Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum)

A natural remedy for many common conditions related to the pancreas, spleen, and liver, Milk Thistle has been used for more than 2,000 years. This bitter herb has been found to offer defense against hepatotoxic agents, and aids in liver injuries. Milk Thistle extract was used by early medical practitioners to handle congestion in the kidneys, spleen, and veins. Some early research into the herbal benefits indicates that the active agents in Milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. It is found to have powerful anti-oxidant qualities and has been proven to inhibit the development of breast cancer, prostate cancer and cervical cancer cells in test tubes. The benefits of this organic herb do not stop at the liver, in fact, the latest studies show that it has a broad range of benefits, from the treatment of rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, to reducing excess iron in the body. With its ability to increase bile production in the intestinal tract, it helps to soften stools while acting as a mild laxative to encourage regular bowel movements. A balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, fiber can help to keep your colon from becoming impacted. In traditional medicine, Milk Thistle has been used for vomiting, pneumonia, flatulence, constipation, and hemorrhoids. 

A free-radical scavenger, it protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage, and it also stimulates the production of new liver cells. It is considered a remarkable herb for relieving temporary discomforts associated with cirrhosis, alcoholic poisoning, jaundice, fatty liver, hepatitis and viral hepatitis. In the treatment of hepatitis C, Milk Thistle has been shown to lower liver enzymes and reverse the kind of liver damage common in those with the condition. Additionally, it has been shown to be beneficial in protecting the kidneys from damage. Silymarin, a mixture of flavonoid complexes, is the active component of Milk Thistle that protects the liver and kidney cells from the side effects of butyrophenones, phenothiazines, acetaminophen, halothane, Dilantin, insecticides, tetrachloride, and even chemo and radiation therapy. Milk Thistle, according to research done in 2010, may lessen inflammation for those undergoing chemotherapy it seems to help patients endure higher doses of these drugs. As suggested, Milk Thistle fights the poisonous activity of many toxins, including the deadly mushroom poisoning of Death Cap. 

Sometimes diabetes results in chronic liver damage, in which the liver is no longer able to respond to insulin, and Milk Thistle has been said to help promote and regulate normal blood sugar levels and new studies show that it may also help to actually lower blood sugar. In a group of type II diabetics with alcohol-induced liver damage, silymarin was shown to significantly reduce blood glucose levels. HbA1c was also decreased. The study suggests that silymarin not only lowers blood glucose levels but also stabilizes them as well. 

Milk Thistle regulates the digestion of fats and may be beneficial in preventing arteriosclerosis and strokes. The properties in this herbal tincture are believed to promote normal cholesterol levels and help the liver convert LDL (bad cholesterol) into HDL (good cholesterol), as well as the regulation of membrane permeability and stability and prevention of deposition of collagen fibers, which leads to cirrhosis and plaque, or arterial hardening. 

Two enzymes, COX2 and iNOS, are involved in a chain of actions in the body that elicit an inflammatory response to wounds and infectious processes. When you cut yourself, inflammation at the local site can be the desired response that will aid in healing. Unfortunately, systemic inflammation caused by excess body weight and poor dietary choices can be a serious problem underlying many chronic diseases including lung cancer. Research has found that Milk Thistle represents another natural compound that provides a powerful effect that may help to prevent and treat chronic disease. 

A pair of University of Colorado Cancer Center studies shows that the Milk Thistle extract, silibinin, kills skin cells mutated by UVA radiation and protects against damage by UVB radiation, thus protecting against UV-induced skin cancer and photo-aging. It is also believed to have the ability to increase the production of bile, helpful properly cleansing the blood, which can be helpful for acne and other forms of skin disorders. Silymarin increases glutathione, a detoxifying protein said to be deficient in psoriasis sufferers. Psoriasis causes dry, red and scaly patches on the skin. Milk Thistle's demulcent properties help to hydrate and soften dry, red skin, improving the texture and making it more smooth and supple. Its inflammatory action calms redness and soothes the irritation. Milk Thistle also helps to clear up the symptoms associated with eczema. Those who have used the extract of Milk Thistle find it to be one of the best herbs for skin, and notice a dramatic softening and moistening of dry, cracking skin and a noticeable glow and radiance to the skin's quality. Check with your health provider to determine the cause of acne, unusual skin spots or skin irritation.

Silybum marianum has been compared to fluoxetine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, and in fact, many herbs with psychotropic effects exist, which can have fewer side effects and provide an alternative treatment or useful for enhancing the effectiveness of conventional anti-obsessive and compulsive symptoms. The liver is thought of as the 'seat of anger', that houses are darkest emotions, which is why liver problems are associated with resistance to change, anger, fear, and hatred. Regardless, if you are having problems with a sluggish liver, you are miserable. Milk Thistle liquid extract is a well-known medicinal herb which can play a key role in relief of headaches, and problems of insomnia, headaches, difficulty awakening, difficulty in concentrating and poor memory. 

Milk Thistle supports hormonal balance and is one of the best plant extracts for your health.  The liver helps to filter toxins from the body, including excess hormones. Commonly called Blessed Thistle, Marian Thistle and Holy Thistle, the herb is traditionally associated with the ability to promote lactation and increase the production of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Ingredients: Milk Thistle Seed, Structured Water, and 20% Alcohol.

Non-Alcohol: Milk Thistle Seed, Structured Water, Vegetable Glycerin.

Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindications: Currently, there are no warnings or contraindications with the use of Milk Thistle; however, the herb may reduce the efficacy of birth control pills and medicine to treat an infection (metronidazole, erythromycin, etc.). It is essential that people with diabetes and liver disease should have regular blood tests. There have been rare reports of diarrhea and nausea.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.