Milk thistle

Silybum marianum

Promoted for liver disorders, but there is not enough high-quality evidence of effects in people.

Safety notes

Usually well tolerated; the most common side effects are digestive symptoms. Ask for advice if you take medicines.

Preparation

The seeds are ground or used as an extract (silymarin).

Use in traditions

Historically used for liver complaints and to increase breast milk production.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Herbal medicine worldwide

Attributed effects

Bitter tonic, promotes bile, antidepressant, antioxidant, antiviral, promotes milk flow; protects the liver.

Preparation and amount

Seed tincture 20–50 drops in water for liver and gallbladder complaints or as a digestive stimulant; preventively up to 5 ml a day (with dandelion root) with a history of gallstones or liver disease; capsules 1–2 × 200 mg against a hangover or before drinking; powder on varicose ulcers; tea of the leaf or flower head to stimulate milk production.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Tincture Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Europe →