Reliable Disease Armor - Majestic Thistle (Milk Thistle)
Traditional healers are tirelessly seeking a universal remedy to promote health. Among hundreds of medicinal herbs, thistle (milk thistle) occupies a special place. The healing properties of the plant were mentioned by ancient healers who tried to alleviate the suffering of their patients. They even called him the "prickly healer." Today, the components of the herb are included in various preparations. And about 50 years ago, it was used in cosmetology. What is the secret of such a unique effect on the body? Before answering the question, let's find out what a milk thistle looks like in nature, and where its homeland is.
Majestic thorn or "queen"
The birthplace of culture is considered the southern part of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The grass prefers dry soil, therefore it grows in the steppes, on wastelands and abandoned summer cottages. She adorns country roads and is considered prickly weed.
Gourmet thistle (milk thistle) belongs to the "Astrovye" family and is one or two-year-old plant. Grows up to 1.5 m in height. It has a powerful erect stem, which is abundantly covered with needles. Additional shoots of different lengths emerge from it. From the side, the plant resembles a tall pyramidal bush.
Powerful branches are decorated with large leathery foliage of the next character. Its jagged edges are framed with yellow spines. Basal plates are elliptical and reach 80 cm in length. All of them are colored green, which is diluted with whitish spots or transverse stripes.
In the second half of summer, the mysterious thistle (milk thistle) wears a stately outfit. Inflorescences are small tubular buds.
Depending on the species, they come in different shades.:
- purple;
- purple;
- snow-white;
- yellowish.
Around the inflorescence baskets are tiled leaf wrappers or needle-like appendages. In general, the buds resemble a delicate flower, the petals of which peep out of a miniature calyx. After successful pollination, fruits are formed in the form of bare achenes. Their glossy surface is dark brown or black. The shape of the fruit resembles an ellipse with the top cut off. They are widely used in folk and traditional medicine.
The fruit has a bitter taste, but does not exude an odor.
Thistle (milk thistle) under the microscope
Noticing the healing power of the plant, healers gave it to their patients in order to relieve them of suffering. Modern scientists have been able to look "inside" the grass using magnifying devices. They found about 200 different compounds in milk thistle.
Some of them have a beneficial effect on the human body:
- silymarin;
- tyramine;
- vitamins A, E, C, K;
- flavonoids;
- fatty acid;
- essential oils;
- resins;
- lignans;
- selenium.
For example, the chemical compound silymarin contains a whole complex of flavonoids.Elements stimulate the production of DNA and RNA in the body, which has a beneficial effect on the liver. Strengthen the cell membrane, blocking the path of toxic substances. Silymarin slows down the development of hepatitis C and forms a protective armor against all sorts of inflammation.
The combination of valuable compounds inhibits the development of cancer cells and malignant formations.
Medicinal herb on guard of health
The milk thistle shown in the photo, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we are examining, has been considered a miracle plant for centuries. Scientific research of modern scientists has fully confirmed this fact.
The plant has a number of medicinal properties on the body.:
- choleretic;
- wound healing;
- fortifying;
- antioxidant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- hepatoprotective.
The essential oil found in the herb stimulates the digestive tract and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Fatty acids contribute to the regeneration of muscle tissue, which accelerates the healing of open wounds. They neutralize the inflammatory processes of the internal organs, accelerating recovery. They also help restore metabolism. The mucus found in the grass plays a similar role.
In addition, other components determine the medicinal properties of milk thistle. Resins help to strengthen the immune system. Alkaloids relieve pain. Lignans cleanse the body of toxic substances. Tyramine improves thyroid function.
Scope of the medicinal herb
Human health directly depends on nutrition, physical activity and habits. However, even those who lead a healthy lifestyle are seriously ill. They turn to specialists to quickly return to their previous state. The thistle comes to the rescue.
It is prescribed for such diseases:
- various types of hepatitis;
- alcohol poisoning;
- cholecystitis;
- psoriasis;
- type II diabetes mellitus;
- hypertension;
- radiculitis;
- hemorrhoids;
- obesity.
The list is pretty impressive.
However, the use of milk thistle should be reasonable and under the supervision of a specialist. Otherwise, the medicine may turn into poison. Usually, the course of treatment lasts several months at a specific dose. Consider the scope of application of milk thistle.
Fight obesity
Excess weight often provokes various diseases of the internal organs. To solve the problem of obesity, thistle seeds are used. They are thoroughly ground in a blender, after which they are taken 4 teaspoons a day before meals. Dry medicine is washed down with plenty of water.
There is also such a recipe for the drug. Crushed plant seeds (30 g) are poured with hot water (0.5 l). Put on fire and boil until half of the liquid has completely evaporated. The medicine is removed from the stove and cooled. It is taken orally 3 times a day for a tablespoon before eating.
Normalization of blood glucose
Of course, the plant will not be able to completely cure diabetes. However, it reduces the incidence of discomfort caused by high blood glucose levels.
The medicinal broth is prepared according to a simple scheme:
- take 3 tablespoons of milk thistle powder;
- pour hot water (500 ml);
- boil in a water bath for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The finished broth is filtered through cheesecloth folded in 3 layers. The cooled drug is drunk 3 times a day, 10 g after meals.
Milk thistle decoction is prescribed for diarrhea, arthritis and toothache.
Prevention of pancreatitis
Thanks to the medicinal properties of spotted milk thistle, doctors are trying to restore the work of the pancreas. Various drugs are used for treatment.
Tea is prepared according to this recipe:
- a teaspoon of thistle seeds;
- 0.5 liters of hot water;
- granulated sugar optional.
The ingredients are infused for 15 minutes. Drink before breakfast and light supper. The broth is prepared according to the traditional scheme. It is taken as directed by a doctor.In addition, juice from fresh leaves of milk thistle is an effective remedy.
To prepare it, you will need components:
- large leaf plates of the plant;
- ethanol.
The leaves are gently washed under the tap. Cut into pieces. Pass through a blender or meat grinder. The resulting mass is spread in a gauze bag and squeezed out the juice. The liquid is diluted with alcohol. Store the drug in the refrigerator. The course of treatment and dose is prescribed by the family doctor.
For the treatment of the liver, pharmacies sell ready-made milk thistle syrup, which is made from natural raw materials.
Thistle compresses
Sudden damage to the body often leads to stress. But the healing process can take several weeks. Thistle compresses stimulate muscle tissue regeneration. They are prepared using this technology. The gauze is folded in several layers. Then it is thoroughly moistened in milk thistle tincture or broth prepared in the traditional way. The compress is applied to the wound and wrapped with a bandage. The procedure is repeated several times.
As you can see, plants provide tremendous benefits to the body. However, doctors also warn about contraindications. The risk group includes people who suffer from mental disorders, gallstone disease, and also have elevated levels of phosphorus and potassium in the blood. Children under 12 years of age should take milk thistle ingredients under the supervision of a pediatrician. Careful adherence to the rules helps to improve health.