Originally, milk thistle comes from the warm countries around the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. However, it also grows here in sunny and nutrient-rich places. The plant can be recognized by its white marbled leaves with small thorns all around. In ancient herbal books, the use of an infusion of thistle is used to stimulate the flow of milk, but also recommended against stinging in the abdomen, bleeding, cramps or flying heat. Milk thistle owes its current use as a gentle liver therapeutic to the country doctor Rademacher, who recognized its importance in 1848. He also recognized that the active substances are located directly under the skin of the seed-like fruit.
The liver as a detoxification organ
In addition to the production of bile, our liver has to cope with the entire digestive metabolism and a variety of “detoxification reactions”. Alcohol, pollutants from the environment, food additives and drugs are absorbed and broken down by it. This process produces aggressive so-called free radicals, which attack the cell walls of the organ.
If the liver is permanently overloaded, natural cell renewal cannot keep pace. The liver becomes fatty and cannot fulfill its tasks. Sometimes this process is also accompanied by inflammation. The end result is cirrhosis of the liver, in which more and more functional cells are replaced by scarred connective tissue.
Not only toxins, but also rich and fatty food or certain pathogens can cause problems for the liver. Unfortunately, for a long time there are no noticeable signs of illness or pain that could warn the affected person at an early stage. Anyone who thinks that their liver could be at risk should therefore see a doctor in good time.
Active substances of milk thistle
An extract can be obtained from the fruits of milk thistle that can prevent liver damage and is said to help regenerate an attacked liver. Responsible for the protective effect is a complex of four different flavonolignans, which is called silymarin in reference to the scientific name of the milk thistle “Silybum marianum”.
Studies show: silymarin scavenges free radicals produced during detoxification in the liver, thereby preventing the destruction of cell walls. It also promotes the regeneration of liver tissue.
Use and side effects of milk thistle
Medical practitioners use milk thistle preparations as a supplementary treatment for chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Especially in cases of damage caused by alcohol and drugs, the recovery process is supported in a gentle way. This is because, in contrast to chemical drugs, the plant extract does not place an additional burden on the organ.
For the therapy to be successful, however, the causes of the disease must always be addressed. Occasionally, milk thistle preparations have a slight laxative effect, otherwise no side effects are known.
Treatment with milk thistle
Because silymarin is poorly soluble in water, the active ingredient hardly passes into tea infusions. Therefore, mare’s thistle extracts are usually packaged in coated tablets, capsules, or tablets. Preparations from the pharmacy ensure a consistent and sufficiently high dosage, as they contain a standardized content of active substances. Experts recommend about 200 to 400 milligrams of silymarin per day.
In homeopathy, Mare’s thistle is used as “Carduus marianus” for liver and gallbladder diseases, hemorrhoids and varicose veins, but also for rheumatic complaints. Mainly the mother tincture and low potencies from D1 to D6 are used.