Cold-pressed milk thistle oil – a natural elixir for a healthy liver

Milk thistle is a well-known plant with liver-supporting properties. The cold-pressed oil extracted from it, with its anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant and antioxidant properties, can offer us many potential health benefits. What exactly is cold-pressed milk thistle oil, and how can we make practical use of its beneficial properties?

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil – what is worth knowing about it?

Before we focus on the oil extracted from milk thistle itself, it is worth learning about the plant itself. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant belonging to theAsteraceae familyandnative to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Today, the plant has become established throughout almost all of Europe, including Poland, where it is used primarily as a natural medicinal ingredient.

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil has a subtle herbal aroma and is characterised by a pale yellow colour and a pleasant, slightly nutty flavour. For this reason, milk thistle oil can be added to a wide variety of savoury and sweet dishes – ranging from porridge, yoghurt and quark-based dishes, right through to vegetable and meat dishes. To produce milk thistle oil, fresh milk thistle seeds must first be harvested and gently pressed at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. Cold-pressing is the most effective method of extracting the greatest possible number of valuable active ingredients from the plant, including silymarin, which is found in the seeds.

Properties of cold-pressed milk thistle oil

Cold-pressed milk thistle seed oil contains a range of nutrients beneficial to our health. In addition to unsaturated fatty acids, the high vitamin E content is particularly noteworthy; together with the fatty acids, it supports brain health and proper cell development. Furthermore, a significant proportion of milk thistle oil consists of silymarin, a plant-derived compound characteristic of milk thistle. Silymarin has powerful detoxifying properties, making it crucial for liver function.

The components of cold-pressed milk thistle seed oil are what give it its health-promoting properties. These include, amongst others:

• Antioxidant properties – milk thistleoilis an interesting medicinal ingredient due to the high activity of its antioxidant compounds, which help combat free radicals present in the body.
• Softening, nourishing and moisturising properties – milk thistleoilis exceptionally rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, amongst other things, help to regenerate the skin’s hydrolipid barrier. The oil also has a softening effect, helping to maintain the skin’s natural elasticity.
• Regenerative properties – milk thistleoilconsists of over 70 per cent unsaturated fatty acids, essential nutrients that must be obtained from external sources. As components of cell membranes, these acids contribute to cell reconstruction and, consequently, to skin regeneration.
• Hepatoprotective properties –probablythe best-known property of milk thistle oil. It is rich in flavonoids, particularly silymarin, the most active compound of which is silybin. Flavonoids have a detoxifying effect and aid in liver regeneration.

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil – what is it good for?

As already mentioned, milk thistle seed oil contains silymarin – one of the main active compounds characteristic of milk thistle. This compound is particularly concentrated in ripe seeds, from which the oil is extracted; it is characterised by high levels of flavonoids, which are very powerful antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of the oil have been valued for many centuries, manifesting in a wide range of effects across various aspects of the human body’s functioning. The use of milk thistle oil is currently recommended as a preventative measure against a number of ailments, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases – itappearsthat milk thistle also has a positive effect on the health of blood vessels. Diabetics are particularly at risk of cardiovascular diseases, for whom milk thistle may prove a useful solution. The oil reduces levels of ADMA, a substance that has a harmful effect on the health of blood vessels. Milk thistle oil counteracts its increase by improving the condition of the blood vessel endothelium, thereby counteracting the negative impact of diabetes on the entire cardiovascular system.
• Diabetes – inflammatoryprocessesand oxidative stress contribute to the development of diabetes and, if diabetes is already present, to the development of secondary complications. Studies conducted in conjunction with supplementation with cold-pressed milk thistle oil have shown that regular intake of the oil improves antioxidant levels and reduces inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Immune system –asmilk thistle also stimulates the immune system and strengthens the body’s defences, the more oil we consume, the better. The oil’s beneficial effects not only stimulate the immune system but also increase levels of so-called interferon-gamma, which combats viruses and potential cancerous changes.
• Digestive system –as well as havinga positive effect on liver function, milk thistle oil also has a significant impact on the entire digestive system. It regulates metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties. A diet supplemented with milk thistle oil helps protect our digestive system and improves our general well-being. Natural milk thistle oil is also helpful in alleviating the unpleasant effects of overeating, and protects against bloating and colic.
• Skin and hair –dueto its high content of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, natural milk thistle oil, when applied directly to the skin and hair, can help improve their appearance and condition. It does not block pores and does not cause troublesome spots or blackheads, whilst also reducing skin problems caused by conditions such as acne or cold sores. It is absorbed instantly into the skin and provides valuable moisturisation.

Milk thistle oil for the liver – how should it be used?

It is said that silymarin stabilises liver cells, thereby protecting them from external damage. For this reason, common liver conditions such as hepatitis C, cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are often treated with the silymarin contained in the oil.

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil also has powerful cholagogue and choleretic properties. A diet rich in milk thistle may help prevent gallstones, thereby supporting liver function and enhancing its efficiency. At the same time, silymarin aids liver regeneration and the formation of new, healthy cells within it. Healthy milk thistle oil can be used in various ways, either as part of a home preventative regimen or for therapeutic purposes, in accordance with medical advice. Cold-pressed oil, as part of a treatment to support liver function, can be consumed cold or added to ready-prepared (not hot) dishes.

Milk thistle oil for dogs – can pets benefit from it?

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil is very popular amongst pet owners, particularly those with dogs. Due to its high safety profile and negligible side effects, the oil can be used for pets. What effect does natural milk thistle oil have on a dog’s health?

• It supports the immune system – the silymarincontainedin the oil prevents toxins from passing through cell membranes, thereby supporting your pet’s immune system.
• Supports detoxification – thebeneficialhepatoprotective effect of milk thistle is also observed in animals. In this way, the oil removes both chemical and natural toxins from the dog’s body.
• Improves coat condition –dueto its high content of vitamin E and the polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-9, the oil helps maintain the health and beautiful appearance of your dog’s coat.
• Chronic conditions –naturalmilk thistle oil is often recommended by vets due to the beneficial effects of its active ingredients, which may help improve conditions affecting the kidneys and pancreas.

Cold-pressed milk thistle seed oil – how much does it cost?

Natural cold-pressed milk thistle oil is not available in every shop. It can only be found in well-stocked health food shops or online. When looking for high-quality oil, you should pay attention to its price and any certification confirming that it is organic. Oils sourced from sustainable farms and free from pesticides can be bought online for as little as 20 to 40 zlotys for 250–500 ml of highly concentrated product.

Natural milk thistle oil – what are the reviews like?

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil is regarded by specialists and everyday users alike as an effective aid to liver function and overall health. People using the oil as part of a treatment for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and gallstones confirm its strong hepatoprotective effect. Furthermore, some people also report the oil’s positive, detoxifying effects following excessive alcohol consumption, noting a significant improvement in their condition and well-being. However, it appears that further research is needed to confirm the oil’s effectiveness.

Cold-pressed milk thistle oil – how should it be dosed and stored?

How should milk thistle oil be dosed? Just one or two teaspoons a day is sufficient to ensure the best possible intake of the active ingredients in milk thistle. This dose corresponds to approximately 5 mg of unsaturated fatty acids and 6% silymarin. Cold-pressed milk thistle oil should be taken neat or added to drinks and meals to improve the absorption of beneficial nutrients.

The oil itself is best stored in a dark glass bottle. This protects the oil’s contents from harmful UV rays, which can damage its valuable nutrients. It is also important to remember that the oil naturally forms a sediment and should be stored in a cool, dark place; once opened, it should be kept in the fridge.

Using milk thistle oil at night – when should you take it?

As we have already mentioned, to maintain a consistent level of flavonoids, cold-pressed milk thistle oil should be taken several times a day. However, if you cannot find the time to take it several times a day, it is better to take the oil in the evening rather than in the morning. The evening and night-time hours are the best times for taking the oil as a supplement, as the liver is particularly active whilst you sleep.

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