What is milk thistle?

Milk Thistle is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean, though it is actually found in many countries across the world. The spiny stems of the thistle can grow up to a height of 12 feet or more, yet commonly reach a full grown height of 5-10 feet. The plant hosts beautiful brown spotted fruit that is often shiny in luster. The plant is known however for it's "milk" that is found by bending the leaves until they break extracting a "milk" looking substance that is similar to "milk weed" common in all parts of the world.

Cautions before taking milk thistle

For diabetics and people with hypoglycemia, milk thistle therapy may be discouraged because it's use can decrease blood sugar levels at rates that may cause adverse effects for individuals with these issues. Milk thistle can also create allergic reactions for people with ragweed, marigold, daisy, or other plants similar to those. Check with your local allergist for common plant species to these that you may be allergic to before taking milk thistle to lessen your chances of an adverse reaction.

The health benefits of milk thistle

Used as an herbal remedy for a large variety of sickness for a couple thousand years, milk thistle is known to help protect the liver from toxin related illness that normally attacks the liver. The herbal remedy also has reported anti-inflammatory benefits and is said to actually repair damage to the liver by growing new liver cells. Milk thistle is also used as a treatment for liver disease from alcohol, viral hepatitis, mushroom poisoning, and even some forms of cancer.

Scientific Studies using milk thistle

Many studies conducted by scientists show that milk thistle may benefit the liver by helping the growth of liver functions, fighting liver oxidation, and inducing Anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have also show that milk thistle can play a role in Hepatitis C Antiviral treatment, though much of the research was found unsubstantiated. A study by the National Cancer Institute is now looking to find if leukemia patients will benefit from the herb after chemotherapy related liver damage. No quantitative results have yet been published from the organization.