Milk thistle seeds - medicinal properties and contraindications

The medicinal plant has another name - thistle. Milk thistle is considered a weed, which is why many do not even realize that it has a lot of medicinal properties. The seeds contain a large number of useful minerals, trace elements and even vitamins. In this connection, even many doctors recommend taking them as a treatment for many diseases (in combination with other drugs). In this publication, we consider what useful properties a thistle has and whether there are contraindications to its use.

general information

Milk thistle is included in most hepatoprotective drugs. With regular use, thanks to this medicinal plant, it is possible to recover from diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and also the gall bladder. Also, raw materials are used in the manufacture of various types of bread, in cooking. In addition, using thistle, you can make a variety of alcoholic as well as soft drinks.

Thistle seeds are valuable - they can be used to make butter, which will be topical for people suffering from obesity, as well as for diabetics. Nevertheless, scientists have proved that it is with liver diseases that milk thistle seeds are the most effective - this fact has been established thanks to numerous studies.

Healing properties of seeds

The thistle has a rich composition - its seeds contain enzymes, tannins and minerals, vitamins, useful enzymes, as well as antioxidants, which contribute to the release of free radicals and prevent premature aging.

Use seeds for such ailments:

1. Liver disease. It is relevant to use for the abuse of fatty, smoked foods with a rich content of bad cholesterol, as well as for excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. If you apply milk thistle seeds regularly, for a long time, you can significantly increase the protective properties of the liver.
2. Obesity, poor metabolic function. Thanks to seeds, you can significantly speed up the metabolism. Due to this, many experts recommend the use of seeds of this medicinal plant for diseases such as cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, problems with the cardiovascular system. It is very useful to take the thistle during the rehabilitation period for people after a myocardial infarction or stroke. With regular use, you can restore normal arterial and intraocular pressure.
3. Radiation exposure. Thistle is a very effective remedy for people who are being treated for cancer using radiation and chemotherapy.
4. Diseases of the gallbladder and other gastrointestinal tract systems. It is useful to use milk thistle seeds for people who have been diagnosed with cholecystitis, as well as pancreatic disease (even in chronic forms). As a rule, complex therapy is prescribed: seeds and medications - to achieve the maximum result from diseases.
5. Skin diseases. Due to the fact that the seeds of a medicinal plant actively remove toxins from the body, they will be effectively taken for skin diseases that are caused by intoxication: acne, psoriasis, allergic reactions. With regular use, it is also possible to reduce the manifestations of vitiligo, eliminate trophic ulcers.Also, seeds are actively fighting skin rashes, while absolutely not harming the body.
6. Infectious and viral ailments. Due to the fact that the thistle perfectly strengthens the immune system, its seeds can be used both as a prophylactic in the spring and autumn (when colds and viral diseases are especially common) and in the onset of the disease in order to accelerate the healing process.

In what form can seeds be used?

Herbal remedy has many forms - and seeds can be either purchased at a pharmacy for the manufacture of any dosage form at home, or prepared on their own.

Important! Before using thistle seeds, it is imperative to consult a doctor in view of the fact that not everyone can use the drug - there are contraindications for use.

So, we will consider in what dosage forms milk thistle can be used:

1. Meal It is made from seeds, externally it is a finely ground powder. You can buy meal in a pharmacy, but many experts say that the purchased product will contain much less substances than prepared at home. This is due to the fact that the meal remains after the oil is extracted from it - and after all, seed oil is also very useful.
2. Alcohol tinctures. In this case, it is also advisable to do the cooking on your own in order to maximize the preservation of all useful substances. Judging by the research, alcohol pharmacy products are not inferior to those made with their own hands, the only difference is that with your own production you can independently calculate the optimal dosage of alcohol and milk thistle seeds directly.
3. Decoctions. They can be used for various diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract organs orally - the dosage and method of preparation will vary in each case. Seeds can even be brewed like tea.
4. Oil. It has not only healing properties, oil is also used for cooking, with its addition bakery products are baked. It is important for those who are losing weight to use the seed oil of this plant due to the fact that thanks to it it is possible to speed up the metabolism (added to porridge, seasoned vegetable salads, etc.)

Is it possible to germinate seeds?

Germinated seeds are used for food - it is believed that such a product will be more useful. The most optimal option is the germination of seeds at home, for this you can use a jar. Consider how to properly germinate thistle seeds.

1. Select whole seeds, rinse well under cold, running water.
2. Prepare a clean glass jar in advance - you will need to place seeds in it. The contents are poured with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
3. Cover the jar with gauze, which is previously folded 3-4 layers.
4. Wait 5-10 minutes, drain the potassium permanganate solution, while all the seeds should remain on the gauze.
5. Wrap gauze in a bag and rinse the seeds thoroughly.
6. Pour cold purified or boiled water.
7. After all the manipulations done, the seeds must be left in the water for 10-14 hours - so that they swell. Time may vary - periodically check the seeds, they must swell.
8. As soon as the seeds swell - move them into a flower pot with pre-prepared fertile soil.
9. After about a week, you will notice that green sprouts began to appear on the surface. It is them that must be eaten - but not more than 7 pieces a day, and it is necessary to eat germinated seeds before bedtime.

Who should not use thistle seeds?

Despite the fact that the product has a lot of useful properties and allows you to get rid of a large number of diseases, decoctions, tinctures can not be used by everyone. They are not prescribed to people with individual intolerance, as well as to people who have been diagnosed with the following diseases:

1. Asthma. If milk thistle seeds are used for a long time, they can provoke shortness of breath - and without any reason.
2. Depressive conditions. Due to the fact that the seeds of a medicinal plant have a light sedative effect, and the use can adversely affect the state of the nervous system.
3. Hypersensitivity. If the body does not tolerate this product, it can not be used, since in this case allergic reactions may occur in the form of skin rashes.
4. Mental illness. Do not use for people who are registered with a psychiatrist and have a confirmed diagnosis - the use of thistle seeds can cause an exacerbation.

Do not start treatment if a person has too much calcium and phosphorus in his body. Such therapy can significantly worsen the general condition.

In any case, before starting therapy, it is necessary to consult with the attending physician - he will evaluate the general condition of the patient, the need for treatment of diseases with the use of milk thistle seeds - after which he will prescribe treatment, after calculating the dosage (depending on the disease).

The healing properties of milk thistle seeds

1. Vitamins - namely, retinol, tocopherol, vitamin D and K.
2. Trace elements - glands, calcium, potassium, zinc, etc.
3. Silymarin. A substance that is necessary for the proper functioning of the liver. It is due to the high content of silymarin that the product is prescribed to people who have diseases of this organ.

In conclusion, I would like to add that treatment with the use of milk thistle seeds should be carried out with caution, take into account the dosage, be sure to consult a doctor before therapy in order to avoid unwanted side effects.

Video: collecting, processing and preparing milk thistle seeds