevent organ or tissue rejection. It is not recommended for people with HIV/AIDS.