Milk thistle is a widely used natural remedy due to its beneficial effects on the liver. So let's discover all the properties, uses but also the contraindications of this plant so dear to phytotherapy.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousMilk thistle is a natural remedy widely used due to its beneficial effects on liver. So let's discover all the properties, uses but also the contraindications of this plant so dear to phytotherapy.
Among the medicinal plants, the milk thistle assumes a respectable position, especially when it comes to remedies suitable for the well-being of the liver, a particularly important organ for purification of our body from toxic substances. This wild herbaceous plant, botanically known as Silybum marianum, grows spontaneously throughout the Mediterranean area and in particular its fruits are used for healing, appreciated since ancient times for the benefits they offer.
Read also: PURIFYING THE LIVER: 10 NATURAL REMEDIES
Index
PROPERTY OF CARDO MARIANO
The main properties of milk thistle are to be attributed to the presence of silymarin, an active principle contained above all in the fruits of this plant. The greatest benefits it offers occur at the level of the liver that this substance helps and supports in its work of purifying the body.
Taking this natural remedy basically means increasing your ability active protection of the liver against toxic substances whether they are alcohol, smoke, pollutants, drugs, etc. It is therefore often used when there is a need for a purification period. However, the beneficial effect on the liver is also expressed through the cellular regeneration of the hepatocytes that this plant promotes.
Then confirm the antioxidant properties, that is the anti-free radical action of milk thistle, as well as its ability to strengthen the capillary walls and therefore also a beneficial action on circulation and heart. Milk thistle can cause a slight rise in blood pressure and also has mild laxative qualities.
In some cases it is recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding theirs galactogenic properties (although the best remedy to increase milk production remains to latch the baby more often).
Summarizing the milk thistle:
• It is hepatoprotective against toxic agents such as alcohol, smoking, medicines, etc.
• Stimulates the regeneration of liver cells
• Strengthens the capillaries
• It is antioxidant
• May raise blood pressure slightly
• Has mild laxative qualities
• It is galactogenic
USES OF CARDO MARIANO
Milk thistle is mainly used for problems affecting the liver, especially if this has been tried for a long time (or still is) by toxic agents such as alcohol, smoking or medicines. It can also be taken after periods of overuse of food and drink (for example the Christmas holidays) and then we try to repair the damage with a detox period.
Milk thistle is also capable of saving life in case of poisonous mushroom poisoning such as Amanita phalloides.
In summary, it can therefore be useful in case of:
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Prolonged use of medications
• To those who consume a lot of alcohol
• To those who smoke a lot
• During a detox period
• Mushroom poisoning
This natural remedy is available in several forms: mother tincture, capsules and also powder (often harder to find). You can enjoy the benefits of milk thistle in the form of too decoction to be taken after meals. To prepare it, 10 grams of dry plant are used to boil in a cup of water for about 10 minutes. Drink after filtering and letting the herbal tea cool a little.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF CARDO MARIANO
Milk thistle is a very active plant against the liver and should be used with caution. Absolutely contraindicated in case you suffer from gallstones, liver or gallbladder. Even if you suffer from hypertension it is better to prefer other types of remedies since milk thistle could promote a certain increase in blood pressure due to the tyramine contained in it. In excessive doses it can cause gastrointestinal problems (pay attention to the laxative effect) or headache. As always, even in the case of natural remedies, it is always good seek the advice of your doctor before taking them, especially if you are using medicines as there may be interference.
WHERE TO FIND THE CARDO MARIANO
Milk thistle is easily ravailable in all herbalists, pharmacies and organic or natural health stores, being one of the most used remedies to purify the liver. If you don't find it in the format you are interested in, you can always order it. If, on the other hand, you prefer to buy online, you will find milk thistle tablets or liquid extracts, on various sites dedicated to health and wellness or in the generic shops of organic products with a section dedicated to phytotherapy.
