Since ancient times, milk thistle has been used to treat the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gallbladder. The main active substance in this plant is silymarin. The peculiarity of milk thistle is that this substance is not found in any other plant. This substance works as a strong antioxidant and has a huge effect on the liver, maintaining its health.
Milk thistle oil supports the body in the fight against foreign organisms and also helps people with heavy physical work. Doctors often prescribe it as a maintenance treatment for the population of polluted cities, for workers in hazardous industries, and even for those who spend a lot of time at the computer.
Benefits of the plant
Content:
- Benefits of the plant
- Dental and ear, nose and throat applications
- Oncology treatment
- Use to combat allergies
- Application to combat addiction
- Application in cosmetology
- Use in cooking
- How to use
- Contraindications
The benefits of milk thistle oil are invaluable - it is used to treat many diseases, as well as for their prevention. Its special composition allows it to be used as: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, bactericidal, healing, immunostimulating and anti-radiation agent.
Also pay attention to the healing properties of argan and flaxseed oils - they may be more suitable for you.
Silymarin contained in the plant normalizes the process of bile formation and its removal from the body. Additionally, it helps strengthen cell membranes and also stimulates the body to create new cells. And the selenium contained in the plant stimulates the immune system and has a huge impact on overall health.
Milk thistle supports the body in treating kidney failure and also helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.
It is used even after kidney surgery, as a maintenance treatment. Chemical composition
Fatty oil | 32 % |
Essential oil | 0,08 % |
Flavolignans | up to 4% |
Iron | 0.08 mg |
Calcium | 16.6 mg |
Magnesium | 4.2 mg |
Potassium | 9.2 mg |
Microelements | |
Selenium | 22.9 mcg |
Chromium | 0.15 mcg |
Manganese | 0.1 mcg |
Iodine | 0.09 mcg |
Copper | 1.16 mcg |
Bor | 22.5 mcg |
Zinc | 0.17 mcg |
Acids | |
Arachinovaya | 2 % |
Oleic | 20 % |
Palmitic | 9 % |
Stearic | 4 % |
Begenovaya | 1 % |
Linoleic | 62 % |
For the liver
The flavolignans contained in the plant act as a protective barrier for the liver, help it remove toxins from the body and contribute to the normal course of metabolic processes. This effect is multiplied by the work of silymarin, which stimulates liver regeneration in cases where it cannot cope with the elimination of toxins. It is this property of milk thistle oil that allows it to be widely used as a supportive treatment for diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis. It has a huge impact in the prevention and treatment of dyskinesia or liver dystrophy.
Milk thistle oil helps the liver fight the effects of toxins, including alcohol or certain types of heavy metals. Milk thistle also helps eliminate residual effects from many medications, and even helps remove many types of poison from the body.
In case of poisoning
Judging by the research of scientists, milk thistle can help the body even with very severe poisoning, such as poisoning by toadstools, which are considered the most dangerous mushrooms in the world. Of course, the effect of the oil in no way replaces medications, but it provides them with high-quality support. In particular, doctors recommend eating it in case of chlorine poisoning, for example, with regular use of substances that contain chlorine.
For heart diseases
Milk thistle oil is excellent for treating many diseases and syndromes associated with the cardiovascular system.
In particular, it can be used to combat:
- ischemic disease;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypertension;
- risks of heart attack.
This effect is due to the fact that the oil contains many unsaturated acids, vitamins and minerals. All the substances contained in it gradually reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood if consumed regularly. In addition, they help the walls of blood vessels strengthen and become more elastic. They also have a huge impact on blood clotting. In particular, this oil helps lower blood pressure and also prevents the formation of blood clots if the blood composition suggests such a risk. Thus, it allows you to avoid plaques in the blood that form due to atherosclerosis.
The oil can protect heart tissue and blood vessels from inflammatory processes and helps maintain normal heart function. In particular, the chlorophyll contained in the oil improves metabolism in the tissues of the heart, thereby strengthening the heart muscle and maintaining energy resources for its work. As a result, doctors recommend using milk thistle oil for supporting treatment of the heart, as well as for the prevention of cardiosclerosis or varicose veins. Moreover, regular use of oil in food helps reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, and it is also very often used to support the body that suffers from anemia.
Effect on the digestive system
Milk thistle oil is excellent for the prevention or maintenance treatment of stomach or intestinal ulcers, as it has an excellent effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. It can even heal ulcers, of course, to a certain level.
It is used to treat various gallbladder diseases. That is why it is recommended to use it for gastritis and cholecystitis. Milk thistle oil also helps in the treatment of intimate diseases such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If you use it in complex therapy, the result will be much more pronounced, and the body will receive the support it needs during treatment.
This plant has a pronounced laxative property, so it is recommended as a gentle treatment for constipation. It helps remove all excess from the body, and does not cause any harm. In addition, it can strengthen the intestinal walls and help with minor bleeding.
For skin treatment
Milk thistle oil is used not only internally, but also externally to treat many skin diseases. The fact is that the ability of this oil to heal wounds and relieve inflammation is beneficial not only to internal organs, but also to the skin, which suffers many harmful influences every day. The best guarantee of the oil’s effectiveness are considered to be clinical trials that have proven the ability of this plant to treat various types of burns, including those caused by the sun or high temperatures. Treatment of frostbite with milk thistle oil is just as effective, and it is also used in the presence of ulcers, various kinds of wounds on the skin, and even to combat bedsores.
Few people know, but milk thistle fights burns much more effectively, much more effectively than sea buckthorn, which is usually used in such cases.
Another pleasant feature of milk thistle oil is that even when applied to burns or open wounds, it does not cause any unpleasant sensations such as burning. This means that it can even be used to help children. In addition, the gentle effect of this oil helps to heal wounds so that they do not leave scars.
Milk thistle oil helps treat the following problems:
- allergic reactions;
- various types of lichen;
- psoriasis;
- acne;
- eczema;
- trophic ulcers.
In addition, with regular use, it stimulates the skin's protective abilities.
Endocrine system
Milk thistle oil has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, as it has a positive effect on the pancreas. It contains a wide range of trace elements and minerals, which, in particular, stimulate the production of insulin. That is why doctors prescribe it to those who are struggling with diabetes or as a preventive measure for this disease.
For weight loss
Milk thistle oil contains active substances that can neutralize the harmful effects of cholesterol. The fatty acids it contains help improve metabolism, which also helps maintain good shape. In addition, regular use of milk thistle oil stimulates the removal of toxins and waste from the body. In general, it can fight excess weight, but it is very important to observe moderation when consuming it. The fact is that 100 g of oil contains almost 900 kcal, so excessive consumption can, on the contrary, interfere with the fight against excess weight.
Reproductive system
To combat
Milk thistle oil is used both internally for a broad effect on the body and for tampons. Ingestion helps, including because it contains a very large amount of vitamin E, which contributes to the high-quality functioning of the female genitourinary system. In addition, vitamin E can inhibit the growth of tumors and is used to prevent cancer. It is thanks to the vitamin E it contains that the oil is used by women during menopause or to treat emotional imbalances during the premenstrual period.
Overall, milk thistle oil improves the health of the body and helps fight bacteria and inflammation. Gynecologists, among other things, use it to treat atrophic vaginitis, which is often associated with unpleasant itching. Milk thistle, combined with the well-known tea tree oil, helps for:
- inflammation in the vagina;
- prevention and treatment of cervical erosion;
- preventing scar formation.
In addition to fighting gynecological diseases, milk thistle oil also helps fight male problems of the genitourinary system, in particular it is used to combat adenoma, prostatitis and urethritis.
The beneficial effects of milk thistle oil on women's health do not end there. Some substances included in its composition help support reproductive function. Regular consumption of the oil of this plant also helps in the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, these substances help maintain reproductive function in general and slow down the aging of the body.
Milk thistle oil: benefits and harms
Everything is good in moderation, and with reasonable consumption and application, vegetable fat from milk thistle seeds will be a good helper in such matters as promoting health and maintaining youth and beauty.
What are the benefits?
Everything that milk thistle oil is useful for is revealed by its composition:
- vitamins that prolong youth and beauty - A and E;
- essential fatty saturated and unsaturated acids that regulate metabolic processes in the body;
- antioxidants that rid our body of harmful waste products and the external environment;
- a complex of minerals, thanks to which the functioning of the heart, vascular-circulatory system, and internal organs is improved;
- the most valuable flavonoid silymarin, which gives our liver a “second wind”.
Milk thistle oil: benefits for the liver
The liver is a real hard worker; it can be called, without exaggeration, the body’s filter. However, the more we indulge in bad habits, the more difficult it is for the liver; the situation is aggravated by the poor environment and the need to continually resort to antibiotics and other medications.
Silymarin, for which the product is famous, has hepatoprotective properties: it reduces the aggressiveness of radicals, renews tissue cells, and improves microcirculation in them. Therefore, the remedy is indicated for liver pathologies (including hepatitis and cirrhosis) and bile ducts and gallbladder.
Benefits for the cardiovascular system
With regular use of milk thistle seed oil, it is possible to normalize the condition of blood vessels and support heart function. The product helps reduce cholesterol and, in diabetes, blood sugar. The useful components of the product improve the strength of blood vessels, clean them, and minimize the risk of thrombosis. Oil is a valuable product in the diet of people who are familiar with diseases such as:
- diabetes;
- hypertension;
- ischemia;
- varicose veins;
- heart attack, etc.
Benefits for the gastrointestinal tract
The mild enveloping property of milk thistle allows you to safely use the remedy for diseases of the stomach (except oncology) and intestines. Active components promote the healing of wounds and microcracks in the mucous membrane. With regular use, digestion is normalized, constipation disappears, and pain in the esophagus ceases.
Benefits for the skin
Milk thistle oil has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the skin both when used internally and externally. If you eat the product, the complex of active components cleanses the body and saturates the skin with a healthy glow, relieves acne and dryness. When used externally, you can get a pronounced cosmetic effect: improve skin elasticity and color, reduce fine wrinkles, get rid of irritation and dryness. You can use the product on your face and hands as part of homemade masks and creams. Here are some simple recipes:
- add a few drops of milk thistle oil to a baby cream without fragrances or dyes (2-3 drops per 10 ml of base), mix and apply to the face and hands, remembering to store the product in the refrigerator;
- for a mask against skin aging, take: a couple of tablespoons of cream, 3 drops each of jojoba and milk thistle oil, egg yolk, mix everything well and apply to the face for 20 minutes;
- A moisturizing mask is prepared by grinding a peeled cucumber in a medium-sized blender, mixing it with 5 ml of glycerin and 5 g of corn (or oatmeal) flour and adding 5 drops of milk thistle oil, and then, after mixing everything, the mask is applied to the face for 20 minutes.
Benefits for women
Milk thistle is a valuable herbal medicine for the female body. Oil from the seeds of the plant retains all the value of the herb; in gynecology it is used for:
- treatment of infertility as a valuable source of vitamin E;
- vaginitis as an ingredient in a douching solution;
- erosion (tampons with oil are inserted into the vagina at night).
Before using the product, you should consult a gynecologist!
Benefits for teeth
If periodontal disease and bleeding gums periodically bother you, it is very useful to have bottles of milk thistle oil at home. By rubbing the product into the gums, you can quickly get a healing effect. The product also has antibacterial and healing properties for stomatitis.
Harm from taking milk thistle oil
What harm can milk thistle oil cause? Like any herbal product, it can cause side effects if there is an individual (but rare) intolerance to the product. In addition, with excessive use of the product, the laxative property can clearly manifest itself.
Dental and ear, nose and throat applications
Milk thistle oil is widely used in dentistry to treat many oral diseases. It is used for the maintenance treatment of diseases such as stomatitis, periodontal disease and periodontitis. In addition, it helps postoperative wounds heal much faster. For the most effective treatment, you must first treat the oral cavity with a solution that disinfects, and then apply tampons soaked in milk thistle oil.
A mixture of tea tree and milk thistle helps with inflammation of the tonsils; for this, they need to be lubricated regularly until a pronounced effect is achieved. Milk thistle oil is also effective for diseases of the ears and nasopharynx. If you warm it up a little in a water bath, you can use it in your nose. You can also add tea tree oil to it - add 1 drop of tea tree to 10 drops of milk thistle.
Which is better - milk thistle, meal or milk thistle oil?
In terms of silymarin content, which is the main therapeutic effect of milk thistle-based drugs, milk thistle seeds come first. They contain the highest percentage of silymarin.
In second place is liquid milk thistle oil, always cold-pressed. In capsules, the oil used is usually not of such high quality.
An exception is products sold on the popular American website Iherb, in particular, capsules with milk thistle oil from the famous American company producing dietary supplements - Solgar.
As for the meal, there is the least amount of silymarin, or rather, there is practically none of it. Therefore, there is no point in taking it for serious liver diseases at all.
For prevention, it is still possible, for medicinal purposes, no. It is better to buy whole milk thistle seeds and take them in one of the ways that I talked about on this site.
Oncology treatment
Milk thistle oil can be very effective in fighting cancer, especially if the formation of a tumor is associated with an imbalance in hormonal levels. In particular, doctors recommend using it for those undergoing chemotherapy, as it can reduce the side effects of this aggressive treatment.
In some cases, with regular use of milk thistle oil, tumors in the body are isolated, sometimes even reduced in size. Of course, this does not mean that it can cure cancer, but if used regularly, cancer treatment will not be so dangerous. This means that milk thistle oil in this case works as an adjuvant, and is quite effective.
What kind of milk thistle oil is on sale?
The product is available in several forms. Which one to prefer depends on the purpose of the application.
Liquid milk thistle oil
Need a valuable ingredient for your cosmetics? Then it is better to purchase liquid milk thistle oil for hair or skin. This form of release is also convenient for culinary purposes for dressing salads and cold dishes.
Milk thistle oil in capsules
Milk thistle oil produced in capsules is the same useful product as in glass and plastic bottles. However, the safe coating makes it more convenient to take, making it easier to calculate the dosage and swallow vegetable fat, which some people find unpleasant to the taste. The information on the packaging and detailed instructions included in each pack of this dietary supplement tell you how to take milk thistle oil in capsules: 4 capsules three times a day.
Application to combat addiction
Everyone knows that alcohol has a negative effect on the liver, but milk thistle oil can somewhat reduce the damage it causes to the liver. In particular, it is able to fight toxic substances that appear in the human body due to alcohol consumption. In order to quickly and effectively remove toxins from the body, you only need 10-15 drops of milk thistle oil every day.
Including the ability of milk thistle oil to remove toxins from the body helps people who have given up drug addiction or smoking. In addition, this oil seriously reduces the impact of harmful substances on the cardiovascular system.
Application in cosmetology
This plant has been used for cosmetic purposes for many centuries. The fact is that the substances it contains stimulate tissue renewal and also have an excellent effect on the condition of the skin. That is why milk thistle oil is used in cosmetics and in its pure form to maintain elasticity and good skin color.
It serves as good protection for the skin during cold weather or summer heat. With regular use, the skin becomes noticeably firmer, clearer and more elastic. The use of the oil is universal - it is well suited for all skin types, but the effect is most noticeable on dry and tight skin or in case of inflammation and rashes.
To help dry or oily skin, simply massage your face and décolleté with milk thistle oil. It is advisable to leave it for several hours or even overnight if possible. This way the effect will be most noticeable.
With regular use, this natural cosmetic product in combination with massage helps to rejuvenate the skin, saturate it with vitamins, make it more elastic and radiant.
If you don’t want to use the oil in its pure form, you can simply add a few drops to your usual cosmetic products to achieve an additional effect. You can mix it with almond or olive oil, then the effect will be multiplied. This mixture can be used instead of moisturizer - an effective, natural and inexpensive remedy.
Mask recipes
Milk thistle and avocado oil, or milk thistle and tea tree oil
These mixtures give a lifting effect, removing fine wrinkles. For 3 parts milk thistle you need 1 part additive, the mixture is heated and applied as a cream or mask. To make a mask, soak gauze well with the mixture, place it on your face or décolleté and leave for 30-60 minutes, then rinse with water without using cleansers.
Milk thistle and grape seed oil
This will be good protection against cold and chapping, as well as sunburn. Can be used just on the face or on the whole body if you're going to the beach.
For different ages
Milk thistle oil helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, which helps with teenage skin problems.
Mature skin can be protected from aging, including that associated with an imbalance of hormonal levels, which often occurs during menopause.
The oil also acts as a preventative against spider veins on the skin, thanks to the minerals and vitamins it contains, which help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, even the smallest ones.
The nutritional properties of the oil will be a real salvation for those people who suffer from dry skin and cracks on their feet and hands. With its help, you can heal small wounds, tighten and soften cracks, as well as heal calluses and irritations on the skin. It is especially effective when used daily. The same property can be used if you apply oil to your lips every day - they will not dry out and crack in the cold.
In addition, you can use the oil to combat cellulite by regularly adding it to massage mixtures. It increases blood circulation, thereby stimulating the breakdown of fats and helping to fight the “orange peel”. For massage, you can add lemon, rosemary, lavender or geranium oils.
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But in its pure form, the oil also helps to stimulate hair growth - it can be used in the same way as burdock, rubbed into the scalp and left for several hours. The main thing is to do this regularly, every other day or every time you need to wash your hair. Keep the mask on for several hours and then rinse well. The course of such treatment should be carried out for 1 or 2 months. Also use it on your nails: rub the oil directly into the nail plate - this will help strengthen them and stimulate growth. In addition, if you have a problem with your hair or nails, it will be useful to take milk thistle oil internally, because. such problems are often associated with hormonal imbalance.
How to use
- To prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, take 1 tsp of oil. 2-3 times a day after meals, or use it as a dressing.
- To treat the digestive tract, use 1 tsp of oil. half an hour before meals 3 times a day. Continue doing this for a month, then take a break of 7 days and repeat if necessary.
- To treat intestinal diseases, the oil is used in cleansing enemas, to which a little milk thistle is added. Repeat the procedure every 20 days.
- To lose weight you also need to drink 1 tbsp of oil. 30 minutes before meals. If a pronounced laxative effect occurs, reduce the dosage.
- To treat anal fissures and hemorrhoids, apply the oil to the affected areas or make tampons soaked in it. The same is done for vaginal diseases.
Treatment with milk thistle oil
Milk thistle oil has extensive therapeutic and cosmetic uses. It is used to treat many diseases and pathologies. Features of use and the regimen for taking the oily substance depend on what disease needs to be cured.
For gastrointestinal problems
Milk thistle oil helps restore the gastric mucosa, has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and increases the strength of intercellular membranes. It is effective for gastritis, gastroduodenitis and peptic ulcers. The product also helps cure duodenal ulcers.
Take the oily liquid 1 hour before meals, on an empty stomach.
A single dose is 1 teaspoon. The therapeutic course lasts 1 month. To completely cure gastritis (even in an advanced state), you need to regularly take the substance for 3 to 6 months. To treat stomach catarrh, you can additionally drink a decoction of the roots or leaves of the plant.
For pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. In the treatment of this disease, not only pharmacological but also natural remedies are used. One of the popular herbal medicines is milk thistle oil. It is used not only during the period of exacerbation, but also at the stage of remission. The substance is more effective than meal, especially if a person has other (concomitant) diseases of the digestive organs. The oil has a laxative effect and helps avoid constipation. Compared to meal, it acts more gently.
Tatar oil is taken 1 tablespoon three times a day, you need to drink it on an empty stomach, 10 minutes before a meal. If a person adheres to a fractional nutrition system, the herbal remedy should be taken strictly 3 times a day, and not before each meal. If the substance is used too often, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting may occur. The maximum duration of the course is 2 months.
For hepatitis
Milk thistle contains 2 components - hyramine and histamine, they act as stimulants for the restoration of hepatocytes (liver cells). Periodic preventive use of this drug helps prevent the transition of hepatitis C to cirrhosis of the liver. The plant also contains a lot of silymarin, which has a beneficial effect on this organ. It prevents liver fibrosis, that is, the formation of connective tissue in place of liver cells.
Unlike other milk thistle-based products, the oil is well tolerated by the body and does not cause side effects. It can be taken even by those who, in addition to liver problems, suffer from indigestion or dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
To prepare milk thistle oil, used to treat hepatitis, you need to grind 6 tablespoons of fresh seeds and pour 500 grams of vegetable fat, keeping it in a water bath for a third of an hour. Then the mix is infused for 30 minutes and filtered. You need to drink 1 tablespoon of liquid 3-4 times a day, the course is 1 month. After a 4-week break, you can, if necessary, repeat the treatment.
For other liver diseases
Milk thistle oil is indicated for the following liver diseases and pathologies:
- Chronic inflammation;
- Cirrhosis;
- Recovery after serious diseases of this organ;
- Fatty liver hepatosis;
- Impaired lipid metabolism in hepatocytes;
The liver performs more than 500 functions, the main one of which is protective. The health and well-being of a person directly depends on the condition of this organ.
You can buy tartar oil at a pharmacy or make it yourself. To do this, its seeds are collected, dried and shelled. Then they are crushed in a blender or coffee grinder, after which they are filled with vegetable fat at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 100 grams of liquid substance. Olive oil is best suited for this. The mixture is heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, cooled and filtered.
When treating acute liver diseases, you need to drink 1 teaspoon of oil 3 times a day, half an hour before meals. The course is 2 months.
To normalize lipid metabolism in the liver, you should take 1 teaspoon twice a day with a glass of water. Within a month, the dose should be increased to 2 tablespoons per day.
To cleanse the liver, you should use a tube. To do this, you need to drink 2 tablespoons of the product on an empty stomach, washing it all down with 1 glass of still mineral water. Next, heat is applied to the liver area. This promotes the flow of bile, but can also cause the movement of gallstones and, as a result, provoke hepatic colic.
For diabetes
Milk thistle oil is effective for type 2 diabetes. The main causes of this disease are considered to be heredity and obesity. The oily substance helps restore the liver and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, as a result of which the body is better cleansed of toxins, its immunity is activated and begins to fight diabetes.
For diabetes, take 1 teaspoon of the oil 4 times a day; at the same time, chew the powder from the plant and wash it down with water. This will enhance the effect of the oil. The course of treatment is 2 months, then you need to take a break of 1 month and repeat the therapy again.
It is useful to use oil as an additive to salads and other dishes. There are no contraindications or restrictions for the gastronomic use of an oily milk thistle product, but not everyone likes its specific taste and aroma.
For psoriasis, eczema
If you are not allergic to milk thistle, its oil can be used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. True, the remedy acts as an auxiliary rather than the main element of treatment.
Oil purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently is taken 3-4 times a day, 1 teaspoon, half an hour before meals. To enhance the effect, you should take the meal at the same time. It is formed when oil is prepared at home. You should also lubricate psoriatic plaques and eczema sores with oil, and after 30 minutes, wash off the remaining oil with lukewarm water without soap.
Contraindications
Overall, milk thistle oil is not harmful and can be used by almost everyone. In very rare cases, individual intolerance occurs, so you should consult a doctor if you have previously experienced allergic reactions. You should also not use it if you are experiencing an exacerbation of chronic diseases, especially cholecystitis or kidney stones.
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