Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its sap and seeds contain an active ingredient called silymarin, a powerful antioxidant. The Milk Thistle plant is native to the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. However, it is now common in various other regions of the world, including Brazil.

In the tropical regions, the plant is known by various names, including Milk Thistle, White Thistle, Saint Mary's Thistle, and Our Lady's Thistle.

Milk Thistle gained its name in Brazil in honor of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, a drop of Mary's breast milk fell onto a thistle, resulting in the appearance of white veins on the plant's leaves. Consequently, Milk Thistle is still associated with the image of the saint and holds religious significance.

In the rest of the world, Milk Thistle was first mentioned in the literature by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and biologist closely associated with Aristotle. Milk Thistle became widely used around 400 B.C., where its seeds were roasted and consumed as a coffee substitute. In addition to this role, Milk Thistle served as a remedy for liver and stomach ailments. Finally, the plant was extensively cultivated throughout Europe as an ingredient in salads. To identify Milk Thistle, one needs to observe its leaves, which are usually pale green with white streaks and veins spreading throughout their thickness. Milk Thistle can grow up to 3 meters in height, being a robust and erect plant with thorns on its stem. When cut, Milk Thistle releases a white milky sap stored in its interior. The flowers of this type of thistle are large, pointed, and vary in color from magenta to purple.

Product Origin: Portugal

Ingredients: 100% Organic Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum).

🍯Properties - Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory:

• Due to the presence of silymarin (the most important antioxidant substance in Milk Thistle, composed of four important actives: Silibinin, Iso Silibinin, Silicristin, Silidianin), Milk Thistle can inhibit the excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) by neutrophils. This excessive production is the cause of various inflammatory and autoimmune problems. Additionally, Milk Thistle can also control the quantities of neutrophils moving to the inflamed region. Therefore, Milk Thistle is used to treat inflammations such as arthritis and rhinitis and in immunological issues like psoriasis. By acting on intestinal bacteria, Milk Thistle can help improve gastrointestinal health by regulating the balance of the microbiota and stimulating the proliferation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which play an important immunomodulatory role.

🌹Uses/Benefits:

• The compound silymarin is primarily responsible for the benefits of Milk Thistle. Its action is mainly antioxidant and liver-protective, but it can be applied to various diseases and conditions. Milk Thistle, especially its active component, silymarin, offers several health benefits:

Hepatoprotective Action:

• Effective treatment for liver diseases such as hepatitis, jaundice, fibrosis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, degeneration, and necrosis.
• Stimulates the regeneration of liver cells, promoting a faster recovery of lost liver tissue.

Protection against Intoxications:

• Prevents damage caused by poisonous mushrooms, industrial pollutants, medications (such as Paracetamol), drugs (alcohol), and excess iron.
• Silymarin binds to receptors in liver cells, blocking toxins and protecting against intoxication.

Antioxidant Action:

• Potent antioxidant action, 10 times more effective than Vitamin E.
• Neutralizes free radicals, protecting against oxidation and preventing aging.
• Protects organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and blood cells.

Antitumoral:

• Research indicates promising effects on various types of cancer, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis (a type of programmed cell death).
• Can be used preventively against skin cancer caused by chemicals and radiation.

Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory:

• Inhibits the excessive production of nitric oxide by neutrophils, controlling inflammation.
• Regulates the intestinal microbiota, stimulating the proliferation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, with an immunomodulatory impact.
• Used in inflammatory problems (arthritis, rhinitis) and immunological issues (psoriasis).
• Other Benefits:

Studies on antiviral action show promising results, especially against the Zika virus.
Potential use as a galactagogue to stimulate milk production in mothers with insufficient production.
In summary, Milk Thistle, through silymarin, presents hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, exploring possible antiviral benefits and serving as a galactagogue.

🌹How to Use:

• Milk Thistle tea should be prepared with the fruits of this medicinal plant and used to complement the treatment prescribed by a doctor, accompanied by exercise and diet, while avoiding smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.

🍃Preparation:

• Water temperature: 100º
• Infusion time: 15 minutes
• Recommended quantity: 1 teaspoon (of Milk Thistle fruits). Approximately 2g per cup.
• Add the Milk Thistle fruits to the cup with boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, strain, and drink 3 to 4 cups per day, 30 minutes before meals, or according to the doctor's guidance.

✨Possible Side Effects:
The use of Milk Thistle can trigger allergic reactions in people allergic to artichokes, kiwi, tansy, marigolds, calendula, and chrysanthemums. Before starting a Milk Thistle treatment, seek medical advice. There are a few cases of people allergic to the plant who may experience gastrointestinal problems and headaches. Excessive and prolonged use of Milk Thistle has side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal upset, itching, and swelling. Avoid using Milk Thistle in conjunction with medications without medical guidance.

✨Who Should Not Use:
Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 10 years old can only consume Milk Thistle with authorization and medical supervision.

Although it has health benefits, Milk Thistle does not replace the treatment recommended by a doctor, serving only as a supplement and should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.