The amount of herbs lining the shelves at grocery stores can be quite overwhelming. Most of them have very eccentric names. Don’t be fooled by their funky nomenclature: many herbs offer a laundry list of benefits, with Milk Thistle being one of them. The benefits of milk thistle are impressive to say the least. Continue reading to learn more about this fascinating herb and the benefits it provides.

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk Thistle is a weed that comes from the same family of plants as the daisy. This medicinal herb has red to purple flowers with milk-white veins. Also known as Silybum marianum, milk thistle was native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia but can now be found worldwide. It is a popular herb that has been used for over 2,000 years!

Moreover, milk thistle seeds contain high concentrations of silymarin. Silymarin is an antioxidant and reduces free radical production! (1) It is commonly used to address problems with the liver and gallbladder. Although there are many purported medicinal benefits of milk thistle, a majority of the literature commends its’ ability to enhance liver function.

7 Benefits of Milk Thistle

1. Protects the Liver

Milk Thistle is best known as a liver cleanser by rebuilding liver cells and supporting the liver in removing toxins. The aforementioned flavonoid complex Silymarin deserves all the credit for speeding up the healing process in the liver.

Additionally, milk thistle has the potential to reverse damage caused by excessive drinking, including cirrhosis. It can also protect the liver from pesticides in our food supply, heavy metals in water, and environmental pollutants. It may also prevent conditions like hepatitis, jaundice, and fatty liver syndrome; however, further clinical trials are needed to study the benefits of this medicinal plant. (2)

Due to silymarin having a detoxifying effect, milk thistle may be a great complementary treatment at a low cost. There are many different ways to consume milk thistle, which we have outlined below.

2. Supports Skin Health

Due to the high antioxidant content of milk thistle, it can alleviate inflammation and help slow the aging process. Consuming milk thistle can be an easy way to prevent skin damage, such as acne, dark spots, wrinkles, and discoloration. (3)

3. Boosts the Immune System

If you’re looking to boost overall immunity, milk thistle is a great tool to use! Silymarin promotes glutathione formation in the body. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent disease formation and fights oxidative stress.

4. Supports Bone Health

Another benefit of the presence of silymarin in milk thistle is the prevention of bone loss caused by a deficiency of estrogen. A 2013 study discovered that milk thistle prevented bone loss specifically for those with estrogen deficiencies.

5. Improves Heart Health

Milk thistle extract contains high concentrations of fatty acids and omega-3’s, which are imperative for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids balance cholesterol levels in your body, thereby preventing atherosclerosis! As a result, it can lower your risk of a heart attack and stroke.

6. Regulates Cholesterol

By lowering LDL cholesterol, milk thistle may also lower the chance of heart disease. Moreover, silymarin may also improve total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the body when used in conjunction with other modalities.

It is important to note that existing studies on the heart benefits of milk thistle have only been conducted on those with diabetes or with high cholesterol levels. If cholesterol is a concern for you, you should speak with a naturopathic practitioner like Rebecca to discover the root cause.

7. Improves Breast Health

Milk thistle helps improve blood flow and the blood purification process. Since it improves proper nutrient transfer and absorption, your body can access more nutrients that are important for healthy breasts.

Uses

Milk thistle can be consumed in various forms. Here are some options for you to easily incorporate milk thistle into your diet: