25/11/2025
Milk thistle is a flowering plant that is part of the daisy family. It gets its name from its bristly and prickly nature and the โmilkyโ sap that oozes out of the plant.
The leaves, fruits and seeds of milk thistle have been used for centuries as a natural medicine. Milk thistle is one of the worldโs most powerful liver detoxifying agents.
Milk Thistle and Liver Health:
The active antioxidant compound within milk thistle is the flavonoid complex called Silymarin. This antioxidant is one of the most powerful liver detoxifying agents. It helps to boost glutathione and superoxide dismutase which are two the bodies master super antioxidants.
One study found that silymarin increased glutathione content in the intestines and liver by up to 50%. Boosting glutathione helps protect the intestines from inflammatory damage that leads to ulcers and colitis.
Milk thistle guards the liverโs numerous hepatic cell membranes and slows the rate at which toxins can be absorbed into the liver. Research has shown that silymarin enhances protein synthesis to enhance liver cell regeneration and counteract the effects of poisons on the liver.
Silymarin is considered to be 10 times as potent as Vitamin E and increases the activity of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red and white blood cells in patients suffering with liver disease.
This increases oxygenation and immunity.
Milk Thistle as a Demulcent:
Milk Thistle is a demulcent that improves the health of the bodies mucous membranes. This reduces inflammation within the skin cells, sinus and respiratory tract and kidney and bladder wall lining.
It also reduces inflammatory stress in the bile duct and inhibits the formation of gallstones. This improves the functionality of the gallbladder and allows for complete bile release.
Milk Thistle also helps soften and improve the moisturization of the skin.
This is especially helpful for individuals with acne and eczema and other skin impurities. It has also been shown to improve the overall glow and radiance of the skin quality.