Milk thistle is a biennial plant with many familiar names. These names include blessed milk thistle, Mary thistle, and Mediterranean milk thistle. It is part of the family Asteraceae. If you are unfamiliar with this plant, you can learn more about it by reading this article.
Leaves and flowers of milk thistle can be eaten as a vegetable, and the seeds can be roasted and added to coffee
What is Milk Thistle?
This plant is native to Europe, though it can also be found in the United States and South America. Its leaves are used for salads, and its fruit is sometimes roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. But its seed-like fruits are the most medicinal parts of the plant. Their active ingredient is silymarin, a complex mixture of flavonoids and flavonolignans. The compound is also known as silibinin A and silibinin B.
Milk thistle can help people with diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. But, more research is needed before it can be used for diabetes treatment. It may also enhance breast milk production in pregnant women and may have other benefits. However, it's not recommended for children and should be taken under the supervision of a physician.
In addition, milk thistle is used in herbal teas, tinctures, and herbal infusions. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be added to salads in place of spinach. In addition, the leaves and flowers of milk thistle can be eaten as a vegetable, and the seeds can be roasted and added to coffee.
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Health Benefits of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has several health benefits. It contains a flavonoid called silymarin. This flavonoid has three main components: silibinin, silymarin, and silymarin. Silibinin is the most active component and provides the majority of milk thistle's benefits. One study showed that 420 to 600 mg of silymarin a day could help people with liver disease. Some patients with chronic liver disease may notice a significant improvement.
Besides, milk thistle can help protect the liver from toxins, which is critical for the body's function. It also supports the body's ability to detoxify. It can also save the liver from damage caused by alcohol and certain medications. In addition, milk thistle reduces inflammation and helps repair damaged liver cells.
This plant is most effective when used as a tincture. Taking a small amount of the mixture three to eight times a day can be a healthy habit. However, this plant is not for everyone and can cause allergies in some people. It is best to consult your veterinarian before using it for the first time.
Moreover, milk thistle may help lower blood sugar levels, but it is essential to check with your health care provider. If you have diabetes, milk thistle may have adverse side effects. While it may lower blood sugar, it could reduce the insulin level in your body.
Side Effects of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb that can be a natural remedy for many conditions. It has many beneficial effects, including improved liver function. However, milk thistle is not without side effects. Some people experience diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, and nausea after taking it. It can also interact with other drugs.
This plant is usually well tolerated by people, but it can have side effects if taken at high doses. People on chemotherapy drugs should avoid milk thistle, as it increases the risk of side effects. However, high-dose milk thistle supplements may cause loose stools. As with any herbal supplement, consult your health care professional before taking milk thistle supplements.
Milk thistle is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is native to southern Europe and is widely used for its many health benefits. However, milk thistle can cause various adverse effects, including allergic reactions, abdominal pain, and drug or estrogen interactions. However, it is not a harmful herb for pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
In addition, milk thistle can cause allergic reactions and should be avoided by people with diabetes. It can also increase the risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If you suspect you are suffering from anaphylactic shock, you should seek medical attention immediately. However, milk thistle is generally safe in doses up to 420mg daily, and it is not possible to overdose.
Dosing
As with any herbal supplement, the dosage must be based on individual needs. While 420 milligrams of silymarin per day is the recommended dosage for most individuals, the best dosage may vary depending on individual requirements.
Interactions
The herb milk thistle may interact adversely with certain medications. People taking antihistamines, blood thinners, or allergy medications should talk to their healthcare provider before taking milk thistle. It may also interact with drugs that affect the CYP2C9 enzyme. Some studies suggest that milk thistle could interfere with diabetes medications if it increases levels of this enzyme. For this reason, people with diabetes should not take milk thistle if they have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Studies of milk thistles for liver disease have lacked precision in inclusion and exclusion criteria. They also did not use standardized doses or control for confounding factors. The study results of low-quality studies did not show whether milk thistle has any beneficial effects. They were also limited, ranging from one week to 41 months.
However, most patients tolerate milk thistle supplements well if they stay within the recommended dosage. For this reason, it is essential to talk to a doctor before taking milk thistle for diabetes. It may affect your blood sugar levels and cause severe reactions. Also, because milk thistle is hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, it may affect your blood sugar levels.
Takeaway
Milk thistle is a natural herb that has several health benefits. It helps the body detoxify itself and helps regulate hormones. It stimulates the production of new, healthy cells and prevents them from being damaged by toxins. It also prevents bone loss and promotes bone mineralization.
Milk thistle is often recommended to treat liver diseases, including cirrhosis. However, scientific research on the herb shows mixed results. While it improves liver function and extends survival rates in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, the evidence is inconclusive, and some studies were not well designed.
