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

There are lots of different kinds of cleanses or detoxes. Did you know that they do not all do the same thing? Learn what the different types of cleanses do and when to use each kind.
 
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
 
Becky Andrews, ND* is a 2003 graduate of Bastyr University with degrees in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. She has served as faculty at Bastyr University and AOMA School of Integrative Medicine. She has advanced training in environmental medicine and has over 15 years of experience treating environmental illness.
 
*Naturopathic doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
 

Part nutritional education, part sugar detox, part support group – an empowering combination!

The RESTART Program is a simple, powerful way to give your body a vacation from sugar and processed foods. With a 3-week sugar detox built right in, the program focuses on how to use REAL FOOD to boost your energy and cut sugar and carb cravings.

You’ll learn:
– September 25, week 1: How to prepare for your REAL FOOD sugar detox
– October 2, week 2: Your digestive check in
– October 9, week 3: What sugar really does in your body
– October 16, week 4: The truth about FATS
– October 23, week 5: How to move forward and celebrate your success!

Cost: $149, includes 5 weeks of instruction (online or in person) and material. Bring a friend and save $50 each!

To register, call Peoples Wellness Center North at 512-219-8600.

Do you suffer from brain fog, fatigue, sleep problems, weight gain, or skin problems? It may be time for a detox!

Join Dr. Thompson as she dives into common reasons for a toxic build up, and what you can do to incorporate detox into your daily life.
 
Free to attend. Please RSVP to drt@modernholistichealth.com.
 
Dr. Torrie Thompson, D.C., is a holistic doctor specializing in biological medicine and nutrition at Modern Holistic Health in Austin. Her own health struggle with Lyme disease fuels her passion to help others find the root cause of their health issues and help them rebuild their health using holistic approaches, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
 
This event is not associated with Peoples Rx, and any views expressed are not necessarily those of Peoples Rx.

Part nutritional education, part sugar detox, part support group – an empowering combination!

The RESTART Program is a simple, powerful way to give your body a vacation from sugar and processed foods. With a 3-week sugar detox built right in, the program focuses on how to use REAL FOOD to boost your energy and cut sugar and carb cravings.

You’ll learn:
– January 30, week 1: How to prepare for your REAL FOOD sugar detox
– February 6, week 2: Your digestive check in
– February 13, week 3: What sugar really does in your body
– February 20, week 4: The truth about FATS
– February 27, week 5: How to move forward and celebrate your success!

Cost: $225, includes 5 weeks of instruction and material. Discounts available for couples, RESTART alumni, and practitioners!

To register, call Peoples Wellness Center North at 512-219-8600.

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

A wellness seminar with Cathy Harvey, ACN.

A new year, a new you! Do you want to lose weight, remove toxins from your body, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall health? The Detox Extravaganza will be an event you don’t want to miss. We’ll be discussing the 21-Day Purification Program, Detox Program, Inflammation, and 10 Day Programs offered by Standard Process of Central Texas.

To RSVP, call 512-440-1010.

Confused by what new weight loss and healthy advice you “should” be following? Weight loss and sustainable health is completely individual and achievable. End the confusion this year. Join Nutrition Therapist Anna Wilson for a discussion about mindset, inflammation, and sustainable weight loss.

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

After improving her own health while raising a special needs child, Anna Wilson, Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, found a passion for assisting people on their path to wellness. Anna is especially interested in supporting individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, those struggling with mental illness or mood disorders, and busy families looking to fuel their bodies and brains. She strongly believes that anyone can achieve wellness with the right support and knowledge.

Come learn about our 13th annual New Year, New You Detox Cleanse!

We live in a toxic world. Even if you eat lean and green, it is hard to escape toxicity. The new year is a great time to detox and reset! Join Dr. VanNoy to learn how to lose weight, add years to your life, balance your blood sugar, increase energy, balance you hormones, decrease joint pain, and sleep like a baby again!

To RSVP, email info@AustinHolisticDr.com.

Dr. Danny VanNoy graduated from Parker University in Dallas with two Bachelor of Science degrees (Anatomy, Health & Wellness) and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree with cum laude honors. He has completed the 100-hour Applied Kinesiology certification, under Dr. J.J. Gregor, and is trained in functional nutritional through the teachings of Dr. Datis Kharrazian with Harvard Medical School research and Apex Energetics. With a passion for wellness and alternative treatments that allow for natural healing, he truly cares for his patients’ well-being.