Milk thistle: effects and applications

The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) comes from the Mediterranean and is now common throughout Europe. The plant is between 20 and 50 cm long and immediately catches the eye with its purple flower. The basketblood has been around for a long time medicinal plant known. And this is how the milk thistle works:

Milk thistle: the effect

Especially for the health of the liver milk thistle is known. The milk thistle fruits contain high-fat oil and plenty of protein, In addition, the seeds contain silymarin, the U. a. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Silymarin is a mixture of active substances that consists of so-called flavonolignans: silibinin, isosilibinin, silychristin and silydianin. Researchers have found that silymarin protects the outer lining of liver cells, d. H. toxic substances have a harder time penetrating the cells. And silymarin helps the liver to recover faster after injury.

Milk thistle: the application areas

Milk thistle is z. B. at liver disease such as jaundice or hepatitis. If the liver is repeatedly or permanently damaged, doctors talk about liver fibrosis. A single injury such as B. Hepatitis but i. d. Usually not a fibrosis. The cause, however, may be medications, alcohol abuse or non-alcoholic fatty liver. Also in case of one liver fibrosis the medicinal plant milk thistle is used.

The milk thistle is also part of the treatment at one Amanita poisoning, With the help of milk thistle and medical coal, the poisons of the tuber-fungus are bound in the body, as they destroy the liver. If treatment is not used as soon as possible, liver decomposition progresses.

Milk thistle: effects and applications

Milk thistle extract is available in various forms: Tablets, powders, capsules and tea, In the tea too little of silymarin is included, as that it could develop a hepatoprotective effect. But Mary Thistle tea can z. B. in light indigestion help.

However, milk thistle should only in consultation with a doctor be taken. Anyone who is allergic to goosebloods should better keep their hands off the medicinal plant.

By the way: On our health page you will find more exciting information, such as: For example, how does a prick test work, how can I strengthen my defenses, or what can I do to prevent dizzy spells?