Milk thistle (Silymarin) can be used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, skin disorders and anxiety caused by liver disease, and protect liver from food and drug poisoning and alcohol abuse.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an annoying and painful bowel disease, which can cause ulcers and certain type of cancers. The disease often shows the symptoms of chronic pain, blood in stool, bloating, etc. If you often suffer from pain, cramping, diarrhea and constipation, this might be the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS can be caused by liver damage or liver disease. For those patients who have liver problems and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, milk thistle is a good remedy to treat both diseases.
Milk thistle is a plant native to Europe. Its fruit and seeds have been used for more than 2,000 years for treating disorders of the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
When the liver is not working properly, it cannot not purify the blood, as a result, it could cause skin disorders such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and topical dermatitis. Milk thistle can regenerate damaged liver cells, regulate liver function, it helps keep the blood free of toxins. Many people have noted a reduction of inflammation, dryness and redness on the skin while taking milk thistle (Silymarin).
Anxiety can be caused by liver blood deficiency and liver fire (inflammation). Milk thistle is a cooling herb which affects liver. It can be used to cool down the liver heat, reduce the inflammation, and calm the nerves.
Food and drug poisoning can cause liver damage or liver disorder. Traditionally, milk thistle is used as an emergency antidote to poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Milk thistle is also used to protect the liver from drug toxins, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), and used to treat alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis.
Milk thistle (Silymarin) is available as a supplement in the following forms: Capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120 – 140 mg silymarin), Liquid extract, and Tincture.
