CARDUUS

Homeopathy

CARDUUS

Silybum marianum syn. Carduus marianus
St. Mary’s thistle, milk thistle.

Key Uses:

Acute or chronic liver problems

Gallbladder pain

Gallstone colic

Lung conditions, such as asthma

Severe abdominal and liver pain

Origin : Native to the Mediterranean region and grown throughout Europe.

Background : The flowerheads were traditionally grown to eat as a substitute for artichokes, and boiled as a spring tonic following the winter months.

Preparation : The ripe, dried seeds are soaked in water for one to two days and then macerated in alcohol.

Remedy Profile : Carduus is most suitable for people who are completely run down, with the kind of total physical and mental exhaustion, blankness, and indifference that may arise following a hard life of physical labor, or that may be caused by alcoholism.
The classic symptom picture for Carduus is of acute or chronic liver problems and lung conditions such as asthma. The remedy may be used for severe liver and abdominal pain that is most marked when lying on the left side, or for gallbladder pain and gallstone colic. The stools are typically discolored and pale due to liver malfunction, or they may be dark due to internal bleeding in the digestive system.

Symptoms Better : For sitting up in bed; after a nosebleed.

Symptoms Worse : For movement; for lying on the left side; for alcohol.