Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle Plant Uses & Benefits

The milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum,) often referred to as Saint Mary's thistle, has a history that stretches back over 2,000 years. Native to the Mediterranean region, the plant's distinctive appearance earned it its name. According to legend, the Virgin Mary's milk drops fell onto its leaves, leaving behind the white veins we see today.

milk thistle is a close relative of the artichoke and shares many of its liver-protective properties. In fact, ancient Greeks and Romans valued the plant for its ability to remedy all sorts of liver ailments. The plant was also mentioned in the writings of Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher of the early Roman Empire, who described its detoxifying properties at length. In medieval Europe, milk thistle continued to grow in popularity for its impressive liver support benefits. The plant was also valued to ward off evil spirits and serve as an antidote for snakebites. 

The biochemical composition of milk thistle is characterized by a group of bioactive compounds, with the most prominent one being silymarin. Silymarin is a complex mixture of flavonolignans, including silybin, silychristin, and silydianin, known for their potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Besides silymarin, milk thistle contains flavonoids, such as quercetin and taxifolin, further bolstering its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Milk thistle is one of the most widely used plants in herbal medicine today, thanks to its numerous impressive health benefits. These are listed below.

Health Benefits of The Milk Thistle Plant

• Antioxidant, Antiviral And Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• Galactagogue – Increases Milk Production In Nursing Mothers 
• Helps Treat Liver Conditions (alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and others)
• Improves Insulin Sensitivity 
• May Help Prevent Age-Related Decline In Brain Function 
• Protects Against Bone Loss
• Provides Hepatoprotective Effects (Protects The Liver)

Who Would Benefit From A Milk Thistle Supplement?

Individuals who may most benefit from using milk thistle include those with liver conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, thanks to its demonstrated hepatoprotective properties and ability to promote liver cell regeneration. Additionally, people exposed to environmental toxins, alcohol, or medications that can strain the liver may find milk thistle supplements advantageous. Furthermore, those looking to maintain overall liver health and support their body's natural detoxification processes may find incorporating milk thistle into their wellness regimen helpful. Lactating mothers with milk supply issues may also greatly benefit from milk thistle supplementation, as the plant has been shown to significantly increase milk production.

Milk Thistle Supplement Varieties

Those who would like to try milk thistle will be happy to know that it comes in a wide range of different forms, including capsules and tablets, liquid extracts and tinctures, as well as powders and teas. 

Milk thistle is also commonly included in combination supplements, such as liver support blends. These products typically contain a mix of herbs and nutrients intended to support liver health.

A quality milk thistle extract should contain 65–80% silymarin and 20–35% fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Look for supplements that clearly state they have been standardized to contain at least 70% silymarin for optimal therapeutic effects.  

Final Considerations & Important Information

For general liver support and detoxification, a typical dosage is around 200-400 mg of standardized milk thistle extract taken 1-3 times daily. 

In cases of liver disease or conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, higher doses may be recommended under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, often ranging from 400-800 mg or more per day. 

Lower doses may be suitable when used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation to determine the best dose for you.

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