Known as a natural liver protection

The milk thistle (silybum marianum) belongs to the same family (Composites) as the artichoke. Originating in the Mediterranean, it later became a citizen of North and Middle America. During the Middle Ages the plant was already cultivated for its curative properties; Paracelsus wrote in his book that the plant was useful "against internal stabbing pains". Doctor Rademacher in the 17th century made a thorough investigation of the plant and recommended it as useful for protecting the liver.

The seed-like fruit of the milk thistle contains Silymarin as its main active agent, which is outstandingly active in the regeneration of the liver. It also helps in reducing infections and acts as a cell stabiliser which protects the liver against poisons, drugs and alcohol. Silymarin impedes on the one hand the penetration of liver poisons into the nucleus of the cells and on the other hand stimulates the ability of the liver to regenerate.

The liver is an organ weighing about 1.5 kg. that acts as a chemical factory, as a central heating unit and as a detoxification centre for the body. It produces about half a litre of gall every day, which plays an important role in the digestion of fatty substances. The liver cells or hepatocytes are responsible for more than 500 important regulatory and metabolic functions in the processing of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The liver has an extraordinarily dense vascular system - the reason for its central role in detoxifying the body. The blood is thereby cleansed from innumerable deleterious substances (alcohol, medicines etc.) and changes the amoniac released during the catabolic processing of proteins into the much less harmful urine, which in turn can be separated from the body. When the body is overloaded with particular substances or when illness prevents the liver from functioning properly, the liver cells cannot fulfill their function sufficiently. In addition, our modern way of life (too much fat, too much alcohol, not enough exercise) can lead to damage to the liver or to what is known as a "fatty liver". That has a number of consequences for the digestion and for health in general.

The liver can, even after being subject to heavy strain, regenerate, i.e. it can grow new cells. For this some time for recuperation is needed during which, for instance, no drinks containing alcohol must be taken. Daily intake of milk thistle extract during this period of recuperation can actively support and speed up the growth of new liver cells. It also makes sense to take a milk thistle cure two or three times a year so as to protect the liver.