Marian thistle, also known as milk thistle, holy thistle or leafworm, is a medicinal plant widely used to make home remedies for liver and gallbladder problems, for example. Its scientific name is Silybum marianum and can be found in health food stores, handling pharmacies and some open markets.
The main active substance of this plant is Silymarin, which in addition to acting on the liver and gallbladder, increases the production of breast milk. See how to prepare this natural remedy to increase breast milk production.
What is it for
The thistle has anti-inflammatory, astringent, digestive, diuretic, regenerating and antiseptic properties, and can be used to help the treatment of migraine, nausea, varicose veins, problems in the spleen or gallbladder.
The main application of thistle is in the treatment of liver changes, this due to one of its constituents, Silymarin. This substance acts directly on the liver cells that are damaged due to the excess of toxic substances, such as alcohol, regenerating them and preventing further injuries. Thus, milk thistle can be used to assist the treatment of cirrhosis, hepatitis or fat in the liver, for example. See 11 symptoms of liver problems.
Because it facilitates the functioning of the liver, it helps in the elimination of toxins and, therefore, it is often used in conjunction with diets to help in the weight loss process and to help the person to adapt better to the increase in physical activity.
How to use
The fruits of the thistle are usually used to make tea. The tea is made with a teaspoon of crushed fruit and 1 cup of boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, strain and drink 3 to 4 cups a day.
This tea should only complement the treatment indicated by the doctor for fat in the liver, and must be accompanied by exercise and diet, in addition to avoiding smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages. See other home remedies for liver fat.
In addition, thistle can also be found in the form of capsules or tablets, more often that it is associated with other plants such as artichoke or bilberry, which also have an excellent liver regeneration effect. The recommended dose in capsule is usually between 1 and 5 g, being advised to consult a naturopath or herbalist to suit each case.
Possible side effects and when not to use
The thistle if consumed in excess can cause irritation in the stomach and cause burns in the gastric mucosa, in addition to diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Therefore, the use of this medicinal plant is contraindicated in children, hypertensive patients, people with kidney or gastric problems, such as gastritis or ulcers, for example.
Pregnant or lactating women should use this plant only with medical advice. This is because although it has been identified that this plant increases the production of breast milk and none of the substances are found in milk, further studies are still needed to, in fact, confirm that its consumption does not pose a risk to the mother or baby.
