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Milk Thistle
For more than 2,000 years milk thistle seeds have been used to support and heal the liver and connecting conditions. "Silymarin (found in milk thistle seeds) benefits the liver in several ways. It binds tightly to the receptors on liver cell membranes that allow toxins in, thus locking them out." -The New Healing Herbs
Silybum marianum
Family: Compositae - daisy, calendula
Parts used: seeds
Antihepatotoxic (protects liver from toxic substances)
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Cholagogue
Demulcent
Galactagogue
Hepatic
Hepatoprotectant (liver support)
Trophorestorative (re-establishes balance of the cellular structure of the liver)
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Cooling
Liver
Uses
Liver tonic, support, and protection.
Can help restore liver function impaired by liver diseases such as toxin exposure, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcohol damage, drug induced liver damage, mushroom poisoning, etc.
Liver cell regeneration
Liver cleansing and rebuilding
Stimulates liver repair, blocks toxins from entering the liver and protects it from free radicals.
Jaundice, liver enlargement, and liver congestion.
Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
Fibroids, linked to liver problems so stimulating it may help shrink fibroids.
Tincture
Powdered, capsules
Tea (crush seeds first and then make a decoction)
A common weed found growing in disturbed areas, waysides, and mountain trails.
Seeds can be harvested in the fall when the blossom head dries, and seeds are visible. Cut the tops and use your method of choice to dry them for a couple of weeks before removing the seeds by placing in a bag and shaking or rubbing them out with your fingers.
References
The New Healing Herbs
Herbs of the Bible
The Herbal Drugstore
