Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum (Asteraceae - Daisy Family)

Also Known As: blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, Scotch thistle

Ayurvedic Names: not traditionally used

TCM Name: Shui Fei Ji

TRADITIONAL USE

Herbalists and physicians alike used milk thistle for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of liver pathologies, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and to protect the liver from environmental toxins.

FOLKLORE & HISTORY

Milk thistle use dates to Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece and it was traditionally used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders.

Its name derives from its leaves with sharp points that prickle, stick, or pierce and contain a milky sap.

HERBAL ACTIONS

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-fibrotic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective.

BENEFITS

Our herbs offer powerful herbal benefits and are not limited to just one category. Discover the full range of what each herb can do:

Immunity: General immune support, anti-inflammatory
Detox & Digestion: Liver health, detoxification, hangovers, digestive health,
Ageing & Longevity: Liver related skin complaints
Male Health: Hormonal balancing
Female Health: Breast milk stimulating, PMS
Energy & Vitality: Energy support

CONSTITUENTS

Silymarin: a group of flavonoids including silibinin, silidanin, and silychristin.
Essential oils.
Flavonoids.
Sterols.
Calcium, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins A and C

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindicated with: Tamoxifen, diabetic medication, sirolimus, raloxifene, P-glycoprotein substrates, morphine, blood thinners, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, antipsychotics, seizure medication, halothane, birth control pills and HRT, antipsychotics, phenytoin, medications changed by the liver