The milk thistle is a medicinal plant. It is used to treat gallbladder and liver conditions, to improve digestion, and as an antioxidant. Its properties in infusion or capsules are slightly different, although all are beneficial.
Properties of milk thistle
It is a plant with the scientific name Silybum marianum and belongs to the composite family. Its composition contains the active ingredient silymarin, which serves to protect the liver, but it also contains mucilages, flavonoids, and tyramine, a monoamine that needs to be controlled as it may cause side effects and stomach discomfort.
It is widely taken in dietary supplements aimed at promoting health. So, the properties of milk thistle are:
- Liver-protective.
- Stimulating bile secretion.
- Digestive.
- Laxative.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antioxidant.
- Hemostatic.
- Choleretic.
- Antipyretic.
- Venotonic.
- Cardioprotective.
Properties for the liver
It is highly effective and works to protect liver function. The main organ that produces bile and also synthesizes proteins that flow into the blood. Liver function is crucial for life, and the properties and benefits of milk thistle help us protect it.
Additionally, its antioxidant content helps promote the recovery of fatty liver and protects and rejuvenates tissues.
Benefits for digestion
Another quality of its composition is that it stimulates bile secretion. This is very positive for better digestion of the foods you eat. The benefits of milk thistle for digestion are excellent, in many cases, it adds an extra boost to your quality of life.
It also aids in the digestion of fats and heavy foods, as well as improving the elimination of alcohol and toxins that may stay in the body for some time.
Other uses of milk thistle
Perhaps the most well-known property is its liver-protective and detoxifying effect, but it also has anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects, meaning it stops bleeding. This can be crucial in some cases. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you might need the opposite effect if you are on anticoagulants.
Side effects or negatives
- Gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Dermatitis.
- Allergy.
You should keep in mind that it is a medicinal plant that may not be suitable for everyone. There are quite a few individuals who experience mild stomach discomfort upon taking it. Generally, the gastrointestinal disorders it causes are diarrhea since it has a laxative effect.
Another of the side effects of milk thistle is skin irritation and dermatitis. You need to be careful when touching it, as if you have sensitive skin, you are likely to have an adverse reaction, especially if you touch it fresh. Allergies to milk thistle are common, as are negative effects like eczema.
Contraindications of milk thistle
- Waiting for or having recently had surgery.
- Suffering from diabetes.
- Diarrhea.
- Allergy to composite plants.
- Treatment with anticoagulants such as warfarin, clopidogrel, etc.
- Antidepressants.
- Ibuprofen.
- High blood pressure.
- Pregnancy.
When it comes to surgery, it is important not to consume it because it may increase the risk of bleeding, so if you are expecting a surgery or have just had one, you should wait some time before taking it.
If you have diabetes, you should also be cautious when consuming milk thistle capsules due to its contraindications. One property it has is lowering blood sugar.
The use of anticoagulants or treatments to prevent bleeding is a contraindication. There is a risk of bleeding because it can enhance the effect of the drugs meant for this purpose.
If you are pregnant, avoid taking it as it also has emagogic benefits, meaning it favors vaginal blood flow and induces menstruation.
How to take milk thistle
It is very simple and easy and really practical. You have two options:
- Prepare a milk thistle infusion.
- Take capsules or tablets.
Preparing a milk thistle infusion
- Heat some water in a saucepan until it reaches boiling point.
- Add a tablespoon of Silybum marianum extract, seeds, dried leaves, or stems.
- Reduce the heat so that the water doesn’t continue to boil and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, remove the saucepan, and strain it.
- Let it cool for a few minutes.
Now you have prepared a milk thistle infusion. You can now drink it to enjoy all its properties and benefits for liver health and detoxification.
How to take capsules
- Take one 200 mg capsule of dry seed extract or the equivalent of 140 mg of pure silymarin.
You should swallow the capsules, not chew them. Since they are coated with a gelatin film, they will dissolve and be metabolized when they come in contact with stomach acids.
First you say that it inhibits the effect of anticoagulants, and further down you say the opposite, that it increases the risk of bleeding.
“That is, it stops bleeding”
“increases the risk of bleeding”
I take anticoagulants and milk thistle in tablets.
It can influence coagulation, and you always have to consider these contraindications. Then, each person has to decide if they want to take the risk or not, or as in your case, if it works well for you. When certain plant extracts are taken, they can modify the effects of others or treatments.
What effect does it produce if you have high blood pressure and high ferritin levels?
Why can’t it be taken by people with high blood pressure?
Because it can raise blood pressure, and what is not desired with hypertension is that. However, not everyone experiences these side effects, but it could happen, so it is important to be aware of it to avoid or control it if needed.