The 5 Health Benefits of Milk Thistle

This anti-cancer effect even extends to the skin , as silymarin prevents damage caused by UV rays. And thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of silymarin, stool and hay fever can be relieved with Milk Thistle . Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a powerful plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has many active substances, but the most popular is silymarin. This compound is a potent flavonoid that has incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Then check out  the 5 Health Benefits of Milk Thistle.

The 5 Health Benefits of Milk Thistle:

Benefits of Milk Thistle For Treating Liver Damage: Milk thistle is well known for its benefits for the liver . It can treat liver damage from alcoholic or viral hepatitis along with alcoholic cirrhosis. All thanks to the silymarin present in its composition. Specifically, silymarin can regenerate liver cells and tissues . This works as a treatment and protection, protecting the liver from further damage. No wonder, milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years! For a detoxifying liver cleanse, drink milk thistle tea . You can also add dandelionand turmeric for increased liver benefits .

Milk Thistle Prevents Cancer: The antioxidant abilities of silymarin can also fight cancer. This compound prevents cancer cells from dividing, reproducing and spreading. At the same time, silymarin can also shorten the lifespan of existing cancer cells. For example, a study in found that milk thistle can suppress the migration of cervical cancer cells, killing them. Silymarin also protects healthy cells from toxins. This is done by stabilizing the membranes, making sure that toxins cannot pass through. Even chemotherapy can be more effective with silymarin.

Benefits of Milk Thistle For Sun Protection: Milk thistle has many benefits when it comes to the skin . When applied topically, milk thistle reduces inflammation and oxidative stress from harmful ultraviolet rays. This ultimately staves off photocarcinogenesis, the process that causes skin cancer from sun exposure. But that doesn’t mean you should ditch sunscreen. Instead, Milk Thistle serves as a supplement for sun protection. By using these two items together, you can improve your skin ‘s protection from the sun.

Milk Thistle Benefits for Treating Acne: This herb can help the skin in many ways. One study found that the antioxidant activity of silymarin can alleviate the appearance of pimples. This occurs by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, two characteristics of pimples. In fact, according to the study, participants’ acne decreased by 54% after eight weeks of oral supplementation. This is likely due to silymarin’s ability to stabilize certain immune cells that deal with inflammation. So if you are dealing with outbreaks, Milk Thistle tea or capsules may be perfect for you.

Controls Allergies: Allergic rhinitis , or hay fever, is caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. However, according to research, milk thistle can help control these symptoms. The researchers found that taking 140 mg of silymarin three times a day for four weeks can make allergies less severe. So the next time your allergies pop up, consume Milk Thistle with your antihistamines.

A Word of Caution: You are pregnant or breastfeeding: Avoid milk thistle as it can harm your baby. You should also not take this herb if you have hormone-related cancers such as breast or uterine cancer. Silymarin has shown estrogenic effects in animal studies. If it has the same impact on humans, it can be dangerous for the body. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, and daisies, do not consume Milk Thistle . It is categorized in the same family as these plants. Therefore, they can cause an allergic reaction. Milk Thistle can be consumed in the form of tea, capsules, tinctures and extracts. If you decide to take it with pills, drink a full glass of water.