Factfinder
A-Z of herbal remedies
Milk thistle
Background:
Milk Thistle is one of the best-researched herbs, but conventional medicine remains resistant to its wider use.
Standardised extracts from the seeds of the plant are used to make tablets and capsules.
It is a more powerful antioxidant than both vitamin C and vitamin E.
Uses:
Milk thistle may protect against liver damage from alcohol, hepatitis and chemical toxins.
It is used for all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis, and liver damage due to drugs and alcohol.
It is believed to help protect the liver and help fight the effects of pollution and free radical damage.
It has become a popular remedy for hangovers. Taken before you go out on the town it may protect you from the worse effects of alcohol. Take it after you get home and it may get you back to normal more quickly. In any case, drink plenty of water to flush out the poisons and combat dehydration.
Some cancer treatments are toxic to the liver, and milk thistle may help to fight these effects. Investigations into this possibility are continuing.
Dose:
A normal dose is 200 to 400 mg of silymarin (its active part) a day, but up to 600 mg is not unusual.
Safety:
There are few side effects, if any. It has an occasional mild laxative action.
It has been used for centuries and its actions have been thoroughly investigated for 30 years or more.