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Milk Thistle Extract Benefits

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* Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Results achieved when using the product may vary from person to person.

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Milk Thistle Extract Benefits

What is milk thistle extract?

The milk thistle (scientific name silybum marianum) is a tall plant which grows mainly in Europe and Asia, but can also be found in some parts of the United States. At full maturity, it stands at approximately one to three meters in height, and displays prickled leaves and prominent purple flowers. If broken or torn, these leaves produce a pale colored sap. The milk thistle, which is sometimes called holy or Mary thistle, is commonly used within medicine to treat liver damage and disorders. The shiny speckled bulbs from which the flowers bloom are removed from the plant, and turned into remedies for a wide variety of conditions.* Whilst the milk thistle is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, it can also be eaten as a vegetable, and some cooks find it a useful replacement for ingredients like spinach. The seeds within the milk thistle plant can be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee beans.

What effects does milk thistle extract have?

The milk thistle plant is primarily used for the treatment of liver damage, but it has been employed throughout medical history for the remedy of all of the ailments listed above, as well as gallbladder problems and lowering cholesterol.* It is one of the most versatile medicinal plants on the planet, and milk thistle extract is believed to act as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. A number of studies have demonstrated a reduction in blood sugar levels and cholesterol in Type 2 patients prescribed both traditional diabetic drugs and milk thistle supplements.*

Why should I use milk thistle extract?

It has been used to stimulate milk flow in new mothers, to boost insulin.* It is a completely natural substance which grows in lots of different places on the earth, and is used in scores of societies and communities as a natural herb to boost immunity and cognition.As aforementioned, in regards to liver damage, the plant is believed to reverse some of the harm already done to tissues, and help them to function at a healthier level.

Are there are any side effects of milk thistle extract?

It is highly unusual for this product to produce any kind of serious side effect in human beings. It is safe to take milk thistle supplements for anything in the range of 1-6 months continuously. In some rare cases, there can be  nausea, bloating, or an upset stomach. For those with ragweed allergies, this kind of plant substance is highly discouraged, only because it can lead to a skin rash or even a serious allergic reaction.*  There are a lot of medical sources which discourage pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding from using milk thistle extract, but this is widely considered to be because there is no research on its benefits, rather than because it can cause any harm.*

What do people who use milk thistle say about the plant?

According to people who regularly use milk thistle extract, as part of a medically approved treatment plan, the results are rather remarkable.* There is even evidence that the ancient Romans and Greeks employed it as a remedy for insect and snake bites, as well as in the instance of a loved one being poisened.

 

What is the medical history of milk thistle extract?

The milk thistle plant has been used as a medicinal substance, throughout the Middle East and Europe, for centuries. It was named by the ancient Greeks, so we know that they were aware of its healing properties. Over the decades, its usage traveled even further, and milk thistle extract began to appear in traditional Ayurveda and Chinese remedies. It was employed in much the same way by the Chinese as it was the Greeks and Romans, apart from the fact that the Chinese also considered it to be a stimulant for milk flow. The milk thistle has also historically been used as a culinary ingredient. The roots of the plant can be consumed raw, or they can be boiled and then roasted. The fledgling shoots, which appear in spring, can be stripped right down to the root and cooked in the same way. Plus, the shiny bracts on top of the flowers were traditionally (and still are, in some places) cooked and eaten like artichokes.

What dosage of milk thistle extract is safe?

It is safe to take an oral form of milk thistle extract at a 420/mg per day for up to a maximum of forty one months.*  If you are thinking about taking milk thistle supplements, particularly as a remedy for a serious condition, it is very important that you take the time to talk to your doctor and outline a suitable dosage and treatment plan. For those already taking prescribed drugs, it is absolutely vital that you seek advice on whether or not milk thistle will interfere with their effects. There are several different forms of milk thistle extract available on the market, and they include pills, tinctures, and even herbal teas. Whilst the pills are easy enough to take, and need only a glass of water to accompany them, liquid medicines should be carefully measured out with a dropper or appropriately sized dosage spoon. The combination of different extract forms is not recommended.

 

 

What is the molecular structure of milk thistle?

If milk thistle is examined closely during developent, before the medicinal components have been removed, the fruits and thistles can be seen to contain the following: 1-5% Silymarin (dry), Neosilyhermin A and B, 25-30% protein and mucilage (dry), Quercetin and taxifolin, Kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol, and kaempferol], Eriodyctiol, chrysoeriol, Dihydroxychromone, and 0.038% vitamin E.

How much do milk thistle supplements cost?

The commercially produced milk thistle extracts available on the market tend to retail at around $8-10 but can cost anywhere between $5-30. Here at absorb your health, we have milk thistle available for just $14.99, at a quantity of 100, 500 milligram capsules. This is usually the lower end in terms of price, so it is fair to say that this is not only effective, but also somewhat inexpensive if you know where to buy from. As aforementioned, it can be picked up in most health food stores and even some supermarkets, but is normally much cheaper in online markets. It is a mistake to always assume that it is the most costly products which offer the biggest benefits. As milk thistle continues to grow in abundance in a number of different environments and ecosystems, for now at least, there is no reason to think that it will undergo any steep price hikes.

What do you think of our Milk Thistle? 

Share your thoughts down below on your experiences with this product and we’ll get back to you promptly with a follow up response. Make your voice heard, any feedback is good feedback!

 

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