Milk Thistle
Silybum Marianum
 Bodily Influence:
Cholagogue, Demulcent, Galactogogue, Hepatic, Nervine, Stimulant, Tonic
This
herb has been known in Europe and the Middle East since ancient times.
One of the first times it was mentioned was by Theophrastus in the 4th
century, B.C. Dioscorides and Pliny the elder both wrote about the
health benefits of Milk Thistle, and Pliny mentions that of the
improvement of bile flow using Milk Thistle. In 1597 the prominent
herbalist Gerard, wrote that Milk Thistle was the best remedy that grows
against all melancholy diseases. The word melancholy is taken from the
Greek, 'black bile,' and in Gerard's day referred to any liver or
biliary derangement. In 1650 Nicholas Culpeper, the famous English
Herbalist reports that Milk Thistle is useful for removing obstructions
from the liver
German scientists identified the key ingredient in the Milk Thistle
called Silmarin, which is mainly in the seed that is highly
restorative
and protective for liver cells. Milk Thistle is also
protective for the kidneys, brain and other tissues from chemical toxins.
One
of the most dangerous side effects of modern medicine is liver damage
from prescription drugs. Drugs can cause different diseases of the liver
such as drug induced hepatitis, cholestasis,
and
decreased bile flow within
the small bile ducts. Other drugs can cause abnormal fat accumulation
in the liver. Drugs can directly cause severe liver cell damage or
death. Some cancer chemotherapy drugs are responsible for the
obstruction of veins in the liver. Here are some of the commonly used
types of drugs that can cause liver damage. Acetaminophen, Alpha-methyidopa
(old blood pressure medication), Steroids, Anticonvulsants (like
phenytoin and valproic acid), Cancer chemotherapy, Cardiovascular drugs
(especially amiodarone), Estrogens (birth control pills), Halothane (anesthetic),
Isoniazid, Methotrexate (for treatment of psoriasis and arthritis),
Psychiatric medications, Statins (used to treat high blood pressure)
Milk
Thistle accelerates protein synthesis by the liver cells. It stimulates
the liver to produce SOD, a potent free radical scavenger. Milk Thistle
has been found to maintain the basic function of the liver, thereby
keeping the blood vascular system clean which has an overall effect of
maintaining health and well-being to the entire body.
Many milk thistle products are available in the health food stores in
the U.S. today. Even some drug stores have milk thistle extract on
display for over-the-counter sales. These products cannot be labeled
with the benefits which have been proven in European laboratories and
clinics, but Americans are gradually becoming aware of these benefits.
Mushroom Poisoning:
Milk
Thistle has been used as a preventative and or antidote to poisoning by
Death Cap mushrooms (amanita phalloidess). Animal studies have found
that Milk Thistle completely counteracts the toxic effects of the
mushroom if given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given 24 hours
after ingestion, the herb significantly reduces the risk of liver damage
and death.
Uses:
Alcoholism, Appetite stimulant, Blood pressure (high), Boils,
Chemotherapy, Cholera, Cirrhosis, Convulsions, Delirium, Depression,
Epilepsy, Fatty Deposits, Gallbladder, Gas, Heartburn, Heart problems,
Hemorrhage, Hepatitis, Hypoglycemia, Indigestion, jaundice, Kidney
congestion, Lactation, Liver congestion, Liver damage, Menstruation (suppresses),
Nervous conditions, Poisons, Radiation, Skin diseases, Snake bites,
Spleen congestion Varicose veins.
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
All Color Book of Mushrooms and Fungi, by Moira Savonius, Octopus Books 1973
|
