St Mary’s Thistle
Silibum marianum – seed
St. Mary’s thistle has been used for centuries to protect and nourish the liver. Traditionally the seeds have been used to treat jaundice, hepatitis, haemorrhoids and psoriasis, as a tonic for nursing mothers and as a general ‘liver cleansing’ agent.
In practice St. Mary’s thistle is commonly used for treating digestive disorders and any indication whereby improved liver function or liver protection may be a benefit.
Actions
- Hepatoprotective, restorative.
- Choleretic, cholagogue.
- Chelates iron.
- Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
Indications
- Liver disease including toxic liver damage, chronic liver diseases, alcoholic liver disease, acute viral hepatitis, hepatitis C infection.
- Preventing gallstones, gallbladder support.
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
- Digestive disorders, dyspepsia.
- Skin conditions involving liver dysfunction.
Contra-indications and Cautions
No known toxicity or drug interactions.
Administration and Dosage
The analysis of contents below is a guide only, product specific data including expiry date is with the item in the shop.
Silibum marianum 1:1. Each 1 ml contains 1,000mg of dry herb.
Liquid extract in 60% ethanol. Use 30 to 60 ml weekly.
Our clinic uses fluid extracts from Optimal Rx, Herbal Extract Company, Nutrition Care, Mediherb or Sunray Botanicals, in this order.
Notes
A medicinal plant whose therapeutic history dates back 2000 years, traditionally it has been used to treat a range of liver and gallbladder disorders including hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and to protect the liver against poisoning from chemical and environmental toxins, including snakebites, insect stings, mushroom poisoning and alcohol.
For many Europeans it is viewed as a daily health insurance against environmental pollutants, over-the-counter drugs such as paracetamol and overindulgence in alcohol and rich foods.
