Milk Thistle and Liver Health
If there is a case for a forgotten organ, certainly the liver has a case. Past cultures around the world have recognized the liver as the seat of physical and emotional health. Here in the U.S. it has taken quite a long time to catch up to this idea.
The liver is a giant organ which acts like a giant filter. Everything we eat, drink, or absorb through the skin is processed by the liver. In today’s society, the liver is exposed to a onslaught of harmful substances. A very important herb called Milk Thistle has been identified as a liver tonic since the days of ancient Rome. Milk Thistle contains a beneficial compound called silymarin, this compound protects the health of certain liver cells called Kupffer Cells. These cell are responsible for removing bacteria, old blood cells, and other toxins form the livers blood supply.
Milk Thistle is also a powerful antioxidant, as it actually helps regenerate the liver by assisting the organ in “rebuilding ” itself. Milk Thistle is also a powerful antidote. People in Europe have eaten poisonous mushrooms and were able to completely cure themselves by intravenous administration of Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle displaces toxins that try to bind to the liver, and neutralizes those that have penetrated the cells. Milk Thistle is especially helpful when treating alcoholic liver disease, not just everyday stresses.
In several laboratory studies, the use of Milk Thistle has been shown to be useful against a variety of liver diseases including Hepatitis C. The active ingredient Silymarin is typically administered in amounts ranging from 200-500 mg per day.