Using plants for detoxification is an ancient holistic approach towards the prevention of many common diseases, not to mention the promotion of overall wellness. Milk thistle for liver detox has been used medicinally to help improve liver function since the late first century, but its use was restricted to only those herbalists who knew the importance of this plant for liver cleansing.

As medical study advanced, along with the need to find alternative methods to promote a better and healthier life, extensive research was carried out to show that milk thistle may help in liver detoxification. Milk thistle for liver detox is being studied extensively as it maybe an essential aid for diseases where the normal liver functions are hampered.

What is Milk Thistle?

Native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, milk thistles are flowering plants of the genus Silybum Adans, and the family Asteraceae. It is called milk thistle because it contains a milky sap, and the leaves are wide with white splash markings. The plant’s height ranges between 4 to 10 feet. It bears red-purple flowers and small hard skinned fruit. The seeds are produced in the flower heads, and are harvested mostly when black in color. One seed head can produce from 100-190 seeds.

It is the milk thistle seed, full of powerful active component, that has caught the attention of many people who slowly began to realize the various milk thistle benefits. These beneficial components of milk thistle can be extracted from its ground seed using hot water at 85°C and 100°C for different components. Milk thistles are very adaptable plants and can grow in most parts of the world.

Functions of the Liver

The liver is the largest internal complex gland in the human body. It is responsible for filtering the blood as all the blood in the body passes through the liver for cleansing.

After cleansing, it neutralizes toxins directly, or converts them into fat or water-soluble forms, and stores it in bile, that the liver secretes and passes to the intestine for elimination. It converts carbohydrates and proteins into fat, and stores it along with vitamins A, D and B12, and copper and iron for later use. It helps to synthesize and control triglycerides and cholesterol, maintains hormone balance, and converts sugar into glycogen and stores it until energy is required.

The liver produces hundreds of vital enzymes needed for digestion and other functions. It prevents the blood from clotting while it is in circulation, and produces clotting effect when we get hurt. Thus, any kind of impairment in the functioning of the liver, as is seen in many liver diseases leads to a need for detoxification. This is where milk thistle for liver detox comes in.

Milk Thistle for Liver Detox

As the seeds of milk thistle ripen, they develop the powerful plant compound called as silymarin. Silymarin is a therapeutic group of flavonoids; silibinin, silidianin and silicristin, that help to protect and thus, are often a part of liver detox recipes. Its property of being an antioxidant controls and inhibits free radicals in the body. Free radicals oxidize the cells leading to many health complications like liver cancer, heart diseases, etc. It helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances, and aids in the treatment of cirrhosis and hepatitis. Milk thistle is a very effective liver cleanser and builder, and speeds liver regeneration after being damaged.

Milk thistle for liver detox comes in different forms; liquid, capsules, tablets and tonics, and most preparations contain a standardized quantity of 70 – 80% of silymarin. People who wish to use this wonder plant, must consult a herbalist as well as your doctor to understand its benefits and to rule out side effects of milk thistle, thus, ensuring its correct usage for maximum health benefit.

Article written by: L. Rajeev

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