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Carduus Marianus

Milk Thistle

Known as milk thistle, is a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region but is now found in various parts of the world. Milk thistle has been used for centuries for its potential medicinal properties particularly in traditional herbal medicine.
Carduus Marianus

COMMON NAME

Milk thistle, blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle

FAMILY NAME

Asteraceae

ACTIONS

Milk thistle is a cholagogue, hepatic, hepatoprotective & hepatorestorative, galactagogue, and demulcent.

BENEFITS

Milk thistle offers potential health benefits including liver protection, antioxidant effects, detoxification support, and potential cholesterol-lowering properties.

  • BENEFITS

    Milk thistle (Carduus marianus) is renowned for its medicinal benefits primarily attributed to its active component, silymarin. Notably, it is widely recognized for its hepatoprotective properties aiding in the protection of the liver from damage and contributing to the management of liver conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease. Milk thistle is also believed to support detoxification processes in the liver, enhance antioxidant activity, potentially lower cholesterol levels, and exert anti-inflammatory effects.

  • USAGE

    Milk thistle can be consumed as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts which contain concentrated silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle.It’s dried seeds or leaves can also be brewed into a tea. Lastly, milk thistle can be consumed in a powdered form that can be added to beverages or food. 

  • MORE INFO

    Milk thistle has a rich history rooted in traditional herbal medicine with its origins in the Mediterranean region. Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations recognized its medicinal properties with figures like Theophrastus and Pliny the Elder documenting its benefits. In medieval Europe, milk thistle gained prominence in herbalism and became associated with the Virgin Mary. Scientific interest surged in the 20th century focusing on the active compound silymarin and its potential hepatoprotective effects. Today, milk thistle is widely used as a dietary supplement, particularly for liver health.

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