How Milk Thistle Improves Your Health
Let’s explore seven exciting ways milk thistle can boost your health.
Assists Antioxidant Activity
The health benefits of milk thistle come from its seeds, which contain an extract called silymarin. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that includes natural compounds known as flavonolignans—part flavonoid, part lignan. The most active component in silymarin is silibinin. Although silibinin itself is a strong antioxidant, silymarin is 8 to 10 times more effective at scavenging free radicals than silibinin alone.
Nutritional Support for the Liver and Gallbladder
Milk thistle is traditionally known for supporting liver and gallbladder health. The liver is essential for detoxification, making its proper function crucial for overall wellness. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for promoting liver health. Silymarin helps the liver regenerate by boosting protein synthesis and may even counteract some toxin-induced liver diseases.
Encourages Normal Lipid Profiles
Milk thistle may help maintain healthy lipid profiles. Early research suggests that silymarin, along with other flavonoids, can promote optimal lipid absorption and synthesis. While the exact mechanism is unclear, it might be related to the herb’s strong antioxidant properties.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Topical applications of milk thistle extract can benefit the skin. Silymarin appears to support normal skin cell development. A silymarin-based cream has been shown to promote healthy skin and is even being considered as a natural alternative to conventional sunscreen.
Supports Normal Blood Sugar
Recent studies have highlighted milk thistle’s potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Daily intake of silymarin may promote normal blood sugar levels. Silibinin, in particular, has shown beneficial effects on conditions related to blood sugar imbalances.
Supports Prostate Health
The prostate, a small organ in the male reproductive system, can develop various conditions. Milk thistle supports normal prostate health. Silymarin has shown benefits, including promoting normal cell development and the formation of new blood vessels. A related compound, isosilybin B, has been found to be particularly effective. More research is needed, but these studies provide strong support for using silibinin to maintain prostate health.
May Counteract Mushroom Poisoning
Amanita phalloides, or the death cap, is a deadly mushroom often mistaken for edible varieties. It’s one of the most poisonous mushrooms on Earth and a frequent cause of fatal mushroom poisonings. Milk thistle can prevent this poisoning; intravenous silymarin is the only effective treatment. Silymarin stabilizes cell membranes and prevents toxin absorption. Such treatment should always be administered by a medical professional.
The Side Effects of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is safe for most people, but those with a ragweed allergy should avoid it, as it can exacerbate their condition. Due to its effects on blood sugar, individuals with low blood sugar should use caution. While safe for humans, milk thistle is toxic to cows and sheep if consumed in large amounts over several days or weeks.
Best Tips for Growing Milk Thistle
You can buy organic milk thistle seeds online, but growing your own may be the best way to ensure freshness. Fortunately, milk thistle is very easy to grow—sometimes too easy, as it’s often considered an invasive weed. Check your local laws before planting, as some areas restrict it. For example, Washington State classifies it as a “Class A Noxious Weed” that must be eradicated.
Once you’ve ensured it’s legal to grow milk thistle in your area, obtain viable seeds online or from an existing plant. While you can start the seeds indoors, the plant is hardy enough to be sown directly outside. In mid to late summer, the flowers will dry and turn into white puffs similar to dandelions. This is the time to harvest your seeds. Wear thick gardening gloves to protect yourself from the spiky barbs. Remove the puffy white flower heads, place them in a paper bag, and let them dry for about a week. After drying, shake the bag vigorously to separate the seeds from the fluff.
Easy Milk Thistle Tea Recipe
Making tea is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of milk thistle seeds. Grind one tablespoon of milk thistle seeds into a powder using a mortar. Steep the powder in 3 cups of boiling water for about 15 minutes, then strain. Enjoy a cup 30 minutes before meals or bedtime. In some cultures, roasted and crushed milk thistle seeds are enjoyed as a coffee alternative.
