Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, also known incorrectly in some areas as sow thistle, is a very commonly used herb that is considered to be highly effective in treating concerns with liver functioning, acne and possible cancer treatment and diabetes treatments. Traditionally milk thistle to help liver disease was the only use, but more recently milk thistle studies have shown that this herb is able to:

• Help regulate blood sugars
  
• Decrease cholesterol levels
  
• Treat gallbladder disorders
  
• Decrease the reoccurrence of breast, prostate and cervical cancers
  

For the liver, milk thistle supports the natural detoxification of the blood as well as providing silymarin, a natural protection for the liver cells. In addition there has been links between poor liver functioning and acne so "Can milk thistle help acne?" may be able to be answered with a yes in some cases.

Milk thistle benefits are largely due to the use of milk thistle extract, which is obtained from the milk thistle seed. The benefits of milk thistle are not instantaneous, as with most herbal treatments, but rather are seen with consistent and regular use over a set period of time. Liquid milk thistle extract can be purchased at most health food stores as well as over the internet. It is also possible to purchase milk thistle in tea preparations, capsules and powdered herb forms. There are many milk thistle recipes for home tea blends available over the internet or in herbal recipe books. If you are considering making your own herbal teas it is important to choose milk thistle that has not been chemically treated or sprayed with an herbicide, and ensure that all products are completely dried before storing. If the product looks or smells musty, discard immediately and do not use.

There are many testimonials that answer the question "Does milk thistle work?" Not only is milk thistle effective in treating humans, but milk thistle for dogs is becoming a common treatment for liver problems in dogs. It can also be used post-surgery to boost immunity and help detoxify the blood by supporting liver functioning in dogs, as well as possible uses in pre and post cancer treatments for pets.

There are few milk thistle side effects that include stomach upset and diarrhea. For those individuals with allergies to flowers, care should be taken when using milk thistle products to avoid a potential allergic reaction.