Milk Thistle Tea
The milk thistle plant is a member of the Asteraceae family…
…which is native to the Mediterranean. The white vein on the leaves produce a white substance when broken. The plant has flowers that are purple. Milk thistle is also known as holy thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle. The Virgin Mary’s breast milk spilled on the leaves, which are said to have white veins.
Some people believe it can increase breast milk production due to the plant’s creamy sap and alleged connection to Mary’s milk. Milk thistle has also been utilized to treat liver and gallbladder problems throughout history. Its ability to protect against neurological disorders, malignancies, diabetes, and heart disease has also been studied. Milk thistle supplements are available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and tea. These preparations make use of the plant’s seeds and, in some cases, its leaves. Milk thistle tea has a mellow flavor similar to dandelion tea.
What Is Milk Thistle Tea Used For?
Milk thistle tea has long been used to treat liver and gallbladder issues. According to experts, silymarin is the herb’s major active component. Silymarin is an antioxidant derived from the seeds of milk thistle. It’s unknown what advantages it may have in the body, if any, although it’s frequently used as a natural therapy for conditions such as cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder problems. According to some, milk thistle may also:
- Lowering cholesterol levels has been shown to help the heart.
- Diabetes treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis
Is Milk Thistle Good for the Liver?
Milk thistle’s advantages for liver health have been the subject of contradictory studies. It may have liver-protective properties, avoiding liver damage. Milk thistle may help cure cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcoholism, autoimmune illness, or infections. However, experts believe the data is inconclusive. Milk thistle may also benefit patients whose livers have been harmed by industrial pollutants like toluene and xylene, according to some research. There is little scientific evidence to indicate if milk thistle can assist with liver issues. Learn more about the benefits of milk thistle for the liver.
Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes?
According to medical studies, milk thistle, when coupled with standard therapy, can help with diabetes. In patients with type 2 diabetes, studies have indicated a drop in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol. Milk thistle has also been proven to reduce insulin resistance, which is a critical component of type 2 diabetes. Before taking any supplements, consult with your doctor because they may interact with your prescription. Learn more about natural diabetic treatments.
Is Milk Thistle Good for the Heart?
Milk thistle may reduce the risk of developing heart disease by reducing LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. However, research on cardiac benefits have only been conducted in diabetics. Diabetes is frequently associated with elevated cholesterol. It’s uncertain if milk thistle has the same benefits on people who don’t have diabetes.
Milk thistle can also be used in conjunction with cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins. It can help avoid the medication’s adverse effect of increased liver enzymes. Learn more about statin side effects.
What Amount of Milk Thistle Tea Should You Take?
Milk thistle tea can be used to treat many conditions, but there are not the best quantities of milk thistle to use. Makers of supplements may have different quality and active ingredients. It’s difficult to establish a standard dose. Ask your doctor about what you should do.
Milk Thistle Can Be Obtained From Foods.
Milk thistle can be eaten in salads. This herb is the only food source of it’s kind.
What Are the Risks of Taking Milk Thistle?
There Are Risks.
Milk thistle has the potential to cause allergic responses. Individuals who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums are at a greater risk. Before taking milk thistle, those with diabetes or endometriosis should see a doctor. While milk thistle has long been used in pregnant and nursing women, its safety is uncertain. Check with your doctor before using milk thistle if you are pregnant or nursing. Milk thistle is not suitable for youngsters.
There Are Side Effects.
Even when taken for a long time, Milk thistle has few side effects. There are some people who have a variety of symptoms.
There Are Interactions.
If you use any medications on a daily basis, see your doctor before beginning to use milk thistle. It may interact with a variety of medications, including those used to treat excessive cholesterol, infections, sleeplessness, and blood pressure. Because milk thistle may reduce blood sugar, persons with diabetes should see their doctor before using it, as it may cause their blood sugar to drop too low.
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