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Holy Thistle | | Name : | Holy Thistle | | Synonyms : | Holythistle
Marythistle
St.Mary's thistle
| | Parts Used : | Fruits (contain the highest concentration), seeds and leaves | | Habitat : | Found in dry, rocky soils in southern and western Europe and in someparts of the United States. Common in California. | | Description : | A stout, annual or biennial plant, grows to 6 feet in height; thebranched, shining-brown stem grows 1-3 feet high and bears large,alternate, dark green, shiny leaves with spiny, scalloped edges andwhite spots along the veins. The upper leaves clasp the stem. Thesmall, composite, solitary, spherical, reddish-purple flower headsat the ends of the stalks, subtended by spiny bracts with a silkycrown of hair, which is soon shed, appear from June to August. | | Constituents : | Active flavonoid silymarin (a unique type of flavonoid with antioxidantability).
Cholagogue (stimulates flow of bile), liver tonic, stimulant, demulcent,antidepressant, galactagogue | | Uses : | Young leaves eaten as a vegetable.
A tonic and anti-depressant.Has a tonic effect on the heart, brain, and kidneys. It is said torestore a memory impaired by old age or sickness. Used for all liverdisorders such as jaundice,liver disorders, and hepatitis. Stimulates the production of new livercells and prevents formation of damaging leukotrienes. Protects thekidneys and is beneficial in cases of psoriasis.Good for gallstone colic.
Use the leaves for common stomachproblems like lack ofappetite, and dyspepsia.
Clinical trials have found it especially useful in the treatmentof Amanita mushroom poisoning; it is credited with saving a numberof lives in Europe.
Research suggests seed extracts may have therapeutic possibilitiesin liver cirrhosis. | | Dosage : | Infusion: 1 1/2 oz. leaves and chopped stalk, add to 1/2 pintwater. Take a wineglassful every day.
Also; infusion: steep 1 tsp. powdered seeds with water, take4-5 times per day.
Tincture: take 15 to 25 drops, 4 or 5 times per day. | | Myths : | Milk thistle helps regenerate liver cells and helps cleanse the liverof dangerous toxins. In several European studies performed in the1970's on rats, animals who had their livers partially removed experienceda regeneration of liver cells after receiving milk thistle extract.
This herb is extremely popular in Europe as a tonic for the liver,the body's second largest organ. This herb contains a flavonoid calledsilymarin that has been shown to have a direct effect on liver cells.Known as vitamin P, flavonoids are substances found in plants thatoften work in conjunction with vitamin C and offer many other healthbenefits. Often referred to as the body's 'chemical factory,' theliver plays a critical role in maintaining good health. It producesbile, which is necessary for the break-down of fats. It detoxifiespoisons that enter our bloodstream, such as nicotine, alcohol, andpollutants such as carbon monoxide. It breaks them down from potentiallylethal substances into those that are less destructive to our bodies.The liver is also the site where vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored.Numerous European studies sow that this herb enhances overall liverfunction, as well as stimulates the production of new liver cells.
The herb is beneficial for those suffering from hepatitis, inflammationof the liver, or cirrhosis of the liver (a condition often causedby excessive alcohol intake). This herb is also recommended for allsmokers or anyone exposed to pollutants in the workplace. | | Sold : | Capsules: take 1 capsule 3 times daily.
Commercial preparations of the seed extracts are manufactured inEurope. |
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