Milk thistle is a plant that everyone has probably seen at least once in his life. It may not be particularly remarkable, but oil, widely used in cosmetology and folk medicine, is made from its inflorescences. It helps to cope with many problems that concern health and appearance.
How to apply it? What are the active ingredients? What is the benefit and harm of milk thistle oil for humans? This and much more is now worth telling.
The benefits of flavonoids
These are the main active ingredients of milk thistle. Flavonoids are the vitamins of group R. It includes about 120 substances, including anthocyanin, hesperidin, rutin, esculin, quercetin, etc. And if we talk about the benefits of milk thistle, the positive effects it has can be distinguished in the following list:
- Decreased vascular permeability. Improving their elasticity, strength and flexibility.
- Balancing heart rate.
- Normalization of blood and intraocular pressure.
- Regulation of urine production and bile formation.
- Stimulation of the adrenal cortex.
- Normalization of histamine and serotonin production.
- Relief and acceleration of the course of an allergic reaction.
- Rejuvenation of the body, restoration of immunity and protection against infections. This is influenced by a flavonoid such as catechin.
- Reducing the risk of developing tumor cells. Quercetin affects this.
- Help in the treatment of rheumatism, peptic ulcer disease, atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- Regulation of collagen formation.
- Reduction of unpleasant symptoms in menopause in women.
Given the role of flavonoids in the body, their deficiency should not be allowed. The lack of these substances affects human health is not the best way.
The cardiovascular system
Her work undoubtedly reflects the benefits of milk thistle. And harm, of course, can be, but only with the abuse of drugs. If you overdo it with a dosage, then the body will increase cholesterol, and this is fraught with thickening of the vascular walls, a decrease in the degree of vascular conduction, as well as a deterioration in blood circulation and the functioning of organ systems.
But, observing the measure, you can only provide your body a service. Long-term use of this tool leads to such results:
- The level of "bad" cholesterol is reduced.
- The elasticity of blood vessels is restored, their structure is strengthened.
- The risk of blood clots is minimized.
- Lipid metabolism is normalized.
- Blood coagulability is significantly improved.
- The risk of stroke and heart attack is reduced.
- The work of the heart muscle is stabilized.
- The likelihood of developing diseases such as ischemia, cardiosclerosis, hypertension and atherosclerosis is reduced.
In general, there are many benefits. But, deciding to start taking oil, you need to consult a cardiologist.
Effect on the liver
It just needs to be addressed, since it is about the benefits and harms of milk thistle oil.
Milk thistle and preparations made on its basis have long been the best herbal remedies that help in the treatment of many liver diseases. The active substances of this plant help not only to establish health. They help restore damaged liver cells!
The fact is that in the composition of the oil there is such a substance as silymarin. It strengthens the membranes of liver cells, promotes the formation of new ones, and also protects them from toxins, converting negative compounds into less harmful ones.
So the drug helps to normalize the outflow of bile, cure hepatitis, cleanse the body and neutralize the harm caused to the body by nicotine and alcohol.
The benefits brought to the liver by milk thistle (the drug will not cause harm to the body - that's for sure) are really invaluable. But this miraculous remedy costs only 200-250 rubles per bottle in 250 ml.
Benefits for the digestive tract
At work of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of this agent is also reflected positively. Oil is recommended for use in the complex treatment of such diseases:
- Colitis.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Gastritis.
- An ulcer of the duodenum and stomach.
- Cholelithiasis.
- Inflammation of the spleen and gall bladder.
Another tool helps to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract after prolonged non-compliance with the proper diet, which undoubtedly causes harm.
How to take milk thistle oil? It will bring benefits and improvements to the body if you drink at least a month's course.
During this time, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties due to the presence of organic acids in the preparation can manifest themselves. And lagnans, also part of the product, will help remove cholesterol plaques from blood vessels and toxins from the body.
Skin action
Milk thistle oil is a unique cosmetic product. It has anti-allergic, bactericidal, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in the presence of such diseases:
- Vitiligo.
- Acne
- Acne.
- Psoriasis.
- Hair loss and baldness.
The oil contains a large amount of vitamin E. Thanks to this component, the oil eliminates the dryness of the skin, fights against stretch marks and age spots, prevents premature aging of the dermis.
Also, this tool suppresses the destructive effect of oxygen free radicals, makes tissues more resistant to external negative influences, provides the skin with a hydrophobic barrier and even whitens it.
It is possible to take oil for cosmetic purposes not only inside. It is highly recommended that you make masks with it. Before each shampooing, thoroughly rub the oil into the roots and skin for two to three hours, and then distribute along the length. In a month, the hair will become stronger and more shiny.
For the face, there are also various masks. According to one of the most popular recipes, you need to mix fresh aloe juice with milk thistle oil and lemon juice. Apply to a clean face and rinse off after 15 minutes. The result is noticeable after the first application.
What pleases - there are countless such recipes (both for the face and hair). You can regularly try new ones - this will prevent getting used to the same active ingredients.
How to apply?
Much has been said above about the benefits of milk thistle oil. And this remedy, of course, can also bring harm, but more on that later. In the meantime, it’s worth discussing exactly how to apply it. The recommendations are as follows:
- In the presence of skin diseases that do not heal ulcers, burns and wounds for a long time, healing applications must be made. To prepare them, mix essential chamomile and lavender oils (5 drops each) and add a tablespoon of milk thistle oil.
- If there are problems regarding rheumatology, then within 2 months you need to drink 20 ml 15 minutes before the first meal.
- For diseases of the colon, microclysters of 30 ml should be done. The course consists of 20 daily procedures. Perform only after a cleansing enema.
- For the treatment of hemorrhoids and the healing of cracks formed in the anus, it is necessary to lubricate damaged places several times a day.
- If you want to lose weight, then twice a day you need to take oil half an hour before meals.
- In the presence of atrophic vaginitis, a girl should do prophylactic tampons for her treatment. Sterilize cotton wool with oil and inject it overnight. Repeat 12-15 times.
- For the treatment and prevention of cervical erosion, a mixture consisting of milk thistle oil (50 ml) and tea tree (2.5 ml) must be injected into the vagina through a syringe. Having done this, raise your legs, taking the form of a "birch" and hold for five minutes. The procedure is carried out at night and you do not need to wash anything.
- For stomach problems, you should take oil three times a day before meals, 15 ml. Therapy lasts 1 month. Then a break is made for one week, and after 7 days the course resumes.
- People who have been poisoned by food or alcohol, as well as pregnant women, should take 15 ml of oil every 7 hours to ease toxicology.
Here are the answers to the question regarding how to take milk thistle oil. Benefit and harm, as you know, rarely exist separately, and this case is no exception.
The fact is that this remedy is also indicated for problems of a cardiological nature. But cores may have contraindications and intolerance to some of its active components. Starting to take oil without consulting a doctor, you can hurt yourself greatly.
Even if it is a herbal product, it is still administered under the supervision of a specialist. Therefore, the doctor will tell you how to take milk thistle oil correctly for cardiac diseases.
Means in capsules: indications
And about it it is worth briefly telling. Because one of the most popular and inexpensive dietary supplements is milk thistle in capsules.
The benefits and harms of this drug have been studied far and wide, it’s convenient to take, there are few contraindications - the drug is really ideal for the prevention and treatment of many diseases! But self-medication is not recommended. The drug has indications, and here is a list of them:
- Long-term treatment with antibiotics, serious medications, hormonal drugs.
- Obesity or overweight.
- Sore eyes and blurred vision.
- Living in an area with smoke or increased levels of radiation.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Insomnia, nightmares.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Apathy, depression, regular nervous strain.
- Elevated cholesterol in the blood vessel cavity.
- Poisoning by pesticides, food or heavy metal salts.
- Premature aging of body tissues and menopause.
In addition to the above, there are additional indications. Milk thistle oil in capsules is recommended if:
- A person systematically takes antidepressants.
- Recently, abortion with medication has been done.
- A person works in difficult environmental conditions.
- There is an addiction to alcohol.
- A low-calorie, tough diet has recently been passed.
- A person experiences strong mental or physical stress.
It is believed that this drug can help to cope with many of the consequences that a person has due to the poor conditions in which he is forced to be and thereby bring harm to himself. And oil from milk thistle seeds really has an undoubted benefit. You can verify this by not only starting to take it, but also by studying the reviews of real people. They should be considered separately.
Reviews about the drug
Many people, especially girls, take this remedy for one reason or another. And they are pleased to talk about the benefits and dangers of milk thistle oil in reviews left to share first-hand information with others. Here is what they say:
- An undoubted advantage of the drug is its convenience and accessibility to use. Capsules can be taken with you wherever you go. The main thing is not to forget to drink them with food (4 capsules three times a day).
- A few days after the start of the intake, improvements in the body are observed. The intestine works like clockwork - there is no stagnation of bile, no heartburn. Digestion also improves.
- Skin condition improves significantly. It becomes more elastic, clean and soft. Therefore, many are advised to take the drug in winter, when the skin is prone to drying out.
- Emotional differences somewhere disappear as if by themselves. The mood is stabilizing, and a positive mood is constantly present.
- The appetite is normalized. I want to eat much less, as a result of which excess weight goes away. Many girls say that for each week of taking the drug they managed to get rid of 1-1.5 kg.
- The state of health improves. This is all due to the strengthening of immunity, which is affected by the vitamin E contained in the preparation. Thanks to it, the body receives undoubted benefits from milk thistle.
Milk thistle and harm can bring - this is also mentioned in some reviews. But these are cases when people abused the drug, took it not according to the instructions. Naturally, if you drink not 12 capsules per day, but 30, then anyone will feel bad.
Oil with selenium
And you should talk a little about this drug. What are the benefits and harms of milk thistle oil with selenium? What is this tool, what is its difference from the regular version?
This tool supports the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract and liver. The oil itself is rich in trace elements, fatty acids, vitamins, tocopherols, carotenoids and bioflavonoids, however, this drug has one feature.
We are talking about selenopyran - a unique fat-soluble antioxidant specially introduced into it. It contains organic selenium. And this is an important element, without which the antioxidant protection of living organisms is impossible.
The list of actions provided by selenium can be listed for a long time. It protects DNA cells from abnormalities, participates in the production of hormones, improves potency, strengthens the immune system, helps digest fat-soluble vitamins, etc.
Therefore, if you want to start drinking milk thistle oil, it is better to opt for a drug with selenium. For the body often gets it in short supply.
Contraindications
Well, since so much has been said about the benefits of milk thistle oil, it will also be fair to mention the dangers. Contraindications, in the presence of which the use of the product can cause damage to health, include:
- Pregnancy.
- Lactation period.
- The presence of mental illness or abnormality.
- Unformed immunity and immature body (forbidden to give to children under three years old).
- The period of exacerbation of chronic diseases. Particular care must be taken with cholecystitis and gallstone disease.
In addition, before using the product, you must consult a doctor. A person may not even know that he has an individual intolerance to the components that make up his composition.
If there is no possibility or desire to visit a doctor, it is strongly recommended that you at least start using this herbal preparation in small quantities. If after this no side effects or deterioration of well-being are noticed, it means that milk thistle oil will not bring harm to a person.