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Milk Thistle

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Milk Thistle Silybum marianum herb illustration

Photo: Wildfeuer · CC BY 2.5 · Source

Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

Family: Compositae  |  Parts Used: Seeds

Milk Thistle is a well-regarded liver tonic used for cleansing, strengthening, and protecting the liver. Rich in silymarin, a group of flavolignans, it supports the regeneration of liver cells and promotes detoxification processes. Traditionally applied for liver ailments and as a cholagogue to promote bile flow, it is also used as a galactogogue to support milk production in nursing mothers.

Digestive Western Middle Eastern

Traditional Uses

  • Liver cleansing and toning
  • Support for liver ailments
  • Liver cell regeneration
  • Detoxification support
  • Promotes bile flow (cholagogue)
  • Promotes milk production in nursing mothers (galactogogue)

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Tea: 1-2 teaspoons of gently crushed seeds per 1 cup boiling water; or 1 oz gently crushed seeds per 1 pint of water. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
  • Tincture: 15-30 drops taken 1-2 times daily.

TCM Profile: Bitter, sweet, cool.

Cautions

  • Generally well-tolerated. May cause gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea, nausea, and bloating.
  • May have mild estrogenic effects; use with caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.
  • May interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
  • May lower blood sugar; monitor closely if taking diabetes medications.
  • Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family may react.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to Europe; brought to North America by early colonists. Grows in US zones 5-9. Prefers well-drained, dry soil and full sun.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p157

The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann, p215

Herbs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, Kathi Keville, p179

Published Research:

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): A concise overview on its chemistry, pharmacological, and nutraceutical uses in liver diseases | Phytotherapy Research (2018)

Silybin, a Major Bioactive Component of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaernt.): Chemistry, Bioavailability, and Metabolism | Molecules (2017)

Efficacy and Mechanisms of Silybum Marianum, Silymarin, and Silibinin on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms | Current Rheumatology Reviews (2024)

The Effects of a Fixed Combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum on Dyslipidaemia: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review | Planta Medica (2020)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

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