Milk thistle oil is the most valuable gift of nature, which allows to cure many ailments. The oil has a pleasant aroma, without pronounced taste nuances.
The first mention of the treatment with this oil is still present in the records of physicians of the 18th century. Even then it was used to treat the liver. Literally 100 years later, doctors begin to use this medicine in the treatment of gastric pathologies. Later it was used to treat the spleen. To this day, milk thistle oil is the leader among all natural preparations in the treatment of liver diseases.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 889 |
| Protein in 100 g, (g): | 0.0 |
| Fats in 100 g, (g): | 98.0 |
| Carbohydrates in 100 g, (g): | 0.0 |
| Glycemic index: | 0 |
What is milk thistle oil made from?
Oil is produced from milk thistle, which is popularly known as thistle. The stem of the plant has spines. During flowering, purple flowers appear on it. In general, the plant is regarded as a weed, but in fact, it has a unique composition. Today, even official medicine recognizes the benefits of oil.
Composition and caloric content of milk thistle oil, vitamins and minerals
The plant contains approximately 200 components, each of which is beneficial to the human body in one way or another.
A high content in the plant of vitamins of group B, as well as vitamins: A, E, D and K. The unique composition of trace elements: iron, chromium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium, others.
But the most valuable substance is silymarin . It has a hepatitis-protective and antioxidant effect. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are present in milk thistle.
The oil has a high calorie content of 884 kcal. But at the minimum doses in which it is consumed, the calorie content does not really matter.
Benefits of milk thistle oil
The main uniqueness of the plant is a positive effect on the liver, thanks to silymarin . This substance strengthens the liver membranes and protects them from the effects of toxins. Silymarin promotes the restoration of liver cells, relieves inflammation and has a general detoxifying effect on the entire body. For this reason, it should be used not only for liver diseases, but also as a protective agent against the influence of an aggressive environment.
Thistle oil enhances the production of bile, which has a positive effect on the spleen. It helps slow down the aging process and reduces the risk of cancer cells.
Scientists have even managed to establish that the oil helps to cope with poisoning from the use of white toadstool. This is one of the most poisonous mushrooms on the planet. All the same silymarin prevents the penetration of the poison into the cells.
In the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the oil is recommended for use, as it has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane. Promotes the fastest tightening of wounds and erosions. Helps to cope with constipation, but only in the early stages, as it has a slight laxative effect. Used in the treatment of anal fissures and hemorrhoids.
Oil can be used if you want to get rid of extra pounds. It not only activates metabolism, but also normalizes intestinal motility, removes toxins.
Thistle oil will help support the heart muscle and improve lipid metabolism. The effect is achieved due to the presence of polyunsaturated acids. Helps improve blood clotting and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Thanks to a wide list of vitamins and macro-microelements, the oil strengthens the immune system and helps to quickly cope with colds. It is recommended for use after surgery and long-term treatment with antibacterial agents.
Not the last place in oil and in cosmetology. It helps to improve the quality of nails and hair. It is used to eliminate the effects of burns and wounds.
How to Take Milk Thistle Oil for Medicinal Purposes
Most often, the following oil treatment scheme is used: it is used for 1-2 months.
To strengthen the body, in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases, in the complex treatment of diseases of the liver and digestive system.
Permissible single dose – 1 teaspoon. Drink the medicine 2 or 3 times throughout the day. Reception should be carried out exclusively before the start of the meal, 30 minutes in advance. The doctor may prescribe a different regimen. After 1 month, it is recommended to take a break, at least 2 weeks, and only then start taking the oil again.
This method is suitable for almost all cases, but the doctor may prescribe a different method for taking the oil.
Benefits of milk thistle oil for women
Milk thistle oil is primarily used for the treatment of gynecological diseases, in particular, with erosion of the cervix. It can be used in preventive therapy against the development of atrophic vaginitis during menopause and when getting rid of infections. To do this, mix 50 ml of thistle oil and a little tea tree oil. After thoroughly shaking, a cotton swab is moistened in the mixture and inserted into the vagina overnight.
Helps thistle to cope with constipation. For this, one teaspoon is consumed daily 30 minutes before a meal.
The widespread use of oil in cosmetology is due to its moisturizing qualities. It helps heal wounds and even eliminate scars.
Benefits of milk thistle oil for men
For men, oil will be useful not only for problems with the liver and gastrointestinal tract, but also for prostatitis and diseases of the urogenital area. It helps to cope with the consequences of alcohol poisoning. The oil is even used in the treatment of alcohol addiction.
Regular use of oil is recommended for people living in contaminated areas and for those who work in hazardous industries.
Milk thistle oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding
In fact, there are no contraindications for the use of oil, before and after childbirth. However, women should be careful during pregnancy, the oil has a laxative effect, so it can cause miscarriage. The oil helps to cope with the manifestations of toxicosis.
Can milk thistle oil be given to children?
There is a lot of controversy regarding the benefits of oil for a child’s body. The effect of milk thistle on the baby’s body is little studied. Therefore, it is not recommended to introduce oil into the diet of a child before the age of 10 years, unless the attending physician recommended it as a medicine. From the age of 14, oil can be introduced into the diet without any restrictions.
Is milk thistle oil good for weight loss?
Despite the high calorie content, the oil is allowed to be used in the diet. It helps to remove toxins, which stimulates the disposal of extra pounds.
For these purposes, the oil can even be consumed 2 times a day, but a tablespoon and always on an empty stomach.
Milk thistle oil for diabetes
Iranian researchers were able to establish that the oil really has an antioxidant effect on the body affected by diabetes. And this, in turn, is an opportunity to reduce inflammatory markers.
More recent studies have found that the condition of diabetics improves significantly when using oil, glucose levels decrease, but for this it should be consumed for at least two months in a row.
The use of milk thistle oil in cosmetology
Thistle oil has a rejuvenating effect and cleanses the skin well. It tones the epidermis and heals wounds. It is suitable for any type of skin, eliminates peeling and oiliness.
It is used to improve the condition of nails and hands. It is acceptable for daily use. Even as an anti-cellulite agent, the oil has shown high efficiency. Massages are done with oil, used as a prophylactic against the appearance of stretch marks.
Use oil to improve the structure of the hair. It helps to give them shine and prevents falling out. For these purposes, the oil can be rubbed into the scalp, preheated in a steam bath.
The best way to get rid of external defects is to combine internal and external use of oil, in this way you can achieve quick results.
It is recommended to make hair masks. Make a mixture of thistle oil, tea tree and olive oil. Everything is mixed and slightly heated in a water bath, then applied to the hair and wrapped around the head to keep warm. The mask is kept for at least an hour, then the hair is washed in the usual way. Using this method, you can improve the condition of your hair in just a matter of weeks.
Milk thistle oil harm and contraindications
An interesting fact is that milk thistle oil is one of the safest oils of all. It has practically no contraindications, it can be used on a regular basis. Individual intolerance is extremely rare.
However, it should be remembered that the oil is not used in childhood without first consulting a doctor.
During the period of exacerbation of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, oil is not recommended for use, as it can provoke an even greater exacerbation.
Do not exceed the dose recommended by the manufacturer and doctor, as an overdose can provoke an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases and adversely affect health.
How to choose and store milk thistle oil
Give preference only to oil that is made by cold pressing. It is in it that the maximum amount of useful substances and vitamins is preserved.
The oil should be stored in a dark container, you should not buy a large volume, as the shelf life is reduced by contact with air. After the first opening, a bottle of oil is stored exclusively in the refrigerator.
Milk thistle oil is very useful, but on one condition that the recommended dose will be observed. If we are talking about the prevention of various diseases, then the daily dose should not exceed 15 ml, in other cases, the doctor should determine the dose.