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!
 
Gaia’s Milk Thistle Seed is currently 30% off!
Expires 12/31/20.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Nettle Leaf / Urtica dioica

If you’ve ever been stung by Nettle you know the painful, burning, tingly sensation can last for hours. But did you know that Nettle’s sting was once used to help with pain? Urtication, or flogging the skin with Stinging Nettles, was an Ancient Roman practice used to help with arthritic or swollen joints. Formic acid is found in the tiny hairlike needles on Nettles and is what gives it its sting. The resulting rash was reported to improve circulation to the area and relieve aches and pain.

The use of Nettle goes back to Ancient Greece and Rome where more Nettles were cultivated than any other crop. They were and still are a very important part of European folk medicine. The whole plant (leaf, root, stalk, and seed) can be harvested for food, for its medicinal values, and much like hemp, the stalks were once one of the most important plants used in the manufacturing of textiles.

If you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, give Stinging Nettle a try to help alleviate your symptoms! Nettle can help drain fluids and tighten and tonify mucous membranes, while cooling inflammation and drying everything up. It is rich in flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, making it an excellent choice in natural allergy formulas to help combat symptoms and decrease histamine.

Nettles are a nutritional powerhouse and make a wonderful tonic anytime of the year. They are rich in a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chlorophyll, and Vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. You can add dried Nettle to soup, tea, and broth, and the fresh leaf can be harvested in the spring and used in cooking. Try it out in pesto or anywhere you would use spinach! The stings are broken down with heat and by drying. Just be careful and wear gloves when you harvest!

Nearly every system in the body can benefit from Nettles, which are generally safe and tolerated well by all. They are a great way to get your daily dose of calcium and help in strengthening your hair, skin, and nails. Nettles can have a diuretic effect to help flush toxins from the body and help tighten and tone tissue when there is simple edema or other congested fluids in the body. Nettles can also be beneficial for those experiencing frequent urinary tract infections.

At Peoples you can find Nettles in a variety of popular allergy formulas, in teas, and by itself by Gaia Herbs. Come by Peoples Rx to learn more about Nettles from our knowledgeable and helpful wellness team!

 
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.