Milk thistle is dangerous to livestock but has significant health benefits for humans, including liver, skin, bones, cancer and amyloid plaque aggregation.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin, a chemical compound with medicinal benefits, including protecting liver health; studies suggest it helps boost the production of glutathione in the liver
- Silymarin is also known to lower blood sugar, increase breast milk production, protect skin from UVB radiation and reduce clinical signs of acne vulgaris
- Identified actions of silymarin appear protumor, but the compound demonstrates antineoplastic properties and researchers suggest it is chemoprotective, contributing to counteracting chemoresistance and increasing chemosensitivity
- Animal models demonstrate that the active compound in milk thistle can also lower amyloid plaque aggregates commonly found in Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia; it may also lower estrogen-deficiency bone loss common in menopause
- Milk thistle is an invasive weed that may be banned from growing in your area. A single flower can produce nearly 200 seeds that germinate in temperatures ranging from 32 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You can often buy the plant and seeds at a health food store, and there are several ways to use them at home
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) — also known as Mary thistle and holy thistle — is a common flowering herb1Natural Living Ideas March 2, 2017 in the Asteraceae family. For many people, the plant is nothing more than an invasive weed. Yet, the herb possesses remarkable medicinal value. It has been used in traditional Chinese, European and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years.2Global Healing Center February 24, 2017 It’s highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties.
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