Milk thistle powder & histamine: meaning and application
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum , can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has an upright, branching stem. Its leaves are glossy green, and its purplish-red flowers are spherical and surrounded by pointed bracts. You can find more information about milk thistle and its potential benefits for histamine intolerance in the following blog post.
Origin and characteristics of milk thistle
Milk thistle belongs to the daisy family and is therefore distantly related to sunflowers, daisies and dandelions.
The flowering period of milk thistle depends on the region where it grows. In northern areas, it blooms mainly from June to August , and in southern areas between February and December. Generally speaking, the so-called "milk thistle" thrives best in temperate, mild to warm climates .
As is typical for members of the daisy family, milk thistle seeds are dispersed by the wind , which is why they often grow in rubble heaps, along roadsides, or in pastures. However, for the pharmaceutical industry, they are cultivated on a large scale in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and China .
Uses of milk thistle
Traditionally, milk thistle is used to support the body's liver detoxification processes . It is also believed to have a positive effect on certain digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain . Furthermore, it is thought to help promote bile flow. Milk thistle may even have a beneficial effect on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties .
The role of silymarin in histamine regulation
Flavonoids are a family of flavonoids that can help the body inhibit the release of its own histamine. They can also contribute to increased vitamin C absorption , which can further have a positive effect on histamine intolerance . Silymarin is most concentrated in milk thistle seeds . As mentioned above, milk thistle is frequently used to support the body's liver detoxification processes. HNMT (histamine N-methyltransferase ) is also located in the liver. It is one of the two enzymes responsible for breaking down histamine . Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to your individual liver health .
Possible side effects and precautions
Generally , no side effects occur when taking milk thistle powder. However, this is contingent upon adhering to the manufacturer's recommended dosage . It is not recommended for people with an allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family (daisy family), as milk thistle belongs to this group, as mentioned above. If symptoms such as skin rashes or digestive problems do occur, it is important to stop or reduce the dosage.
Other important nutrients in milk thistle powder
Besides the active ingredient silymarin, milk thistle contains several other special constituents. It also contains unsaturated fatty acids and is rich in protein . Furthermore, Silybum marianum also contains some bitter substances, biogenic amines, tannins, and pigments.
Various processing methods
Milk thistle is often available as a tincture, capsule, or tablet . However, it can also be found in dried form for preparing a delicious herbal tea . It's important to note, though, that the concentration of silymarin in capsules or tablets is often higher than in herbal teas, because capsules contain powdered milk thistle seeds , while herbal teas contain the flowers. The flowers contain a lower concentration of silymarin than the seeds.
Tips for preparing sea thistle tea
As a first step, simply pour a cup of hot water over 2 teaspoons of crushed milk thistle seeds . After steeping for 10-15 minutes , remove the crushed milk thistle seeds and the tea is ready. To improve the somewhat bland taste of the tea , you can add a few fennel seeds .
Conclusion: Milk thistle powder as part of a low-histamine diet
As mentioned above, milk thistle powder has several beneficial properties. On the one hand, it can support liver function and have a positive effect on digestive issues . On the other hand, its antioxidant properties could even improve skin health . Since milk thistle powder generally does not cause side effects when taken correctly, it can easily support various bodily functions.