Milk Thistle / Silybum Marianum

When it comes to loving your liver, there’s no better plant than Milk Thistle!

Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white pattern on its prickly toothed leaves. Indigenous to Europe, it has spread to most temperate parts of the world and is usually found growing in crop fields, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It can be quite the pest for agricultural farmers, but this medicinal gem has been widely used for over 2,000 years. Historically, Milk Thistle was used in Europe as a liver tonic, and in modern phytotherapy it is indicated for a wide range of liver and gallbladder conditions.

The seed holds the magic of Milk Thistle and is used by itself or in herbal preparations, especially detox or liver support formulas. It facilitates the overall detoxifying process of the body whenever there are signs and symptoms of an accumulation of toxins.

The active constituent of Milk Thistle is a flavonoid known as silymarin, which is a potent antioxidant. Silymarin’s reputation as a liver tonic has been supported by research showing that it helps protect the liver from damage by toxins, while also helping to repair damaged liver cells. Studies have shown that it can promote liver regeneration by up to 20-30% and can encourage the production of liver-supportive antioxidants such as glutathione.

It is also helpful in cases of liver stagnation, poor digestion, and assimilation of fats and oils. While not a “bitter” herb, it increases the secretion and flow of bile in the liver and gallbladder, so it may be helpful mixed with some bitters for enhanced digestion support. As the name implies, it can also be used to stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers, much like Blessed Thistle or Fenugreek.

It is a good herb to consider for those who have been exposed to solvents and chemicals from lifestyle choices or their job, or for those who feel they want to give their liver overall support.

Tinctures and capsules are the best ways for Milk Thistle to be taken. At Peoples Rx, you can find either whole plant extract or the standardized extract containing silymarin. Another fun way to consume Milk Thistle is to buy the whole seeds fresh in bulk, grind, and add them to your smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Stop by Peoples and have a chat with one of our Wellness Specialists to find out what form of Milk Thistle is best for you!

 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples Rx. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com

Elderberry/Sambucus spp

As soon as the weather gets cooler, most people want to do all they can to keep from getting sick. Thankfully, Elderberry syrup has made its way into our lives as a winter staple. You can easily find many Elderberry options at Peoples–syrup, lozenges, gummies, capsules–but what exactly is it, where does it come from, and how does it help us?

Elder is a tree or shrub native to Europe, with a history of use that dates back thousands of years and is still one of the most popular remedies in European folk medicine. The berries and flowers are most commonly used, and there are many folk recipes for Elderberry wines, medicinal beers, jams, and more!

Elder flowers are commonly used in teas for upper respiratory affections. They are soothing to irritated mucous membranes and act as an expectorant and relaxant. They can also be used when there is a fever present as they are a diaphoretic, which means they help to encourage perspiration and release heat. Rich in quercetin and rutin, they are also useful for inflammation due to allergies.

Elderberries are most famous for their efficacy in shortening the duration of the flu, which many clinical trials have proven. Studies have also shown that the berries have a direct effect on viruses by inhibiting their reproduction. These flavonoid-rich berries can also help decrease oxidative stress, strengthen the eyes, and protect from inflammatory damage. They are an important antioxidant, containing anthocyanin, vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, and so much more. Elderberries are a deep acting immune tonic that can be taken every day throughout cold and flu season.

We offer many different brands of elderberry syrup at all Peoples locations. While the syrup from Gaia is a highly concentrated form, I prefer our Texas-made Cassie Green Elderberry syrup because you get an additional benefit from the added honey. There are also sugar-free syrup options available as well as tinctures, capsules, and gummies. A bonus to Elderberry syrup is that it tastes delicious! It’s not to be missed this season!

Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Astragalus/Astragalus membranaceus

If you are someone who frequently gets colds or are often coming down with the flu, you might want to consider an herb like Astragalus root to be part of your winter immune boosting regime.

Astragalus is native to China where it’s been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen the immune system. It eventually integrated into Western herbal practices and is now one of the most common herbs used as an immunomodulator, which means it enhances immune function. Human clinical trials have shown it to increase white blood cell count.

Astragalus works best when taken over time, as it slowly and deeply nourishes the body, helping to build and restore health and improve energy levels. Numerous studies have shown it to be a powerful ally in protecting people against frequent respiratory ailments such as colds and flu. It can help strengthen lungs and also contains many protective properties for the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The most common ways to take Astragalus are in the form of a tincture, in capsules, or as a tea. The roots can also be steeped into soups or bone broths, or blended with other herbs.

Now is the time that customers are looking for ways to boost their immune systems to prevent getting sick this season. We offer wellness formulas that include Astragalus, as well as the herb by itself. Come in and speak to our wellness team to find out if Astragalus is right for you!

Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Echinacea / Echinacea spp.

Many of us have heard of Echinacea and know it as one of the most common, go-to herbs if feeling under the weather. Extensive research has shown its efficacy in helping the body’s innate defense mechanism by stimulating and raising immune function.

Its antifungal, antibacterial, and immune-modulating properties make it an effective remedy in fighting infections, especially when taken at the first sign of illness. One of Echinacea’s primary actions is cleaning the blood and lymphatic system, facilitating in the draining and clearing of toxins.

In European and Native American traditions, Echinacea is used to treat snake bites, and topically it is useful in speeding tissue repair and healing connective tissue. It’s definitely an herb you’ll always want to have on hand in your medicine cabinet, as it is a go-to remedy for typical skin problems like wounds, minor burns, and stings!

High quality extracts are key to getting the most out of your herbs. Peoples Rx has a variety of Echinacea extracts in capsule or tincture form, as well as in wellness formulas combined with other immune boosting herbs and vitamins. Stop by and chat with a wellness specialist for more information on Echinacea and its proper usage!

Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Western, American, Ayurvedic, Chinese…Which ones do you enjoy? All share in the understanding of the world of Herbalism.

For questions, call 512-219-8600 or email pwcnorth@peoplesrx.com, and be sure to follow Peoples on your favorite social media channels! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

With diplomas in Naturopathy, Herbalism and Homeopathy, Dawn Welch, Nutritionist brings to your service at Peoples over 30 years experience in natural health and a wealth of knowledge!