Milk thistle is a beneficial herbal remedy with digestive, purifying, and detoxifying properties that are especially helpful for the liver when we may have overindulged with food and alcohol. The plant’s seeds have long been used to treat liver disorders and aid digestion, with silymarin being the key compound found within milk thistle that boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. These properties help to ensure regular liver function and have been used to treat conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and steatosis for centuries. It also aids in the body’s detoxification process by stimulating metabolism and bile production to break down fats.
The European Medicines Agency recognizes milk thistle seeds and its derivatives in traditional herbal remedies to alleviate digestive symptoms and support liver function. Milk thistle’s detoxification properties make it a great remedy for sluggish digestion and a perfect hangover remedy. It can be taken in supplement form with capsules or tablets twice a day or prepared as herbal tea by brewing dried fruit in hot water for about 10 minutes. Ready-made infusions combining milk thistle with other purifying plants like mint, fennel, and licorice are also available for convenience.
However, there are certain precautions to consider when using milk thistle. It should not be taken by individuals allergic to the plant or its components and should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient data on its safety during these periods. Overall, milk thistle provides a natural and effective way to support liver health, aid digestion, and detoxify the body, making it a valuable herbal remedy to have on hand for those days when it is needed.
