Milk Thistle Silybum marianum L.

Milk thistle can help rehabilitate
the liver in cases of alcohol abuse

This handsome plant has been used for liver ailments for thousands of years, but until recently was one of herbal medicine's best kept secrets. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle is now listed in The Mereck Index as a liver protector and actually helps to regenerate liver cells and protects against damage by toxins and viruses. Whole seeds of milk thistle or a tincture made from them are now used in the United States as well as Europe for both protection and regeneration of the liver. Powdered seeds are also available in capsules. A frequent drinker, recovering alcoholic, or anyone taking harsh drugs long term, prescription or otherwise, should take milk thistle extract on a daily basis. ^1,2

The German Commission E has approved an extract of 70% silymarin in supporting healthy liver function. ^{Commission E Monographs} The Commission has also approved milk thistle in tea from for minor dyspeptic complaints. Milk thistle combines well with dandelion, peppermint or bitters thus combining hepatropic (liver) and choleretic(gallbladder) herbal actions to support better digestion. ^{(Weiss, Rudolf Fritz M.D.)}