Milk Thistle Herbal Remedies
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.
Milk Thistle Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Milk Thistle Extract | 1-2 capsules or tablets 2-3 x daily |
| Milk Thistle Tincture | 2-4 droppersful 2-3 x daily |
Milk Thistle Reference Information
| Latin Name | Silybum marianum |
| Other Names | St. Mary's thistle |
| Part Used | Seeds |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, standardized extract in tablets, bulk seed. |
| Affects | Digestive system, Liver |
| Cautions | Contraindicated for people with liver cancer, and other cancers because of its cell-proliferant qualities. |
| Botanical Info | 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. |
Supporting Research
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Harper-Shove, F. 1952. Prescriber and Clinical Repertory of Medicinal Herbs. Rustington, England: Health Science Press.