Milk Thistle
(Silybum marianum)
Also know as St. Mary's thistle
Botanical Information
A tall stout, spiny thistle with bright purple flowering heads. The glossy leaves are covered with wavy milky bands, thus the name milk thistle. An Aster family member.
Working with Milk Thistle
Part(s) Used
Seeds
Herb Forms
Tincture, standardized extract in tablets, bulk seed.
Known for its excellent liver-protectant properties, milk thistle has proven effective in scientific studies for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. This herb is used to protect the liver from toxins and drugs, such as alcohol, aspirin, acetominophen, and pharmaceutical drugs. It enhances liver regeneration after exposure to heavy metals, radiation, or toxic chemicals. Milk thistle stimulates the growth of new liver cells, builds liver health, and is a strong antioxidant.
The ground seeds can be sprinkled on food; besides the liver-protective compounds (called silymarin), they also contain a substantial quantity of essential fatty acids, starch, and protein. The young greens are among the most tasty of all wild foods, after the spiny leaf margins are removed with a scissors.
Milk Thistle has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Contraindicated for people with liver cancer, and other cancers because of its cell-proliferant qualities.
Conditions treated with Milk Thistle
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
liver protector, rebuilder
Application
standardized extract, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
liver tonic and protectant
Application
tincture, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
liver tonic and protectant
Application
tincture, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
liver and spleen protectant
Application
tincture, tablet
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.