Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a herbal extract taken from the milk thistle plant, or Silybum marianum. This distinctive purple flowered plant grows in southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Milk thistle tablets when sold as a traditional herbal remedy is commonly chosen to help soothe indigestion. Based on traditional use only.

Milk thistle is high in a group of compounds called silymarin. Silymarin when taken in certain quantities has been seen to protect the liver while also aiding its detoxification.

Numerous milk thistle products are available. Milk thistle capsules such as HRI or Solgar milk thistle are popular choices.

When selecting a milk thistle product, it is best to check out the silymarin content because this is the supplement’s vital active ingredient. The higher the levels of silymarin the more potent the potential benefits.

If you prefer not to take tablets, choose a milk thistle tea or even an effervescent tablet, which can be simply dropped into water for a more palatable option.

Due to its potential oestrogenic effects, milk thistle should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

It is not suitable for people with breast, uterine or ovarian cancer or with uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

It is not suitable for anybody allergic to plants in the asteracea family, including artichoke and ragwort and should not be taken by those with diabetes.

A reaction to milk thistle is uncommon but side effects can include itchiness, nausea, diarrhoea and headaches. For traditional herbal remedies, please refer to the patient information leaflet for more details.

Thanks to its incredible benefits, its no wonder why milk thistle has been used for centuries and is still a popular herbal today. Why not take milk thistle tablets to:

Support your liver - Milk thistle contains high levels of an active ingredient called silymarin which protects and maintains liver function and contributes to the detoxifying potential of this organ; a great option if you are looking to detox after a night out.

Digestion – A hearty meal shouldn’t have to always end in indigestion! Milk thistle fruit extracts are used to relieve the symptoms associated with occasional over indulgence of food and drink such as indigestion and upset stomach. This is based on traditional use only.

Remember that all herbal remedies can have side effects, so it’s always best to consult a medical professional before you start taking any new supplement.

Why not check out our complete range of milk thistle supplements below and select an option to suit your exact health and wellbeing needs? From traditional milk thistle capsules to milk thistle effervescent tablets which you dissolve in water, there’s plenty of options containing this wonderful herb!