HEALTH NOTES

Milk Thistle – Its Effects and Usage

Part II

Milk thistle has been used for centuries; however, it wasn’t until the 20^th Century that the substances contained in this herb were analyzed and better understood as to their effect on the human body and the liver, specifically. Milk thistle’s activity is enhanced when it is combined with other herbs such as dandelion, artichoke and licorice. The primary medicinally effective compound contained in milk thistle is called “silymarin.” The effects of milk thistle include its antioxidant properties, which help scavenge throughout our systems for free radicals, substances that cause conversion of cells into mutated types of cells. These free radical substances are produced by such environmental toxins as second had cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and the sun, along with specific drugs.

As I’ve noted in previous articles, these free radicals can cause such life-threatening disorders such as cancer, heart disease and arthritic changes within our bodies. Milk thistle has been used to treat such disorders as liver disease, including Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis C. While milk thistle cannot cure cirrhosis of the liver, which is a degenerative condition in which the liver begins to break down, numerous studies have shown that it may assist in improving liver function, even in this severe condition. A precursor to cirrhosis if not cared for properly is called “fatty liver disease.” Some studies have shown that this condition can be assisted by the use of milk thistle. Numerous over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs can cause liver damage which may be in part prevented or retarded by the use of milk thistle. Milk thistle has been used to treat poisoning from the death cap mushroom, a poisonous type of mushroom that is sometimes consumed by individuals out collecting mushrooms for home use.

The liver can regenerate itself given proper circumstances. It is in a class with only a couple exceptions in the body which has the ability to do so. Sylamarin assists in stimulating growth and regeneration of liver cells that are damaged.

Individuals who should consider utilizing milk thistle are those who smoke or live with smokers, individuals who drink alcohol, are overweight or dieting, live in areas that are exceptionally polluted, use pesticides on a regular basis, take over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs, have digestive problems, or high triglyceride and cholesterol levels. This is an extremely safe and effective herb that has been used, as I stated earlier, for centuries, and should be considered a routine choice of medicinal herbs in treating individuals who fall into one of these categories previously mentioned.

As is always the case when I produce an article such as this, I ask that you do not make any decision relative to the use of this herb or discontinue any medications you are currently taking without first consulting your treating physician. While this herb can be extremely effective and totally harmless when taken properly, inappropriate use of any herb in combination with specific medications can be life-threatening. Therefore, please take my words to heart and understanding that my intention in this article is to give you good information to be utilized to assist in creating a healthier life for yourself, BUT, the information I am able to impart in my articles is cursory at best, and gives you food for thought and ideas that I trust and hope you will expand upon through further reading, study and discussion with your treating doctor.

I invite you to visit our website at www.upchiropractic.com to view previous articles and to learn more about holistic health care. Thank you for your readership. I look forward to bringing you more challenging information in the coming year.