Real Health / The Amazing Benefits of Milk Thistle

The Amazing Benefits of Milk Thistle

August 13, 2024 Dr Livingood

Image highlighting the health benefits of milk thistle, showing capsules, a flower, and herbal tea.

You may be familiar with this purple flower, but what you might not know is that milk thistle has beneficial properties that can support your health!

The main compounds found in milk thistle have antioxidant properties that have been linked to lowering inflammation in the body, especially in the liver.

In this article, I will cover what milk thistle is, how your health could benefit from it, and how you can add it to your daily diet.

Keep reading to learn about the amazing benefits of milk thistle!

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle gets its name from the belief that a drop of the Virgin Mary’s milk fell on this flower and henceforth blessed it.

Also known as Silybum marianum, milk thistle is a type of herb in the thistle family that’s known for having purple flowers and thorny spikes just below and around the bloom.

Milk thistle originates in Europe, and has been used in medicine for hundreds of years, going back to the medieval era.

Historically, this herb was used to treat inflammation of the liver and conditions like jaundice.

Benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is often used to try to help protect the liver against certain substances and toxins.

The compounds extracted from milk thistle are called silymarin and have been linked to reduced inflammation and protection against free radicals and oxidative damage.

While more research is needed, some studies have shown that silymarin can help people who suffer from liver issues and fatty liver by helping to improve their liver function.

Some studies have even shown milk thistle to have bone- and brain-protecting properties, helping to prevent degenerative conditions.

However, more studies need to be done to understand the full effects that milk thistle may have.

How You Can Get Milk Thistle

Milk thistle comes in supplement form as a capsule or powder and can also be brewed as a tea.

If you don’t like the way milk thistle tastes as a tea or don’t have time to drink tea every day, then the capsules or powder may be more convenient.

Liquid extracts of milk thistle are also available and used for high-potency effects.

Because of its antioxidant properties, silymarin can be a great way to help protect not just your liver, but your whole body from oxidative stress.

While you can take milk thistle extract daily, you should watch out for side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, itching, and headaches.

If you experience any of these side effects, then discontinue the use of milk thistle and talk to your doctor.

Support Your Liver Today!

Milk thistle can be a great way to give your liver a break and help protect it from oxidative stress.

Due to its antioxidant properties, milk thistle extract can help protect your liver as well as your body from free radicals, as well as potentially help lower inflammation.

Taking milk thistle extract as a supplement can help support your normal liver health.

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