Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a popular liver protective tonic for hepatitis and a liver regenerative for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease or damage. While this herb is mainly used for liver issues, study results have shown positive for use in diabetes. The herb is Class 1, which means it is an herb that a person can safely consume with appropriate use, per Botanical Safety Handbook. The exception would be for someone with an allergy to the Compositae family, which includes chrysanthemums, daisies, and ragweed.

For those orientated to a scientific framework, standardization of an herbal preparation might be important. Standardization of herbs refers to the chemical extraction of an active constituent of a plant which can achieve healing results. Milk thistle is one of the herbs which is often standardized to 80% silymarin. Qualified practitioners may recommend milk thistle to provide some protection of the liver from the toxic effects of cisplatin chemotherapy. There are some researchers who recognize the value of synergistic effects of combined use of herbs, herbs and drugs, or multiple drugs in the treatment of health conditions. In these situations, using a standardized product could have important ramifications.

Herbal preparations use the seed of the milk thistle plant. Seed is the result of flowers that have matured. When the white pappus tuft begins to develop, a person cuts off the flowers by hand and stores them in untreated burlap sacks to ripen. The ripe fruit is hand sorted to keep the light milk thistle seed from blowing away in the winnowing process.  Now the person can use the prepared seed to make a tincture to be used for medicinal purposes.

Personal Story

There are many toxins in our modern world. In our family, we have used milk thistle as a detox herb to help cleanse the liver from dietary and environmental toxins. Although we eat many organic foods, including vegetables from our garden, we are not able to eat completely organic. This means we probably ingest some chemicals and heavy metals which need to be removed from our bodies.

Uses for Milk Thistle

1. Young milk thistle leaves are edible and used as a pot herb or in green salad.
2.  The young stalks, with the outer part peeled off, are edible.
3. The milk thistle root is also edible.
4. As a medicinal herb, milk thistle stimulates the liver’s function. It has silymarin, which protects the liver from toxins, according to research studies.
5. Milk thistle’s use is indicated in gallbladder conditions including cirrhosis and hepatitis. It increases liver and gallbladder bile secretion and flow.
6. Milk thistle is used in treating chronic uterine problems.
7. Milk thistle tea  is helpful for digestive complaints, such as gas and bloating.
8. Milk thistle encourages milk secretions and is considered safe for nursing mothers and infants.
9. Silymarin is used for mushroom poisoning.
10. Milk thistle has a curative effect on the spleen.
11. Milk thistle can have a positive effect on inflamed and hardened varicose veins.

Milk thistle is an excellent choice to boost liver function for detoxification.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!