Milk thistle is one of the best-known herbs for liver health, so let's look at what milk thistle's benefits really are. The purplish-pink plant known as milk thistle has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional herbal remedy for the liver and gallbladder. Milk thistle, often referred to as a weed, is a long, thin stemmed plant with spiny leaves that when ripped or crushed produce a milky-white liquid, hence the name milk thistle.
Milk thistle is native to Europe’s Mediterranean region but now grows all over the world. But what are the benefits of this weed-like plant? Can it really help your liver?
The Benefits of Milk Thistle for Your Liver
Milk thistle may also be called silymarin, which is a main component in milk thistle’s seeds.
Silymarin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that has been shown to be beneficial in promoting liver health. The plant compound may keep toxins from attaching to the liver as well as keep free radicals in check. Free radicals are harmful to your body’s cells and over time have been linked to serious health conditions, such as liver cancer.
Some studies suggest that milk thistle may help reduce inflammation and support cell repair. Researchers have studied milk thistle in liver conditions like jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease, and some doctors use it as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care, based on studies looking at milk thistle and liver inflammation and liver damage. It has also been studied in hospital settings for poisoning by amatoxin, the toxin produced by the death cap mushroom. When ingested, death cap mushrooms can be deadly (always a medical emergency).
Some research has also looked at milk thistle and blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being studied for their role in diabetes-related conditions, such as kidney disease, and for heart health, since it may help support healthy cholesterol levels.
Is Milk Thistle Safe?
For most people, milk thistle carries very little risk of harmful side effects when taken as a supplement. However, people who have certain allergies may be sensitive to milk thistle. If you are allergic to ragweed, artichokes, kiwi, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums, you may be at higher risk for having an allergic reaction to milk thistle. Other potential side effects include diarrhea, itching, bloating, and nausea, but very few people report having side effects.
Milk thistle is generally well tolerated and is a gentle, natural way to support liver health. Available in supplement form, milk thistle can become part of your daily nutritional routine. Our Liver Love product uses only the best, natural ingredients for promoting liver health. Packed full of organic milk thistle, dandelion, and other beneficial herbs, Liver Love is one of our favorite supplements for supporting your liver and overall health. Read more about the best herbs for your liver, according to science, and our 5 simple habits to love your liver.
As with any supplement, check with your doctor before starting milk thistle, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or take medication.
