The Tamesis
We’ve all been there – standing up from the dinner table after a night of drinking with an unpleasant heaviness. Not to mention the inevitable stress during such a busy time of year can also have a big impact on our digestive systems.
Enter milk thistle: a natural aid for improving digestion. Milk thistle is the scientific name for a medicinal plant whose seeds have long been used to treat liver disease and aid digestion due to their purifying and detoxifying properties.
The “marianum” part of its Latin name was inspired by legend: the white streaks on the leaves are said to be traces of the milk that Mary dropped while nursing Jesus. The name “milk thistle” also refers to the thick white liquid that the plant’s stems contain.
What are the benefits of milk thistle?
This herb, which grows throughout the Mediterranean basin and other similar climates, contains silymarin. Silymarin contains a variety of natural compounds called polyphenols that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. They help ensure normal liver function, so much so that milk thistle has been used for centuries to treat conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and steatosis (the accumulation of excess fat in organs, especially the liver). It also helps the body eliminate toxins and cleanse itself by stimulating metabolism and the production of fat-breaking bile.
when to use it
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognized the use of milk thistle seeds and their derivatives in traditional herbal products to relieve symptoms associated with digestive disorders while supporting liver function. In short, milk thistle has detoxifying properties, which is great if you have sluggish digestion. It’s also a perfect hangover cure.
How to use
The easiest way to benefit from milk thistle is to take the supplement in capsule or tablet form twice daily or as recommended by your doctor. Alternatively, you can prepare herbal tea at home by adding hot water to a teaspoon of dried fruit and brewing for about 10 minutes. You can also get ready-made infusions that combine milk thistle with other purifying plants like mint, fennel, and licorice. It is a convenient remedy that you can use at home when you need it.
And when no take it away
Obviously, milk thistle is not recommended for people who are allergic to the plant and its components. Use should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient data on the safety of use during these periods.
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