MILK THISTLE or Silybum, is a well-known and time-honoured herb, a genus of two species of thistles in the Asteraceae/daisy family. Milk Thistle has been well-studied for improving liver function, and thus aiding in liver-related health issues(which are many!). It has the capability of increasing survival in people with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis- two of the more severe liver disorders.
The liver is our powerhouse and must process all that comes into our digestive system and bloodstream including foods, drugs, toxins/chemicals, environmental tidbits and more. It helps absorb nutrients from diet, produces bile for fat digestion, and filters out the blood. It’s a busy busy organ! And so a great idea is to regularly do a milk thistle/formula detox, taking it consistently as directed for 1 month, every 3 months or so. Additionally with supplementation, you can do a better liver-reboot by incorporating the following suggestions:
*Drink less alcohol and better yet take a break
*Cut out artificial foods and reduce packaged meals and cook from scratch, reduce sugar intake, and as always eat a whole foods diet = healthier body, mind, and liver!
*Drink lots water and exercise daily (will help flush out toxins)
*Ensure proper digestion by going easy on excessively fatty foods, chewing thoroughly, and taking digestive enzymes with meals
*Reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, including quitting smoking(which is linked to liver cancer)
*Evaluate and adjust any dependance on OTCs and prescription drugs if possible, and explore natural options
Milk thistle is the go-to herb in a cleanse/detox routine and for healing the liver from alcohol or high prescription drug use. It works well as an extract prepared in liquid/tincture form, or in a liver/combo with other liver-helpers(such as artichoke, NAC and glutathione, dandelion root). Milk thistle is also found in teas, however for a more effective protocol as discussed above, an extract is best because the properties in milk thistle are not water-soluble. An extract in tincture form or capsule is a good way to go. These will contain the active constituent silymarin for liver cell regeneration and damage repair. Take your supplement for 1-3 months, depending on severity of liver overload(which will vary at different seasons on your life).
Marvelous milk thistle has many other benefits, much of which stem from its liver-regeneration actions!:
*liver and kidney protection
*supports detoxification, digestion, and elimination
*aids bone mineralization
*neural brain function and protection
*helps clear skin
*lowers blood sugar
*breast milk production
*antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Your liver is a dear friend, so treat it with respect, love, and care.
TinaLee Foster, RHN
Essential Remedies
