Used for thousands of years, Milk Thistle offers recognized benefits for health. After being the subject of numerous studies, its effects on the liver are well known, as is its positive action on maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
But how should it be used? What are its origins? How can it be combined with other plants? In this article, we answer all your questions.
Belonging to the Asteraceae family, Milk Thistle—Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn—is an herbaceous plant. It grows naturally along paths and on uncultivated land. It can reach a height of over 1.5 meters and is very hardy.
Origin and History of Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle and its benefits have been known since ancient Greek times in the Mediterranean basin, where this plant originates. Traditionally consumed as a decoction, in food, and as tea, it owes its beneficial effects to silymarin, found in its seeds. The recommended dose of this active substance may vary.
Composition and Active Ingredients of Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle offers significant benefits that are primarily linked to the flavonolignans it contains, particularly silymarin, which is naturally present in this plant at levels of 1.5 to 6%(1).
However, other active substances, such as lipids, phenolic derivatives, and numerous flavonoids, also contribute to its antioxidant effects and other positive actions.
Here is a summary of the key compounds of Milk Thistle:
The Benefits of Milk Thistle on Digestion
Acting on the liver, Milk Thistle also provides remarkable benefits for digestive disorders.
Protective Action on the Liver
Milk Thistle and its benefits for the liver have been known for millennia. The silymarin it contains promotes the production of glutathione(1), an antioxidant active compound that protects liver cells against toxins.
In this way, Milk Thistle helps support the liver and protect it after overly rich meals, for example.
Positive Effects on Digestive Discomfort
The benefits of Milk Thistle address various digestive discomforts, promoting a feeling of fullness and relief from indigestion.
This plant may stimulate bile secretion, aiding in the elimination of toxins and waste.
Using Milk Thistle
Would you like to benefit from Milk Thistle and its properties? You should know that this plant is available in various forms.
Available Forms (Seeds, Capsules, Liquid Extract)
Milk Thistle is a dietary supplement available in various forms:
As seeds;
In capsules;
In ampoules;
As powder;
As mother tincture;
As liquid extract;
As tea;
In homeopathy.
For example, Milk Thistle seeds and their benefits have long been used in the preparation of decoctions. Simply boil a cup of water with a tablespoon of seeds for 5 minutes, then let it steep for 10 minutes.
Whatever form you choose, you can also opt for a product containing silymarin that meets European quality standards. Ideally, choose organic Milk Thistle.
A central organ acting as a filter by eliminating toxins through bile, the liver can become overburdened by overeating, alcohol intake, or medication use.
Milk Thistle is your liver’s ally: it is recognized for supporting liver function and protecting the liver. It also assists in hepatic drainage and promotes digestion after heavy meals.
Discover our new formula developed by Superdiet research, more concentrated and packed with plant extracts!*
Each ampoule contains 3000 mg** of Milk Thistle.
Our Milk Thistle is cultivated in France in accordance with organic farming standards.
The Use of Milk Thistle Requires Adhering to a Precise Dosage. Traditionally recommended doses are as follows:
For seeds: Consume between 12 and 15 g per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses, or boil 4 g in 150 mL of water and drink the mixture 30 minutes before each meal.
For capsules and ampoules: Ensure that the equivalent of dried plant material is between 1.8 and 14 g of milk thistle seeds per day, divided into 3 doses before meals.
For tea: Consume 1 to 2 tea bags per day.
For homeopathy: Take 3 granules per day.
It is essential to follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer or consult a healthcare professional before using Milk Thistle.
Precautions for Use
Although Milk Thistle has numerous health benefits, certain precautions must be taken before consuming it.
If you are undergoing treatment, consult your doctor before taking this plant to avoid risks associated with drug interactions.
Additionally, Milk Thistle is intended for adult use only and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Finally, it should not be consumed in case of allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family.
Tips for Better Digestion with Milk Thistle
To enhance the effects of Milk Thistle and its benefits on the digestive system, you can pair it with other active compounds or consume it in its most effective form.
Combination with Other Beneficial Plants
Milk Thistle can be combined with various plants or active compounds:
Turmeric;
Ginger;
Zinc;
Desmodium;
Rosemary;
Dandelion;
Black radish;
Artichoke.
Optimal Administration Method
Milk Thistle is typically taken as a 21-day course. It can be consumed in different ways depending on the desired effects. If you are considering daily intake for a maintenance program, tea format will suffice.
If you aim to target the liver, products based on milk thistle seeds with a standardized silymarin content offer very interesting benefits. Do not exceed 266 mg of silymarin per day.
The advice shared in this article does not replace medical advice in any way.
Sources:
Vargas-Mendoza N et al, Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. World J Hepatol. 2014
Milk Thistle, which primarily contains silymarin, is an active compound that has shown beneficial effects on bile production and liver cell protection, thus aiding digestion and toxin elimination.
For digestive issues, you can consume 12 to 15 g of Milk Thistle seeds per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses. You can also prepare a decoction by boiling 4 g of seeds in 150 ml of water for half an hour and consuming the mixture 30 minutes before each meal.
When using Milk Thistle, ensure you follow the recommended dosages. Additionally, if you are undergoing treatment, consult your doctor before taking Milk Thistle. It is intended for adults and not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not consume if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
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