Health benefits of Milk Thistle

Health benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been a popular medicinal plant since around the time of the first century, greatly favoured by the Romans they would use its extract as a treatment for many conditions, including the treatment of snake bites. Many years later a British herbalist named Culpepper was famed for his work in which he recommended the use of milk thistle for the treatment of liver complaints. Milk thistle has also long been used by breastfeeding mothers.

“it is said that the Milk thistle is a breeder of milk and of help to nursing mothers.”

Top 5 health uses of milk thistle

Milk thistle improves liver health - Milk thistle has long been used as an herbal treatment for many liver conditions, including jaundice, this is largely due to the high quantities of flavanoids that help to stabilize cell membranes and control the function of cells throughout the body.

Cancer fighting properties -  although a lot more research needs to be carried out, there are some indications that milk thistle could be beneficial to people currently undergoing treatment or recovering from cancer. “One active material called silymarin found in milk thistle has powerful anti-oxidant qualities, and has been proven to inhibit the development of breast, human prostate, and cervical cancer cells in test tubes. “

Help to reduce cholesterol - A number of recent studies have confirmed milk thistles ability at reducing cholesterol, in a side my side test against protocol (a well known cholesterol drug) Milk thistle came out on top.

Skin Health - Our skin is our biggest organ, but very often it's the last thing we think about when it comes to our health. Milk thistle can help with many skin conditions ranging from Psoriasis to the treatment of acne.

Protection from gallstones and bladder infection - Consumption of milk thistle helps to increase the solubility and circulation of bile, it is much harder for gallstones to form in a bile rich environment making milk thistle a great preventative for this problem.

Where can I find milk thistle?

Milk Thistle can be found in abundance across the UK often favouring grassy slopes and sea cliffs the flowering season is late may right up until the end of august giving you plenty of time to put on your walking boots and get out foraging.

Thistle tea is one of my favourite ways of including milk thistle into my diet and the best thing about thistle tea is that it's readily available both online and in health shops across the country, although it isn't the tastiest tea in the world the amazing detox properties will keep you coming back for more.

If you have any questions or know any uses of milk thistle have haven't included drop us a comment below.

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