Spring is a perfect time for cleaning your home as well as your body. Most of us are exposed to damaging substances on a daily basis, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, and environmental toxins.
Milk thistle encourages the liver to cleanse itself and can protect it from the intake of toxins. Several scientific studies suggest that the cleansing effect comes from a substance in milk thistle seeds, a flavonoid called silymarin, which protects the liver from toxins.
The milk thistle is a flowering plant of the daisy family, so named because the leaves are splashed with a white color and the plant contains a milky sap.
Milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years as a treatment to promote liver health.
Milk thistle appears to be a safe option for people who suffer from liver-related ailments and for those who use alcohol or medications. However, it is important to consult with your physician before starting your herbal regimen because milk thistle can speed the clearance of certain pharmaceutical drugs.
Milk thistle is usually sold as teas, pills and tincture. Ideally you want to choose a supplement standardized to contain 70% to 80% silymarin, the active ingredient.