How Milk Thistle Improves Your Health
Let’s explore seven exciting ways milk thistle supports good health.
Assists Antioxidant Activity
The health benefits of milk thistle are found in its seeds, which contain an extract called silymarin. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant made up of natural compounds known as flavonolignans, which are part flavonoid and part lignan. The most active flavonolignan in silymarin is silibinin. While silibinin itself is a strong antioxidant, silymarin is 8 to 10 times more effective at scavenging free radicals.
Nutritional Support for the Liver and Gallbladder
Milk thistle has been traditionally used to support liver and gallbladder health. The liver is a key organ for detoxification, making its proper function crucial for overall wellness. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for promoting liver health. Silymarin helps the liver grow new cells by boosting protein synthesis and may even counteract some toxin-induced liver ailments.
Encourages Normal Lipid Profiles
Milk thistle may help maintain normal lipid profiles. Early research suggests that silymarin, combined with other flavonoids, may promote ideal lipid absorption and synthesis in the body. The exact mechanism is unknown, but it may be related to the herb’s strong antioxidant properties.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Topical preparations of milk thistle extract can benefit the skin. Silymarin appears to encourage normal skin cell development. A silymarin-based skin cream has been shown to promote healthy skin, and some are even considering silymarin as a natural alternative to conventional sunscreen.
Supports Normal Blood Sugar
Recent studies have focused on milk thistle’s potential to support normal blood sugar levels. Daily administration of silymarin may help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Silibinin, in particular, has shown beneficial effects on conditions arising from imbalanced blood sugar.
Supports Prostate Health
The prostate is a small organ in the male reproductive system that produces prostatic fluid to nourish and protect sperm. Unfortunately, the prostate can develop threatening conditions. Milk thistle supports normal prostate health, with silymarin showing many benefits, including normal cell development and the formation of new blood vessels. A related compound, isosilybin B, has been found to be particularly effective. More research is needed, but these studies provide strong support for using silibinin to support prostate health.
May Counteract Mushroom Poisoning
Amanita phalloides, known as the death cap, is a deadly mushroom often mistaken for edible varieties. Milk thistle can prevent poisoning from this mushroom, and intravenous administration of silymarin is the only effective treatment. Silymarin stabilizes cell membranes and inhibits toxin absorption. In any case of poisoning, such administration should be done by a medical provider.
The Side Effects of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is safe for most people, but those with a ragweed allergy should avoid it, as it can exacerbate the condition. Due to its effects on blood sugar, those with low blood sugar should exercise caution. While safe for humans, milk thistle is toxic to cows and sheep when consumed in large amounts over several days or weeks.
Best Tips for Growing Milk Thistle
You can buy organic milk thistle seeds online, but if you want them fresh, you may need to grow your own. Fortunately, the plant is very easy to grow, perhaps too easy. It’s often considered a highly invasive weed. Check your local laws before planting, as some jurisdictions restrict milk thistle. For example, Washington State classifies it as a “Class A Noxious Weed” that must be eradicated when found, and you could face a fine for growing it intentionally.
Once you’ve checked your local laws, obtain viable milk thistle seeds, which can be ordered online or harvested from an existing plant. You can start the seeds indoors, but the plant is hardy enough to be planted directly outside. In mid to late summer, the flowers will dry and turn into a white puff similar to a dandelion. This is the time to harvest your seeds. Remember, the plant is still a thistle with spiky barbs, so wear thick gardening gloves and be careful. Remove all the puffy white flower heads and place them in a paper bag. Keep the flowers in the bag for about a week to dry. After a week, shake the bag vigorously to separate the seeds from the fluff.
Easy Milk Thistle Tea Recipe
Making tea is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of milk thistle seeds. Using a mortar, grind one tablespoon of milk thistle seeds into a powder. Steep the powder in 3 cups of boiling water for about 15 minutes, then strain. Enjoy a cup 30 minutes before meals or bedtime. Some cultures even enjoy roasted, crushed milk thistle seeds as an alternative to coffee.
