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Featured Herb: Milk Thistle

Protection from environmental toxins begins with minimizing your exposure - avoiding smoking and second hand smoke, eating organic, pesticide-free foods, and reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals are a good start. The herb milk thistle may also have beneficial, detoxifying effects: it is an herbal remedy with an excellent reputation for protecting and enhancing the function of the liver (the main organ responsible for processing toxins). Anyone who uses alcohol regularly, who takes drugs or medications that can harm the liver, who has abnormal liver function for any reason, or who works with solvents or has a history of toxic exposures should consider taking milk thistle. Look for extracts standardized to 70-80 percent silymarin, the active fraction, and take two capsules twice a day or as the label directs. Milk thistle is nontoxic and can be used for extended periods.