Milk Thistle

This herb contains silymarin, a substance contained in the seeds that exerts a highly protective effect on the liver, maintaining its function and preventing damage from compounds that are normally highly toxic.

It is the main remedy used in Western herbal medicine to protect the liver and renew liver cells.

Milk thistle is used in the treatment of hepatitis and jaundice, as well as in conditions where the liver is under stress from infection, excess alcohol, or chemotherapy.

This herb regulates the digestion of fats, helps stabilize blood sugars and reduces intestinal inflammation. Traditionally it has been used for treating liver diseases, acne, Crohn's disease, IBS, alcoholism, atherosclerosis, gallstones,high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, ovarian cysts, seizures, Parkinson's and psoriasis.

The seeds are used medicinally in teas, tinctures and capsules, however, silymarin is very poorly soluble in water, so this herb is not as effective in the form of a tea.

CAUTIONS: May have mild laxative effect in some people.

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