Milk thistle: 8 properties and benefits of this plant

Like other medicinal plants, milk thistle has been used since ancient times. This herbaceous plant is used to cure or complement the treatment of some ailments, especially those related to the liver.

The most notable component of this plant is silymarin, which acts directly on the liver. To consume and take advantage of the properties and benefits of milk thistle, the best way to do it is through its extract, since silymarin in its pure state is not soluble in water.

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Milk thistle: 8 properties and benefits of this plant

The phytochemicals in milk thistle are many. In addition to silymarin, which is a flavonoid complex, betaines and tannins stand out. They are all the substances that provide the properties and benefits of milk thistle.

The therapeutic properties of this plant are found in the extract of its fruits, for this reason its consumption is not recommended directly but duly processed. Below is everything you need to know to take advantage of the benefits of this plant for human health.

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1. Repairs and regenerates cells and tissues

The most important use of milk thistle is to repair and regenerate the liver. Silymarin is the main compound of this plant, and its high efficiency has been proven because it stimulates the functioning of cells and promotes the regeneration of liver tissue.

Thus, milk thistle is used to treat fatty liver, hepatitis (both chronic and acute), cirrhosis, and other different types of liver damage. Scientific interest is also being focused on its ability to fight cancer cells.

2. Prevents the formation of gallstones

Milk thistle helps prevent gallstone formation, and it is that the compounds of this medicinal plant also favor the correct functioning of the gallbladder. It is cholagogue, that is, its properties include facilitating the expulsion of bile.

Even when the gallbladder already has gallstones, milk thistle works as an aid to eliminate them. It is used in this way to relieve gallbladder discomfort. The ideal is to consume it in capsules or tincture that contains the extract of the fruit.

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3. Fight poisoning by poisonous mushrooms or plants

Milk thistle is used to treat the body in case of poisoning. Faced with the accidental consumption of poisonous plants or fungi, the milk thistle plant can be very effective. What is used is the extract of this plant, which must also be prescribed by a doctor.

One of the best known uses is to treat poisoning from the accidental ingestion of the well-known "death mushroom" (this mushroom looks a lot like other edibles). It is also used as an auxiliary treatment in various emergency treatments.

4. Improves different stomach problems

Taking milk thistle helps relieve some stomach ailments. It is considered a digestive and appetite stimulant, so it is recommended in patients who feel weak to eat. It is also a digestive stimulant due to its anti-inflammatory property, relieving abdominal heaviness.

In addition to this, milk thistle helps the digestive system to properly digest fats. This is one of the properties and benefits of cardio mariano that indirectly also improves the condition of the liver, an organ related to digestive processes.

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5. Mitigates the symptoms of seasonal allergies

Milk thistle helps reduce symptoms caused by seasonal allergies. One of the properties and benefits of milk thistle is to assist in the treatment of allergies together with other antihistamines. Its anti-allergenic effects benefit acute rhinitis.

It is common for the change of season to cause allergic reactions. Among the most common discomforts is the appearance of rashes and rashes on the skin, and also increase the chances of suffering from a cold or flu. In this way, milk thistle can be consumed both as a preventive measure and when the symptoms have already appeared.

6. Relieves discomfort associated with menopause

To reduce the typical discomfort of menopause consuming milk thistle is very useful. Among its compounds are flavonoids, efficient to alleviate the symptoms that appear along with the arrival of menopause. It is recommended to consume it together with other plants such as white willow or yarrow.

If migraines, night sweats and hot flashes are related to menopause, it is recommended to consume milk thistle in capsules frequently. The plant should never be ingested directly through infusions, as its compounds are not soluble in water; You have to consume the extract of the plant to enjoy its properties and benefits.

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7. Reduces varicose veins and hemorrhoids

Consuming milk thistle can reduce varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Another of the surprising properties of milk thistle is that of a venous stimulant. This feature is useful to combat varicose veins and hemorrhoids, which it achieves largely thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

It is also recommended to consume this plant if you suffer from numbness in the feet, hands or fingers, since these are caused by problems with the circulation of blood through the body. Milk thistle as a venous stimulant helps to reestablish blood circulation so it helps with this discomfort.

8. Stops bleeding and relieves burns

Milk thistle also helps stop bleeding and relieve burns. In this case, it should be used topically, as there are tinctures and ointments on the market made from the extract of milk thistle.

In case of suffering a mild or moderate burn, a thin layer of milk thistle can be spread on the affected area, as well as in case of nosebleeds. They are astringent drugs, which reduces bleeding. This allows less blood to be lost and speeds healing.

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Bibliographic references

• Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. DK Pub.

• Greenlee, H., Abascal, K., Yarnell, E. and Ladas, E. (2007). Clinical Applications of Silybum marianum in Oncology. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 6 (2), 158-65.

• Tannenbaum, C., Farrell, B., Shaw, J., Morgan, S., Trimble, J., Currie, J., et al. (2017). An ecological approach to reducing potentially inappropriate medication use: Canadian Deprescribing Network. Can J Aging, 36 (1), 97–107.