Milk Thistle Benefits
All About Milk Thistle Benefits
Milk thistle benefits include detoxification and strengthening the liver, from the effects of alcohol, acetaminophen or other things that are toxic in large amounts.
Milk thistle is related to sunflowers. Its black seeds are usually harvested for use as a medicinal supplement. The beneficial ingredient in the seeds is silymarin.
One important milk thistle benefit is its ability to act as an antioxidant, at a level that is even more potent than almost any vitamin you can buy. Antioxidants help to remove toxins from the body. These toxins, free radicals, can be the cause of cell damage. This represents the start of premature aging and disease.
The liver is an important organ in the human body, and cleansing the liver is an important milk thistle benefits. When healthy, the liver is responsible for cleaning the body, and breaking down nutrients.
Milk thistle benefits your liver in some other ways, too. It promotes the repair and regeneration of the cells of the liver, and can reverse damage to the liver. It is also helpful for treating cirrhosis and hepatitis. Some clinical trials have also shown that milk thistle benefits can also include helping to treat endometriosis, decreasing excess cell growth in the skin, and reducing inflammation.
If you are poisoned by the ingestion of Amanita mushrooms, milk thistle is the only treatment that has shown promise in reversing that poisoning. It is so effective in this way that using it as a treatment has not ever been disputed, even by those in the medically traditional community.
Milk thistle effects include the detoxification of other synthetic chemicals that we ingest, or that find other ways into our bodies, including acetaminophen, radiation, heavy metals and alcohol.
Milk thistle is indicated in the treatment of viral hepatitis, liver poisoning, fatty liver and alcoholic fatty liver. Milk thistle benefits inflammatory bowel syndrome and some adrenal disorders. It is also helpful for lowering cholesterol and in treating psoriasis.
In 1986, milk thistle was approved as a liver disease treatment, so it has been used for at least two decades. Its natural compounds called flavonolignands are very helpful in repairing liver damage by changing the outside layer of cells in the liver, thus preventing some toxins from ever getting inside the liver. Milk thistle affects the cells of the liver to promote regrowth, as well.
Milk thistle is a very useful herbal supplement, as long as you are aware of any potential side effects when you use it. These include impotence in males (such as ED), stuffy or runny nose with irritated eyes, joint pain, insomnia, weakness, headaches, appetite loss, bloating, gas, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea and nausea. You may also see signs of an allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of throat or mouth, itching and rash or hives. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you think your reaction is an allergic reaction.