Milk Thistle: Benefits and Uses

Image credit: healthjade.com

What is milk thistle & how does it work?

Milk thistle is a natural herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s commonly used to detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder health. Also known by its scientific name, Silybum marianum, milk thistle grows mostly in California, although it can be grown in many other warm climates as well.

What is the botanical name of milk thistle?

Milk thistle’s botanical name is Silybum marianum. The flowering plant is also commonly referred to as Mary thistle, holy thistle, Marian thistle, wild artichoke, Our Lady’s thistle, and St. Mary’s Thistle. Milk thistle is native to Europe and also found in South and North America.

Where is milk thistle found?

Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. The terms “milk thistle” and “silymarin” are often used interchangeably. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems.

What is milk thistle used for?

Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: Diabetes. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes, but more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. Indigestion (dyspepsia).

What does milk thistle look like?

Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white sap that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. The flowers are red purple. The small, hard-skinned fruit is brown, spotted, and shiny. Milk thistle spreads quickly (it is considered a weed in some parts of the world), and it matures in less than a year.

What Is Milk Thistle

1. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-milk-thistle/art-20362885
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320362

Milk Thistle Information

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
2. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle
3. https://draxe.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits/
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/milk-thistle-benefits
5. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/milk-thistle
6. https://examine.com/supplements/milk-thistle/