22 August 2024

Silybum maryanum

Milk Thistle - as is the case with so many of nature’s herbaceous gifts - is a wonder herb that has been used as a liver tonic for centuries.

Species: S. marianum

Family: Asteraceae

Kingdom: Plantae

Genus: Silybum


Milk Thistle - as is the case with so many of nature’s herbaceous gifts - is a wonder herb that has been used as a liver tonic for centuries. It has properties so difficult to pronounce they are impressive: galactagogue (increases milk supply), hepatoprotective (protects the liver)...put that in your tea and drink it! 


When the white-veined leaves and the stalks are broken, milky white sap is produced. This is a wonderful example of why the ancient Greek physicians and botanists may have considered the doctrine of signatures.

For anyone partial to a glass of wine (or two), Milk Thistle should be a pantry staple. It won’t cure a hangover, but its liver-protecting properties may be beneficial. Hepatoprotective means that Milk Thistle protects the liver from free radical and toxin-induced damage. It contains plant compounds called silymarin, which have anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties that actively repair the liver.

Milk Thistle also possesses antihepatotoxic properties due to the silibinin (a.k.a. silybin) it contains, which may prevent liver damage when one is exposed to amatoxins (of the poisonous Amanita mushroom genus). In some countries, an intravenous silybin solution is available to treat mushroom poisoning in the emergency room. For less critical situations, Milk Thistle is known to protect the liver when subjected to other toxins such as statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), acetaminophen (paracetamol), and pollutants. As per Margaret Roberts, Milk Thistle aids the liver when exposed to “alcohol, drugs and chemicals, and is extremely valuable in minimizing the effects of chemotherapy”.

According to healthline.com, “(m)ilk thistle is generally considered safe. Nevertheless, pregnant women, those allergic to the Asteraceae (daisy) family of plants, those with diabetes, and anyone with an estrogen-sensitive condition should seek medical advice before taking it.” 

 

References:

  • Milk Thistle Extract Combats Mushroom Poisoning by Gretchen Goetz on October 10, 2011(source)
  • Amanita phalloides Mushroom Poisonings — Northern California, December 2016
  • Kathy T. Vo, Martha E. Montgomery, S. et al. 
  • MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2017 Jun 2; 66(21): 549–553. Published online 2017 Jun 2. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6621a1(source)
  • 7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle. Written by Helen West, RD on January 19, 2018. 
  • Silybum Marianum - Milk Thistle. https://www.thegardener.co.za/the-gardener/annuals/silybum-marianum/. Retrieved on 17 January 2022.
  • Image courtesy of Thanasis Papazacharias pixabay.com
  • Image courtesy of Solfaroli Renzo pixabay.com

Caution & Disclaimer:

Consult your doctor/physician before taking an herbal supplement, especially if you are on prescription medication or suffer from any chronic conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions - it is prudent to test a small amount and wait 24 hours to establish an allergic response.

When wild harvesting, ensure that plants have not been sprayed or exposed to excess pollution.