Healing properties of milk thistle (that's what people call milk thistle) were discovered in ancient times. Due to the unique composition of this plant, which contains about 400 different active substances, it has a very wide range of effects on various systems and organs of the human body. In this article, we will find out what milk thistle is, the benefits and harms of this plant, its effect on the body, methods of use and advantages over medications.
Description
This plant, which belongs to the Compositae family, is one of the largest and most beautiful thistle species. Therapeutic milk thistle is used for diseases of the intestines, stomach and liver. This plant has proven itself in the fight against gynecological and skin diseases, diseases of the ENT organs, heart pathologies.
What does it look like?
This 1- or 2-year-old plant reaches a height of 150 cm (with proper cultivation, it canexceed even 2 meters).
The branched upright stem of this plant is dressed in light green or dark green leaves, dotted with mother-of-pearl silver spots. The leaves have yellow long spines along the edges.
The inflorescences are collected in small lilac baskets, the diameter of which reaches 6 cm. At the same time, the milk thistle fruit is a light brown, gray or black achene. The leaves surrounding the basket are also equipped with a fairly sharp spine. Each achene has a tuft of fine hairs that are 2-3 times the length of the achene. The seeds are odorless, but have a bitter taste.
Properties
These medicinal herbs (milk thistle) have the following range of properties:
- epithelizing;
- anti-inflammatory;
- wound healing;
- antioxidant;
- anti-ulcer;
- hepatoprotective;
- immunomodulating;
- choleretic;
- anticancer;
- anti-sclerotic;
- tonic;
- detox;
- laxative;
- lactogenic;
- diuretic;
- antiallergic.
How to take?
Milk thistle is taken as an infusion, decoction, tea, powder, syrup, tincture, tablets. It may also be included in some medications.
Leaves
The leaves of this plant are used as a diuretic, mild laxative, diaphoretic andcholagogue.
Seeds
Milk thistle, the benefits and harms of which are described in this article, is used for diseases of the kidneys, liver, spleen and thyroid gland, for food and alcohol poisoning. Also, seeds are an excellent preventive measure, which is indicated for use by residents of regions that are unfavorable in terms of ecology. They also need to be used by people who are involved in various hazardous industries, as well as athletes with great physical exertion.
Infusion
This form of milk thistle preparations is suitable for removing bile, restoring liver function, and eliminating pain in diseases of the joints. For this, 2 tbsp. l. seeds should be placed in a small thermos and pour boiling water over them, after which this remedy should be insisted for 12 hours, squeezed out and consumed 130 ml 4 times a day.
Root
Milk thistle roots are mainly used in the treatment of such diseases:
- diarrhea;
- gastric catarrh;
- sciatica;
- toothache;
- convulsions;
- urinary retention.
Tincture
This drug is widely used in dermatology in the treatment of various skin diseases. To do this, 50 g of seeds should be poured with 0.5 liters of vodka, insisted for 2 weeks (in a dark place), while shaking occasionally. The finished tincture is taken three times a day, 20 drops each.
Decoction
Milk thistle, the benefits and harms of which are due to the abundance of various active substances in it, is used for medical purposes also in the form of a decoction. It is indicated for diseases of the pancreas, liver, kidneys. In addition, it is used in the treatment of cancer. To do this, 30 g of seeds must be boiled over low heat in 0.5 liters of clean water. The finished decoction is applied every hour in a tablespoon (for example, from 9 am to 9 pm) for three weeks, after which a break is made for 2 weeks.
Syrup
The syrup of this plant is indicated for diseases of the biliary tract, liver, spleen. It is also prescribed for hemorrhoids, gallstone disease, colitis, respiratory and heart diseases three times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
Phytotea
Pharmacy herbal tea of the milk thistle plant (instruction is attached to it in each pack) normalizes the liver, improves digestion, gives energy and strength. A bag of tea is brewed with hot water, infused for only 10 minutes, after which it is drunk 3-4 times a day.
Juice
The juice of this plant improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, relieves joint pain, cleanses the skin, normalizes metabolism, and also relieves inflammation. Milk thistle sap is harvested when the plant produces only the flower arrow.
Milk thistle extract
The milk thistle plant extract, the instructions for which are included in each pack, is a source of flavonoids that protect the liver from harmful substances and toxins. The extract helps to restore the functions of the liver and cells.
Powder
The powder is prescribed for the treatment of atherosclerosis, psoriasis, various poisonings, liver diseases. Needuse 1 tsp. of this powder a maximum of 5 times a day for a month. At the same time, in severe and advanced cases, after a 2-week break, the course of treatment should be repeated again.
Milk thistle tablets reviews
The tablet form of this plant is a storehouse of various useful compounds, vitamins and elements that are needed in the treatment of lesions of functional tissues, diseases of the biliary tract. Interestingly, the drug neutralizes toxins, and also removes free radicals from the body, while gently renewing our cells.
Milk thistle meal
The milk thistle meal, the price of which is very affordable (about 70 rubles), is ground seeds, from which milk thistle oil was made using cold pressing. The powder obtained in this way is enriched with fiber, which cleanses the intestines and also stimulates its functioning.
Butter
Milk thistle plant oil (the price of the drug is 100 rubles) has hepatoprotective, anti-burn and wound-healing properties. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is often compared to sea buckthorn. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis, diabetes, eczema, liver disease, allergies.
Contraindications
Despite the almost absence of contraindications and the harmlessness of milk thistle, this plant (like the rest of the medicinal herb) should be used carefully, under the supervision of specialists. This is because milk thistle (the benefits and harms of the plant are described in this article) contains a huge amount ofphosphorus and calcium, which in the future can lead to various problems in the human body. For example, caution should be exercised when taking milk thistle for those who have heart disease, as the phosphorus and calcium contained in the plant can provoke a malfunction of the heart valve.
Milk thistle is contraindicated in such cases:
- Mental illnesses, including epilepsy and depression.
- Individual intolerance (extremely rare).
- Shortness of breath, which can provoke attacks of suffocation.
