Additional Information Milk Thistle has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years, an herbal medicine used by the ancient Greeks and Chinese. There have been numerous studies conducted to determine its effectiveness. And is recommended by numerous organizations for its effectiveness in treating disorders of the liver. The herb is a member of the sunflower family, and the seeds are harvested for their medicinal benefits. * Liver Disease and Milk Thistle One of the most recognized benefits of milk thistle is its help in repairing liver damage in such conditions as cirrhosis. It protects the organ from toxins in the body and enables new cells to regenerate. Milk thistle contains glutathione, which can help the liver to detoxify. This means that the liver will then work much more efficiently at helping the body to detoxify. It is particularly useful when the liver has been damaged by over-consumption of alcohol. * Milk Thistle and Fatty Liver Milk thistle helps with fatty liver disease, which is simply a liver that is overloaded with fat. A milk thistle liver detox can help to correct these problems and will usually take a course of treatment lasting a month to six weeks, along with a proper diet. * Some additional health benefits of milk thistle: It is a powerful antioxidant, which can protect the systems of the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells. Milk thistle herb can help to prevent gallstones and treat those who have them by increasing bile flow. Several studies have shown that milk thistle extract is an effective anti-inflammatory and can be useful in the treatment of endometriosis. Its antioxidant qualities can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels by aiding the body to rid itself of waste products. * Side Effects As a cleansing herb, there are very few side effects to milk thistle, but over-consumption can lead to diarrhea, an upset stomach, headache, and nausea. Any sign of an allergic reaction such as a rash or difficulty breathing should be reported to a doctor immediately. Milk thistle is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. |