Milk thistle
Also called: Silymarin, Silybum marianum
A seed extract traditionally used to support the liver. Its active compounds, silymarin, act as antioxidants in liver cells.
Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.
Studied for
- Liver support
- Fatty liver (as part of a broader plan)
- Supporting the liver during medication or alcohol recovery (with your provider)
Found naturally in
- Milk thistle seeds, traditionally ground or brewed as a tea
Label red flags
- No silymarin percentage listed
- 'Liver detox' blends with undisclosed amounts
Check with a provider
- Allergy to ragweed, daisies, or related plants
- Taking diabetes medicine (it may lower blood sugar)
- Taking medicines processed by the liver. Review your list with your provider.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (it may have weak estrogen-like effects)
Usually found in liver support formulas, detox formulas. Browse Dr. Lesher's dispensary
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
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Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.