Milk Thistle - Health Benefits

Milk Thistle - Health Benefits

Silybum marianum
Part Used: Seeds
Action: Hepatic, Galactagogue
Other Names: Mary’s thistle

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.
Chemotherapy Side Effects, Cirrhosis, Deafness (slight), Eczema, Hangover, Hepatitis with Jaundice, Liver Enlargement, Liver Protectant, Poisoning, Psoriasis, Radiation Side Effects, Spleen Enlargement, Spleen Tonic, Vitiligo

Caution: Contraindicated for people with liver cancer and other cancers because of its cell-proliferant qualities.
Health Benefits
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 and enhance liver regeneration after exposure to heavy metals, radiation, or toxic chemicals. Milk thistle stimulates the growth of new liver cells 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 tastiest of all wild foods; the spiny leaf margins are removed with a scissors before eating.