Learn the Benefits of Milk Thistle Tea and Extract

Learn the Benefits of Milk Thistle Tea and Extract
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Benefits of Milk Thistle Tea and Extract

There are many plants that benefit liver function but the most impressive of all is milk thistle. Silymarin, a special extract of milk thistle, is a powerful antioxidant which has a tremendous effect in protecting the liver. Silymarin is many times more potent in antioxidant activity than vitamin C and vitamin E.

Silymarin enhances detoxification reaction by preventing the depletion of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the major detoxifying compounds in the liver. Without it, liver cells are susceptible to damage.

Not only does silymarin prevent depletion of glutathione, it has been shown to increase levels in the liver by up to 35%.[1] The higher the levels of glutathione are, the greater the liver’s capacity to detoxify harmful chemicals.

In human studies, silymarin has shown positive effects in treating liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol induced fatty liver, and inflammation of the bile duct.

In one study involving individuals with hepatitis, silymarin showed dramatic results in improvement. High doses of silymarin resulted in a reversal of liver cell damage, a lowering of liver enzymes, and an increase in protein level in the blood. Common symptoms (decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue) were all relieved.[2]

Other benefits of milk thistle extract is preventing and repairing liver damage from medications and toxic chemicals. It is used in hospitals to treat victims of mushroom poisoning and has been shown to have positive results in treating workers exposed to toxic vapors (toulene and/or xylene) and in preventing drug-induced liver damage in individuals taking psychotropic drugs over a long period of time.

The workers who took milk thistle extract had significant improvements in platelet counts and liver function tests (AST & ALT) than those in the placebo group.[3] The people on psychotropic drugs and treated with silymarin had less hepatic damage than the people who took a placebo.[4]

Preparing Milk Thistle Tea

Add 1/3 to 1/2 ounce of milk thistle seed to 2 cups of just boiled water, steep for 45 minutes, and strain. To get the benefits of milk thistle tea, divide it into 3 cups and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

References

  • [1] Planta Med 55 (1989): 420-2
  • [2] Med Klin 73 (1978): 1060-5
  • [3] Acta Med Hung 45 (1988): 249-256
  • [4] Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 55 (1994): 537-545

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