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Herbs: Milk Thistle seed - whole

Common Names: Milk thistle, Mary’s thistle, snake milk, milk ipecac
Latin Name: Silybum marianum

Excerpts from Nutritional Herbology

Milk Thistle has a long history of successfully treating liver disorders which has been confirmed by scientific study. The plant is also used to increase the production of milk in nursing mothers. Most importantly, is its ability to prevent liver damage by inhibiting the production of enzymes that lead to free radical and leucotriene formation. It is an effective antioxidant that functions mainly in the liver. In this regard, it is useful in treating cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver deposits, inflammatory skin conditions and jaundice. Standardized extract of milk thistle are widely used pharmaceuticals in Europe. There they are employed not only as cures for disease conditions but also as a daily form of liver protection. The plant appears to have no toxic effects even when used for months at a time.

The flavonoids in milk thistle are responsible for its actions. They have the ability to prevent liver destruction and enhance liver function. These bitter compounds protect the liver by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the production of leucotrienes and prostaglandins. These compounds are often involved in inflammatory conditions of the liver and skin. In addition, the group of silymarin flavonoids are more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E which make them useful in preventing free radical damage.

These compounds also help regenerate liver cells by stimulating protein synthesis. This results in an increase in the rate at which new liver cells are produces to replace damaged old ones. However, this cell proliferant stimulus does not affect malignant liver tissue.

In summary, milk thistle is very useful in treating all inflammatory conditions of the liver and skin.

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

• We use it tea and tincture combinations. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies. For instance, it can easily be ground up, and used in capsules.
• Milk Thistle is a food, as such; keep it in the kitchen as all other food ingredients. Add it to dishes in small amounts as you would other seeds, and nuts to add nutritional value to the dish without changing the flavor.
• We like to course grind these seeds and use it sprinkled on foods at the table as one would use black pepper.
• Most often, we add a small amount of Milk Thistle seeds to our wheat, rye or spelt berries as we put them through the wheat grinder. There is virtually no change in the taste of the flour, but it is certainly more nutritious.
• Milk Thistle can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
• As is the case with most herbs, Milk Thistle should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.

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