MILK THISTLE - AN ALTERNATIVE TO BLACK SEED OIL SHOWS MANY OF THE SAME HEALING PROPERTIES

10 REASONS WHY THESE TWO FLOWERS ARE SO SIMILAR!!

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Milk Thistle, also known as ‘Silybum Marianum’ is a flower plant. It is an herbal remedy that has been used for 2,000 years for numerous health disorders.

We associate this herb with California, but it can be grown in many parts of the world with warm climate.

Funny when I was researching Milk Thistle, I found that there were many similar benefits between Milk Thistle and black seed oil. 

If you go down the list you will see many references to both of them such as cancer, weight loss, anti-aging, diabetes, allergies and more.
 
There are hundreds of health benefits of Milk Thistle. Many researchers are indeed looking into other potent latent benefits too. According to them, it is jam-packed with beneficial nutrients that impact the body in many positive ways.
 
If you are wondering how you can add it into your daily routine, we have put together a list of top 10 benefits.

Keep on reading to comprehend why researchers think it has healing properties and how it can improve your health too.
1.  Cancer Prevention
 
It’s been estimated that one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States can be prevented through many dietary agents or medicinal plants. And, Milk Thistle is one of them.
 
Recent scientific researches reveal that this special herb has anti-cancer capabilities.
 
Its compounds are effective against many types of cancers – colon cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and et cetera. These compounds not only prevent the development of this disease, but also reduce its formation. They also block its pathways that require elucidation.
 
The most active compound found in this herb is ‘Silymarin’. It contains many closely related compounds such as ‘Silybin’, ‘Silydianin’, and ‘Isosilybin’. They all protect you against cancer damaged cells. Besides, they stimulate fast prevention and reverse process too.
 
Experts call this compound a ‘Multitargeted Therapy’ for cancer.
 
Furthermore, Silymarin also produces cancer preventive effects, without causing significant levels of toxicity. For that reason, it can be used alone or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents.
 
When it comes to breast cancer, which cause over 40,000 deaths each year, there is another compound of milk thistle, ‘Silibinin’. It shows promising breast-cancer fighting abilities too
 
Many studies have tested Silibinin effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. It inhibits the cell growth and induces its death. It also strengthens cell walls and block free radicals in breast cancer cell lines.
 
The best thing is it is safe and well-tolerated; there aren’t any precise side effects.

Black seed oil is very famous for cancer treatment and prevention.  Per the National Cancer Institute, 39.6% of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Inflammation is associated with cancer development, which means that Nigella sativa can help. The miracle herb reduces inflammation according to a study done on cancer patients.

DOSAGE:  Take 1 tablespoon of black seed oil with 1 teaspoon of honey 1/2 hour before breakfast.  Alternative choice is 1 teaspoon of a high grade black seed oil like Perfect Press with 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of saffron infused oil in the afternoon.  Saffron is incredibly powerful and many have found the saffron infused oil to be sufficient.

2.  Lowers High Cholesterol
 
Milk Thistle has a cholesterol-lowering effect too.
 
Silymarin, an effective compound in Milk Thistle lowers cholesterol levels as efficiently as probucol. The research on Silymarin against high level cholesterol first started in the late 1990s. Researchers tested its effects on the rabbits. It significantly reduced LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides together.
 
A 2006 study confirmed this and also found that it doesn’t just lower cholesterol. It also creates a positive effect on heart. It doesn’t let you deal with the risks of stroke.
Here something important to keep in mind that this study is based on the patients involving with diabetes. It is still unclear that it would have the same effect in other people.
 
However, people who have high cholesterol levels can use thistle milk in combination with other traditional treatment methods.
3.  Aids Digestion
 
Thistle Milk improves digestion by clearing up the blood. Even if you are a person who struggles with improper eating habits or stomach issues like gas bloating, its properties regulate your entire digestion system. It treats all these digestive problems effectively.
 
But, according to medical experts, it is better to consume it on an empty stomach before you meals. This can draw out the toxins out of your body that cause improper digestion.
 
According to the Underground Health Reporter, milk thistle acts as a demulcent too. It softens and moisturizes the membranes while healing the intestinal walls. This whole process calms the negative symptoms and improves digestion.
 
Its properties also improve bile circulation. They repair the damaged cells as well to improve your overall digestive health.

4.  Protects Liver
 
A healthy liver means a health you!
 
University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide researchers suggest if you want to protect liver and support natural detox, you should count on milk thistle abilities. The special substance in it, ‘Silymarin’, protects your liver from almost all toxins.
 
For example, if you are struggling with some certain drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), it can protect your live and help it repair itself.
 
Not only drugs, even some medications cause liver damage in high doses. But, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Silymarin repair your liver by growing new cells. Besides, they also facilitate in treating many liver problems like cirrhosis and jaundice.
 
An animal study from 2016 also verifies this function of milk thistle. Its researchers indicated that antioxidant extracts of this herb have the potential in treating liver diseases.
 
Bear in mind that you don’t deal with toxins only through medications or drugs. They can be consumed through alcohol consumption, pesticides in our food, and heavy metals in our water supplies. In fact it is utterly possible to breathe them in through air pollution.
 
Therefore, if you want something for liver detoxification, milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier. You can actively use it to clean the blood each and every day to support your health & liver.
 
According to Dr. Mercola too, ‘Milk Thistle’s beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties remove harmful toxins and store essential nutrients’.
 
So, if you love your liver, use Milk Thistle.
 

5.  Prevent Seasonal Allergies
 
Seasonal allergies happen during certain times of the year. If you sneeze or cough, or your nose and eyes itch, in certain times or situation, you may have seasonal allergies.
 
Researchers believe around 50 million people in the United States alone encounter season allergies. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) indicated that around 200 people die because of it.
 
The main reason why we deal with them is weak liver. When our liver becomes weak or overwhelmed by pathogens, it becomes less efficient.
 
As a result, we get allergies.
 
But, thistle milk detoxifies the liver. It filters all the blood and makes toxins soluble. This process eases the symptoms of allergies. Furthermore, its properties go to the root by preventing those allergic reactions that come from pollen, dust, and mold.
 
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians confirms this too. However, their researches go an extra mile to prove that the reduction in the inflammation also averts the signs of allergies. Therefore, if season allergies bother you each year, you can try some thistle milk to get rid of those pesky symptoms.
 
Its properties work on many levels to provide you instant relief.

Food allergies and respiratory allergies are both extremely common inconveniences. Fortunately, Nigella sativa helps with both. Black seed oil reduced allergy immune markers in food-allergic mice, and it also alleviated mucosal congestion, tackling these two forms of allergies effectively.

DOSAGE:  Take one teaspoon of black seed oil daily with organic juice.
 

6.  Promotes Weight Loss
 
People who wish to lose weight can rely on this support system too.
 
When it comes to weight loss, milk thistle works in many ways. In the Journal of Medicinal Food, some researchers found that it is again the ‘Silymarin’ compound that assists in weight loss. It helps with blood sugar control and aid in decreasing the body mass index (BMI) over the course of 80-90 days.
 
There is another sector that associates it with its laxative effects too. According to it, it’s a water weight loss, which isn’t permanent. You have to focus on a healthy diet as well to relish permanent results. However, people with low appetite can use it as it increases the appetite. It makes easy for them to lose weight.
 
A 2009 study, published in the Koomesh Journal of the Semnan Medical University, highlighted its weight loss properties too. It reveals how it contributes in maintaining steadier blood sugar levels that assists in weight loss.

Tons of people are trying to lose weight, and for good reason: obesity leads to a higher risk of almost every disease. Nigella sativa is useful for weight loss because it lowers lipids and, when combined with physical activity, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides as well.

DOSAGE:    Read my Article on Nigella Sativa and Weight Loss

7.  Boosts Skin Health
 
Milk Thistle holds a million benefits for your skin.

  • It helps to reduce skin damage.
  • It is also a good antioxidant.
  • It assists you to get rid of free radicals.
  • It doesn’t let chemicals stay in your skin.
  • It aids in reducing inflammation.
  • It is perfect for those who want to moisturize skin.
  • It gives your skin a healthy glow.
 
The properties of Milk Thistle also help in curing skin diseases like ‘Psoriasis’. A 2000 study highlighted the effects of its compound on psoriasis. They found that it increases levels of glutathione, a detoxifying protein. People who deal with psoriasis have deficiency of it. Its deficiency cause dry, red, and scaly patches on the skin.
 
Apart from this, it also kills those factors that lead to acne. For example, milk thistle detoxifies the liver which is responsible for filtering the blood. It eases the inflammation and redness associated with the skin.
 
Therefore, remember that acne and other forms of skin disorders can also be the signs of unhealthy liver.

Nigella sativa is the answer to aging concerns. Black seed oil reduces lipid peroxidization and regulates your body, preventing the internal deterioration caused by aging.

DOSAGE:  Follow the skin and complexion dosage below.
8.  Prevent Diabetes
 
According to National Institute of Health, the key compounds of Milk Thistle, control symptom of diabetes on a grand scale. Since, in many clinical and experimental studies, it showed decreased blood sugar levels in insulin-resistant patients.
 
Scientists are still trying to find the exact mechanism behind its work. But, the results are immensely encouraging.
 
H. Fallah Huseini, PhD, of the Institute of Medicinal Plants studied 51 patients with type 2 diabetes. He gave milk thistle tablets three times a day with meal. Their reports showed better sugar control and cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
 
Though, it is important to know these positive results showed up after four months. Milk Thistle reduced fasting blood glucose by 28.86 mg/DL.
 
Department of Pharmacology study at the Institute of Medicinal Plants found almost the same results within four weeks. They gave patients Silymarin extracts and noticed improved glucose and insulin levels compared to patients receiving a placebo treatment.

Type II Diabetes is on the rise and, while genetics play a role in causing this disease, so does lifestyle. Luckily, a study done by Indian pharmacologists showed that Nigella sativa can save the day once again. Black cumin, when given to patients in a daily dose, improved glycemic control and was “beneficial” in reducing insulin resistance.

DOSAGE:  Also research has shown that fig leaf tea will reverse symptoms.  The best tea is made with fig, mulberry and black seeds.  You need only two teaspoons of black seeds daily.

9.  Reduces Allergic Asthma
 
Allergic Asthma is the most common type of asthma. Around 50% adults deal with it after breathing in allergens like pollution dust mites, or molds.
 
In asthma, the airways carry air to the lungs are inflamed. It becomes utterly difficult for a person to breathe. This shortness of breath sometimes leads to life-threatening situation.
 
Milk Thistle extract inhibits inflammation of the airways. A very important compound ‘Silibinin’ in the extract cause the reduction in inflammation instantly. A 2012 animal study demonstrated that this flavonoid, Silibinin, is not only effective for inflamed airways, it also reduces the quantity of harmful substances from forming in the fluid of the lungs.

Around eight percent of the US population has asthma. Nigella sativa, when studied, helped asthma patients clear their airways. In 45 days, black seed oil reduced patients’ asthmatic episodes per week and soothed their wheezing, eliminating airway blockage.

DOSAGE:  Take one teaspoon of high grade black seed oil daily with one teaspoon of raw honey.

 10.  Anti-Aging Effect
 
Want to look beautiful, young, and radiant forever?

Get ‘Thistle Milk’.
 
Apart from actual aging process, solar UV radiation, stress, hormonal changes, and many other factors cause skin damage. They form fine lines on the face and make you look miserable. But, thankfully, Silymarin and Silybin, extract of thistle milk, are effective against all kinds of radiations and internal/external factors that cause damage to the skin.
 
Other than that, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant help in treating skin rashes too.
 
Especially the antioxidants help prevent free radical damage throughout the body. It removes waste from the blood as well. This thing not only slows down the aging process, but also beautifies your skin and makes it glow.
 
The aging and bad skin is caused by the glycation in the skin too. Glycation is a natural process that cause wrinkles and fine lines, and contribute to bad skin texture. But, Silymarin from thistle milk protects you against this natural function. It slows its process and keeps your skin firm and beautiful for a long time.
 
It has been discovered that people who face conditions like dark spots or bad complexion can count on thistle milk. Its antioxidant properties make it useful against these two conditions as well.
 
You will look beautiful all day, every day.
Concluding Thoughts
 
Milk Thistle is available in many forms. You can have it in form of oil, capsule, and powder. The recommended daily intake of Thistle Milk is 150 milligrams, one to three times daily. You can also drink up to six cups of milk thistle tea. Dosages may vary. Therefore, it is significant to read the directions of the labeled brand and buy from a reputable company.
 
All in all, it is a safe herbal product that can work from the inside out and give you amazing health benefits. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans use it to treat different ailments. 

When you can see the many similarities between black cumin seed oil and milk thistle you will realize that both oils are necessary to have in your home.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2612997/
https://draxe.com/milk-thistle-benefits/
https://www.activationproducts.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-milk-thistle/