Content
- 1 What and how is milk thistle oil made
- 2 Composition and calorie content of milk thistle oil
- 3 Why is milk thistle seed oil beneficial?
- 4 Is milk thistle oil good for pregnant and lactating women?
- 5 Can milk thistle oil for children
- 6 The benefits of milk thistle oil for weight loss
- 7 How to take milk thistle oil to treat ailments
- 8 Uses of milk thistle oil for the liver
- 9 Milk thistle oil capsules: benefits and how to take
- 10 The use of milk thistle oil in cosmetology
- 11 How to use milk thistle oil in cooking
- 12 The harm of milk thistle oil and contraindications
- 13 How to choose and store milk thistle oil
- 14 Conclusion
- 15 Reviews
Often in pharmacies you can find such an unusual drug as milk thistle oil. What are the benefits and harms of milk thistle oil, what is the product made of, and how to use it?
What and how is milk thistle oil made
The raw material for the production of useful oil is the common thistle - a field plant with recognizable bright purple inflorescences that firmly cling to clothing. Thistle seeds are processed according to the cold pressing method - that is, they are placed under a press and under high pressure conditions, a healing oil is obtained, which retains all valuable properties.
High-quality pomace has a bright yellowish-greenish color; the smell slightly resembles roasted nuts or seeds.
Composition and calorie content of milk thistle oil
The rich composition gives useful properties to the product. Even a small amount of thistle pomace is always present:
- the most valuable minerals - potassium, copper, iron, aluminum, magnesium;
- manganese and boron;
- zinc and chromium;
- selenium;
- flavonoids;
- B-group vitamins in large quantities;
- vitamins E and D;
- vitamin K;
- histamine and tyramine.
The product is quite high in calories - there are 880 to 900 calories per 100 g. But if you consider that the agent is used in minimal dosages, then high nutritional value cannot be attributed to disadvantages - there will be no harm from it.
Why is milk thistle seed oil beneficial?
The benefits of milk thistle oil for the human body lies in the fact that the product has a complex beneficial effect on all systems. Namely:
- has a choleretic effect;
- works as a mild natural laxative;
- cleanses the body of toxins and removes toxic substances;
- enhances the production of gastric enzymes and helps get rid of sluggish bowel syndrome;
- strengthens the heart and vascular system;
- protects vision;
- helps with colds and generally improves immune function;
- helps to increase blood clotting.
An additional benefit of milk thistle oil for men is that it prophylactically protects against cancer - including prostate tumors.
Sometimes in pharmacies you can see a product fortified with additional additives. For example, milk thistle oil is often found with selenium, which has an increased antioxidant effect, inhibits the aging process and increases the rate of cell renewal.
Is milk thistle oil good for pregnant and lactating women?
Although the benefits of the product are quite large, during the period of bearing a child, it is not recommended for use. The fact is that it can be harmful - properties can cause premature birth, especially if the pregnancy is difficult.
True, at the same time, the reviews of the women themselves indicate that the product helps to cope with toxicosis. If you really want to introduce milk thistle into your diet, you should consult a doctor on this topic - he will determine how dangerous the product is for a particular pregnancy.
You should not use the product during lactation - at least the first 4 months. It increases the production of breast milk, but it can harm the baby - cause allergies and colic.
Can milk thistle oil for children
It is strictly forbidden to offer the product to a baby until the age of 2 years, it will be harmful. It is best to give oil to a child after he is 12 years old - then the likelihood of an allergic reaction and other negative consequences will be lower.
The benefits of milk thistle oil for weight loss
Although the product is very high in calories, during the diet, its properties will be beneficial - it will help to remove toxins and contribute to the quick disposal of extra pounds. The greatest effect of a natural remedy will be if you consume 1 large spoonful of milk thistle oil twice a day on an empty stomach for 20 days.
How to take milk thistle oil to treat ailments
A useful product is one of the most popular remedies in home medicine. Milk thistle extract is used internally and externally for a number of ailments, for example:
- with bowel disorders;
- with diabetes and problems with the pancreas;
- with visual impairment;
- with chronic fatigue;
- with hypertension;
- after operations and chemotherapy;
- with poisoning and constipation;
- with a tendency to varicose veins.
Decubitus and ulcers are treated with a healing composition. The benefits of milk thistle oil for women is that the properties of the product help to eliminate the symptoms of gynecological diseases.
With pancreatitis
If the pancreas is inflamed, you can mix a glass of thistle pomace with half a glass of pumpkin seed oil and then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. A healthy drink should be taken 1 large spoonful on an empty stomach, half an hour before meals, three times a day for a month.
With psoriasis
A useful product for this disease is taken in a complex manner. First, before meals, you need to drink 1 teaspoon of oil three times a day. And secondly, a heated agent is used to lubricate the affected areas in the morning and in the evening, leaving the drug on the skin for half an hour. In general, it is recommended to continue therapy for at least a month.
With hepatitis
1 teaspoon of oil is drunk before breakfast and dinner on an empty stomach. The course takes a month - after that, treatment is stopped for 10 days, and then resumed.
With hemorrhoids
Well help from hemorrhoids enemas from healing pomace. They are made as follows - first, they put the usual cleansing enema, then an enema of 30 ml of squeezed milk thistle. Additionally, you need to lubricate the skin around the anus.
With diabetes
The properties of the product cleanse the body and strengthen the blood vessels, and in small quantities it is useful for diabetes. You need to take pomace twice a day for a teaspoon, half an hour before meals, at least 30 days. Then they must take a break for a week and, if necessary, resume treatment.
For constipation
The oil has pronounced laxative properties, so in case of difficulties in emptying the intestines, you can take a useful product three times a day, a teaspoon on an empty stomach. Constipation will go away in a couple of days, and in the future, the intestines will work without interruption.
With eczema
In case of inflammatory skin diseases, the affected areas are simply treated with oil externally - a napkin soaked in the product is applied to them.
With gastritis
The product has a soothing effect on irritated stomach mucous membranes, therefore, in case of gastritis, it is recommended to add it to salads or take a teaspoon three times a day - with food. After 30 days, you need to take a break for 2 - 3 months, and then, if necessary, continue.
With a stomach ulcer
The beneficial properties are also good for the treatment of ulcerative formations. The principle of use is the same as for gastritis - you need to take the oil with every meal, but the total amount should not exceed 3 teaspoons per day. After a month of therapy, it is necessary to take a break so that there is no harm to the body.
Uses of milk thistle oil for the liver
A useful product is considered one of the most effective for cleaning the liver and restoring its functions. It is usually taken in combination with thistle seed powder. There are two recipes for home remedies.
- 100 g of thistle seeds are ground into powder, mixed with 70 ml of oil and drunk three times a day, a teaspoon before meals.
- 100 g of thistle seeds are crushed, mixed with oil, and then another 10 g is added dill and burdock root. You also need to drink a homemade drug, a teaspoon three times a day.
Both agents effectively remove toxins and reduce the overall burden on the liver.
Milk thistle oil capsules: benefits and how to take
In pharmacies, you can buy not only bottled oil, but also milk thistle capsules. In fact, this is the same product - just presented in a different dosage form. Oil capsules have all the beneficial properties of a conventional product and have a similar effect on the body.
The advantages of the form are that it is much more convenient to use milk thistle oil for acne, gastric diseases, hepatitis or constipation in capsules - you do not need to first pour the squeeze into a spoon, carefully measuring the amount. In addition, the capsule can be swallowed without feeling the taste that not everyone likes. In a capsule form, a useful product is stored longer than usual - 2 years.
Capsules are taken in the same way as the usual remedy - twice or three times a day, with food or on an empty stomach, depending on the specific ailment. One capsule contains a single dose of the drug, approximately equal in volume to a teaspoon. Accordingly, the daily number of capsules should not exceed 3 pieces.
The use of milk thistle oil in cosmetology
To maintain beauty, you can also use milk thistle oil - the vitamins in it nourish the skin and hair, accelerate the process of cellular renewal, and help with inflammatory processes. In homemade recipes, the product is used both in pure form and in combination with other ingredients.
For facial skin
Milk thistle oil for face skin is highly valued - it will be beneficial for all skin types. It softens dry epidermis, and with an oily type of face, it narrows the pores and helps to regulate the production of subcutaneous sebum.
- To moisturize and lightly whiten your face, you can mix a teaspoon of oil with 2 large tablespoons of fat sour cream, apply on your face for 15 minutes, and then rinse with clean warm water.
- To eliminate skin flaking, half a teaspoon of warm oil is mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of aloe juice. The mask is kept on the face for no longer than a quarter of an hour, then washed off.
Milk thistle oil helps against wrinkles, age spots, sunburns with sloppy tanning.
For hair beauty
The product will be able to help in the fight against dandruff, brittle hair, itchy scalp.
The easiest way to use is to steam the oil until warm, then apply to the hair and comb thoroughly, distributing it along the entire length. After half an hour, you will need to wash your head with shampoo.
In addition, a healthy product can be combined with olive and essential oils and from time to time make regular nourishing masks.
How to use milk thistle oil in cooking
Basically, the product is used in dosage, for medicinal purposes, or in capsules. However, the benefits of adding oil to common culinary dishes will do the same. For example, they can be flavored with:
- salads;
- porridge;
- side dishes;
- cold snacks;
- dough;
- pasta;
- pilaf.
Tip: when heated strongly, the product loses most of its useful properties. Therefore, it is best to add pomace to cold or slightly warm dishes - then the food will not only be tasty, but also valuable for health and will not harm.
The harm of milk thistle oil and contraindications
The properties of the product are unique - it practically does not harm, it is not without reason that it is used even for the most severe and acute ailments. But sometimes you should still refuse the remedy. The list of contraindications includes:
- allergic reactions;
- severe liver or gallbladder disease in the acute stage;
- respiratory system diseases - shortness of breath, asthma;
- epilepsy;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- age under 12.
The harm of the product is expressed in the fact that with a negative reaction of the body, diarrhea may begin, skin rashes or heartburn will appear.
How to choose and store milk thistle oil
Since the product is sold mainly in pharmacies, the quality of the oil is usually of a high level. But when buying, you still need to follow several rules.
- The oil should be sold in glass containers with darkened walls.
- The color of high-quality oil is yellow-green, and the smell from the product comes out pleasant and slightly bitter.
- The product label must state that it is cold pressed and that the proportion of pure milk thistle extract is at least 80%.
The shelf life of a closed bottle is one year from the date of manufacture. However, the benefits of an open product last much less - only for a month. Therefore, there is no point in purchasing pomace in a bulk container - it spoils too quickly. You only need to keep the bottle in the refrigerator, with a tightly screwed cap.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of milk thistle oil are determined by the dosage. If you do not exceed the daily amount of about 15 ml, then the body will only benefit from this remedy. The oil has very few contraindications, it is approved for use by almost everyone.
