Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is pre-eminently a liver or liver tonic. In Europe, milk thistle has been used for more than 2000 years in various diseases of liver and gall bladder and to protect the liver and gall bladder against toxins and other harmful influences. Less well known is that milk thistle supports glucose and fat metabolism, improves glycemic control in diabetics and protects the pancreas against oxidative stress by an increased blood glucose level. It can also help against dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, and hay fever. Traditionally, milk thistle was also used to support milk production in breastfeeding women.
The Greek doctor Dioscorides (40-90 AD) advised milk thistle in snake bites and Native Americans used the herb in ulcers and other skin conditions. Milk thistle has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-carcinogenic and cholesterol-lowering effects, promotes bile secretion and protects liver, pancreas, kidneys, and brain.
Sources
The extract comes from the fruits/seeds of Silybum marianum (Milk thistle).
Indications
Sometimes also know as the hangover cure it will help against toxic influences such as toxic liver load (alcohol, drugs (see interactions), drugs, radiation, poisonous mushrooms such as Amanita phalloides, chemicals such as toluene and xylene, lead, iron)
Here is also another list of possible cures for the following diseases:
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver
- Acute and chronic (viral) hepatitis
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Galstuwing, (prevention) gallstones
- Diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2), diabetic nephropathy
- Dyspepsia, peptic ulcer
- Hay fever
Contraindications
When you are hypersensitive to plants from the Asteraceae family you should be carefull with the usage.
Use advice
General recommended dose: 250-1000 mg / day, to be taken with a meal during the day.
Safety
Milk thistle (extract) is very safe in the recommended doses. The herb has a long tradition of use and is also used with children (mushroom poisoning), women who are pregnant (intrahepatic cholestasis) or breastfeeding (promoting lactation) and the elderly over 75 years. Milk thistle extract can in one case be accompanied by mild gastrointestinal complaints. In that case, reduce the dosage or discontinue use (temporarily).
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