Milk Thistle Vs Burdock: Which Herb is Better for You?
Milk thistle and Burdock root are two popular herbs with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Both types have been recognized by research for the potential benefits they bring to human health. However, we need to know their differences to make the right choice. This article will explain Milk Thistle vs Burdock and which herb is better for you. And is it possible to combine both types?
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Key Takeaways
- Milk thistle vs Burdock root are natural herbs with antioxidant properties.
- Milk thistle is mainly known for its outstanding uses in supporting liver health, protecting the liver from free radicals, and contributing to liver detoxification.
- Meanwhile, Burdock helps detoxify and control arteriosclerosis and liver-related diseases.
- These herbs are generally safe when taken in recommended doses, with few or no side effects.
- In particular, both types can be used together to increase the effectiveness of supporting human liver health.
What is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle, also known scientifically as Silybum marianum. This precious herb has long been widely used in medicine thanks to its incredible health benefits, especially to the liver.
Milk thistle is a plant of the Asteraceae family originating from the Mediterranean region. It has identifying characteristics of leaves with yellow spines and a characteristic purple flower color. Currently, Milk Thistle is widely found in America, Asia, Africa,...[1]
A unique feature of Milk Thistle is its abundant Silymarin content. This is a flavonoid compound with potent antioxidant and antioxidant effects. Thanks to the primary extract Silymarin, Milk Thistle can effectively protect the liver from toxins such as amatoxin. Besides, Milk Thistle also helps reduce liver damage caused by free radicals. In particular, this herb also helps patients with alcoholic cirrhosis improve their condition and prolong their lifespan [2].
Besides, Milk Thistle also has a protective effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's [3]. Not only that, but Milk Thistle may strengthen the immune system [4].
Milk thistle is generally relatively safe and does not cause significant side effects, even for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Some mild side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, headache, etc., may occur. However, you should consult a medical professional if you are being supported with any other medication.
What is Burdock Root?
Burdock, scientifically known as Arctium lappa, is also a herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Northern Asia. It is currently grown and widely used worldwide. Burdock is a popular, easy-to-find herb that often grows wild in disturbed soil areas.
Since ancient times, Burdock has been widely used in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable properties. All parts of this herb, from the roots, stems, and leaves, contain many beneficial nutrients for health. The main extracts found in Burdock include Inulin - Soluble fiber that helps improve digestion and may support blood sugar control; Polyphenols - Powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals; Vitamins and other essential minerals for the body [5].
Burdock has many health benefits, one of which is liver health. Specifically, Burdock and its extracts help purify the liver and detoxify the body. It is worth noting that Burdock also has the effect of supporting the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis [6].
On the other hand, Burdock also strengthens the immune system, is antibacterial and antioxidant [7]. It is also impossible not to mention the effects of Burdock in beautifying the skin. Using Burdock helps you have smooth skin, reduce acne, and reverse skin aging [8].
Until now, no reported cases of dangerous side effects from using Burdock root have been reported. However, allergic reactions, rashes, drowsiness, restlessness, etc., may occur depending on each person's constitution. But in general, these symptoms only occur at a mild level.
Milk Thistle Vs Burdock: What's the Difference Between Them?
As analyzed, Milk Thistle and Burdock are both famous herbs with many health benefits, especially for the liver. However, these two herbs also have certain differences. The differences between Milk Thistle vs Burdock are presented in the table below:
| Milk Thistle | Burdock | |
| Origin | Mediterranean | Europe and North Asia |
| Ingredient | Silymarin, pentose, histamine and tyramine | Inulin, Polyphenols, Vitamins and minerals |
| Main uses | Protects the liver from toxins, helps detoxify the liver, neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation and regenerate liver cells | Supports liver health, strengthens the immune system, beautifies the skin, supports weight loss, and is good for digestion |
| Using | Use as granules, powder, tea or tablets | Use in the form of fresh or dried roots, stems, leaves, capsules, and tablets |
Milk Thistle Vs Burdock: Which Herb Is Better for You?
Which herb is better for you, milk thistle vs. Burdock? Using Milk Thistle or Burdock depends on your needs and current health condition. As well as your wishes to improve your health and function.
- Milk Thistle is the right choice if you want to focus on supporting liver health and protecting the liver.
- Burdock will have the advantage if you want to strengthen your immune system or beautify your skin.
Can You Combine Milk Thistle And Burdock Together?
The answer is yes. Milk Thistle and Burdock are valuable herbs that offer many health benefits and do not have significant side effects. Using these two herbs in combination properly will help you improve your liver function and quality of life.
Milk thistle and Burdock can be used together in the form of:
- Dietary supplements: Both of these herbs are available in capsule form. Tablet or powder form. It would help if you chose to buy products that combine these herbs in places that ensure reputation and quality. They must comply with the dosage, contraindications printed on the product, and the doctor's advice.
- Herbal tea form: Make tea from the leaves or roots of both herbs and enjoy any time of day. It is best to use it after meals for Milk Thistle and Burdock tea to work best.
Conclusion
Milk thistle and Burdock are precious herbs with their unique properties. Through this article, we hope you have understood the difference between Milk Thistle and Burdock, thereby gaining a more objective view of using these two herbs to improve your health. However, it is still essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any supplement to avoid unwanted side effects.
References
- [1] Abenavoli, L., Capasso, R., Milic, N., & Capasso, F. (2010). Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytotherapy Research, 24(10), 1423–1432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3207
- [2] Gillessen, A., & Schmidt, H. H.-J. . (2020). Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Advances in Therapy, 37(4), 1279–1301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y
- [3] Pérez-Hernández, Jesús, et al. A Potential Alternative against Neurodegenerative Diseases: Phytodrugs. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2016, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4736801/
- [4] Kazazis, Christos E., et al. The Therapeutic Potential of Milk Thistle in Diabetes. The Review of Diabetic Studies, vol. 11, no. 2, 2014, pp. 167–174, https://doi.org/10.1900/rds.2014.11.167.
- [5] Romualdo, G. R., Silva, E. D. A., Da Silva, T. C., Aloia, T. P. A., Nogueira, M. S., De Castro, I. A., Vinken, M., Barbisan, L. F., & Cogliati, B. (2020). Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) root attenuates preneoplastic lesion development in a diet and thioacetamide-induced model of steatohepatitis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Environmental Toxicology, 35(4), 518–527. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.22887
- [6] Mahboubi, M. (2020). Arctium lappa and management of liver functions to detoxifying the bloodstream. The Natural Products Journal, 10. https://doi.org/10.2174/2210315510999200727205254
- [7] Chan, YS., Cheng, LN., Wu, JH. et al. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (Burdock). Inflammopharmacol 19, 245–254 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4
- [8] Miazga-Karska, M., Michalak, K., & Ginalska, G. (2020). Anti-Acne Action of Peptides Isolated from Burdock Root-Preliminary Studies and Pilot Testing. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092027
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