Marian Thistle, also known as Milk Thistle, Cardo-santo or Leaf-Strap, is a medicinal plant widely used to make home remedies for problems in the liver and gallbladder, for example. Its scientific name is Silybum marianum and can be found in natural products stores, manipulation pharmacies and some free trade shows.
The active substance of this plant is Silymarin which, in addition to acting in the liver and gallbladder, increases the production of breast milk. Learn more about natural remedy to increase breast milk production.
What is it for
Cardo-mariano has anti-inflammatory, astringent, digestive, diuretic, regenerative and antiseptic properties, and can be used to help with the treatment of migraine, nausea, varicose veins, spleen or gallbladder problems.
The main application of thistle is in the treatment of liver changes, due to one of its constituents, Silymarin. This substance acts directly on liver cells that are damaged due to excess of toxic substances, such as alcohol, regenerating them and preventing new lesions. Thus, Marian thistle can be used to aid in the treatment of cirrhosis, hepatitis or fat in the liver, for example. See 11 symptoms of liver problems.
How to use
The thistle fruits are usually used to make tea. The tea is made with one teaspoon of crushed fruit and 1 cup of boiling water. One should rest for 15 minutes, strain and drink 3 to 4 cups per day.
This tea should only supplement the treatment indicated by the doctor for fat in the liver, should be accompanied by exercise and diet, and avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. See other home remedies for liver fat.
Cardo-mariano if consumed in excess can cause irritation in the stomach and cause burns in the gastric mucosa, in addition to diarrhea, vomits and nausea. Therefore, the use of this medicinal plant is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women, children, hypertensives, people with kidney or gastric problems, such as gastritis or ulcers, for example.
