15% off £35 OR 20% off £45

Code:OFFER
 

15% off £35 OR 20% off £45

Code:OFFER

Offers3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchShort DatedVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBetterYouBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures Aid3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsAdvent CalendarsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherHuelPukkaTwiningsNakdMeridianPerfectTedSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 for £5 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettPhDNakdHuelSave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsIntroductory Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautySun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaHolland & BarrettNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthique3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.CBDfxTRIPfourfiveCannaray CBDHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind Botanicals3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort DatedDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadePhDHeath & HeatherUSNOptimum NutritionBouncePulsinTrekDiabloSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceIntroductory OfferOutletShort DatedGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inVeganChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionWild3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort Dated3 for £14 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Best milk thistle supplements

milk thistle flower in field
Milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral, & anti-inflammatory properties. We share the best milk thistle supplements, & give general advice.

Milk thistle is a really odd-looking, prickly herb, which is topped with a hairy purple flower!

It is related to the daisy and ragweed family, and native to the Mediterranean part of the world.1

So what is it used for? And how do you know which are the best types of milk thistle supplements?

What are the benefits of milk thistle?

Milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.2

It has also been used as a traditional remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders, to promote breast milk production, and to protect the liver from snake bites, other poisons, and alcohol.3

Though milk thistle is often used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases or ailments, there is no evidence that it could help prevent you from getting those conditions, particularly if you have an unhealthy diet and consume lots of alcohol.4

Milk thistle could also provide heart benefits, by lowering cholesterol levels, and it could benefit people with type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis.5

It is also possible that milk thistle could help with age-related decline in brain function.

Traditionally, it has been used as a remedy for conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinson’s. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it could be neuroprotective.6

Its key active ingredient has been found to prevent oxidative damage of brain cells, and that in turn could also help prevent mental decline.7

What to look out for in a milk thistle supplement

The active ingredients in milk thistle are some plant compounds that together are known as silymarin.8

When considering buying a supplement, check out its ingredient list and consider how much silymarin it contains.

Silymarin can exert membrane-stabilizing and antioxidant activity. It promotes hepatocyte regeneration, and inhibits fibrogenesis in the liver, according to various clinical trials. 9

Hepatocytes are the main functional cells of the liver, and they perform a huge range of metabolic, endocrine, and secretory functions.10

Fibrogenisis is a pathological condition that results from an excessive growth of fibrous connective tissue in an organ like the liver. 11

Milk thistle tea, tablets, extracts or drops: which is best?

Milk thistle extract has a high proportion of silymarin, at around 65 to 80 percent.12 The extract can be consumed in a tablet, or as drops.

Milk thistle tea

Milk thistle tea is usually made up of the fruit and seeds of the plant.

The tea has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries, but the scientific studies of the benefits of the tea have produced mixed results.

Some people also just drink the tea for its cleansing, soothing effect, and general healthy nature.

Most of the tea though, is of course water, which means that most of the nutrients from the herb are diluted.13

Milk thistle tablets

You can also consume milk thistle as a tablet, including as effervescent tablets and as capsules.

The advantage of this format is that you know just how much you are taking, and can consume a regular daily amount.

 Some people take milk thistle tablets to help with indigestion.

One capsule twice a day, to help relieve symptoms associated with an upset stomach is the recommended dosage, based on traditional use.14

Milk thistle drops

Milk thistle drops are sometimes combined with other beneficial herbs, such as dandelion or peppermint extract.

You can add a few drops a day to a small amount of water, or another drink, but check the packaging to work out how many drops you will need.

Milk thistle seeds

You can also actually eat the fresh ground seeds of a milk thistle, if you can manage to get hold of them.

You can use a coffee grinder to churn them into a coarse powder. You can then sprinkle them on anything you eat – from shakes, to salads, to your morning cereal.

The seeds taste sweet and bitter at once, and have an oily texture, so they may be an acquired tasted.15

In terms of how much you will need, a safe dosage of milk thistle is around 420 milligrams per day, for up to 3.5 years.

Milk thistle extract

Alternatively, an extract (in tablet or drop form), that contains 200 to 400 milligrams of silymarin is typically considered an effective amount.16

A note that when it comes to milk thistle tea, you cannot really drink too much of it.

However, people who have an allergy to plants in the same family, such as ragweed, daises, marigolds and chrysanthemums, may also have an allergic reaction to milk thistle.17

Usually, however, no allergic reaction would be noted until the dosage was excessive, at around 1.5 grams in a single day.18

Last updated: 31 March 2021

Sources

  1. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26755857
  3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
  4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
  5. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects
  6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19647779/
  8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21466434/
  10. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/liver/histo_hcytes.html
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4539753/
  12. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
  13. https://www.webmd.com/diet/milk-thistle-tea-good-for-you
  14. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-milk-thistle-capsules-60099080/
  15. https://www.cambridgenaturals.com/blog/milk-thistle-food-for-the-liver
  16. https://www.drugs.com/npp/milk-thistle.html
  17. https://www.webmd.com/diet/milk-thistle-tea-good-for-you
  18. https://www.drugs.com/npp/milk-thistle.html
 

Related Articles