Milk Thistle Superfood

• May support the nervous system
• May support heart health
• May protect pancreas against alcohol damage
• Supports Cleansing & detoxifying the liver
• Having anti-inflammatory properties
• Having hepatoprotective qualities
• May support skin health
• Improving Adrenal function
• May protect against atherosclerosis
• Acting as a powerful antioxidant in liver tissues
• May regenerate liver cells
• Supporting Gallbladder health
• Valuable in postoperative liver repair
• Synergistically working with vitamin E as a liver free radical scavenger
• May be used safely in chronic liver disease
• Antioxidant properties
• May Improve insulin resistance

What are the health benefits and uses of Milk Thistle Oil?

Milk thistle is thought to help prevent or cure high cholesterol, diabetes, heartburn, upset stomach (dyspepsia), hangover, gallbladder problems, menstrual pain, depression, and even some types of cancer.

Milk Thistle Oil And Cholesterol:

Milk thistle is thought to help lower cholesterol levels. The active ingredient in milk thistle called silymarin has antioxidant properties that may help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals, molecules that can attack healthy cells.

Milk Thistle And Diabetes:

Scientists are studying the effects of milk thistle on diabetes because it appears to have insulin-like activity.

One study found some evidence that milk thistle might improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity for people with type 2 diabetes who had previously used oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin but were able to discontinue them after starting milk thistle.

A second small study found no difference between taking a combination of silymarin and standard diabetic drug therapy compared to drug therapy alone.

Another small study found no benefit of milk thistle in type 1 diabetes.

Milk Thistle And Gallstones:

Scientists have been studying the effects of silymarin on gallstones because studies have shown that it can help dissolve gallstones and promote their passage from the body.

However, a recent review did not find evidence to support this use.

More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. Silymarin may also protect against liver damage when used with certain medications (such as acetaminophen or statins).

Milk Thistle And Depression:

There is some evidence that treatment with silymarin might reduce depression, but more research is necessary before a conclusion can be made.

Milk Thistle And Cancer: There is some evidence that silymarin might suppress the growth of certain cancer cells, including breast cancer and colon cancer.

There is also some evidence that it might induce cell death in certain types of leukemia.

More research is needed to confirm these effects.

Milk Thistle Oil And Hangover:

A few studies have found that taking milk thistle before drinking alcohol may help protect against or reduce hangover symptoms.

However, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. Milk thistle has also been used historically to treat other problems related to liver damage caused by heavy alcohol use (alcoholic hepatitis), but scientific evidence for this use is limited.  Also, evidence is lacking for milk thistle’s use in treating liver damage caused by medications.

Milk Thistle Oil And Menstrual Pain:

A few studies have found that taking milk thistle by mouth might decrease menstrual pain, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Milk Thistle Oil Side Effects:

When taken by mouth, milk thistle usually has no side effects, even in high doses.  However, some people may experience stomach upset or skin rash. Silymarin can also cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to daisy-like flowers such as ragweed and marigolds.

There are several types of silymarin available on the market.  Due to differences in processing, some types may contain contaminants.  Be sure to purchase your silymarin from a reputable source.

Milk Thistle Oil Dosage:

The typical dose of milk thistle is 160mg taken 1-3 times daily.

Milk Thistle Oil Interactions:

When taken by mouth, milk thistle might lower the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and might increase the effects of these agents used to treat diabetes. There are also concerns that milk thistle could interact with medications that cause low blood pressure or depress breathing (such as anesthesia).

Because these interactions are possible, talk to your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle if you take other medications on a regular basis.