Milk Thistle

Carduus marianus, Silybum marianum:

Originally native to the Mediterranean, Milk Thistle now grows wild in Europe, California and Australia. Rapidly self seeding it can spread quite rapidly. There are many species of thistle, however Milk Thistle has been shown to have the most medicinal benefit. Milk Thistle’s flower heads have traditionally been eaten as a tonic, to relieve mild depression and also to increase breast milk production. It is the seeds that have the greatest medicinal benefit. A flavonlignan component of the seeds called silymarin has been the focus of German research since the 1970s. Silymarin has been found to have a highly protective effect on the liver supporting its function and protecting it from toxins. Used successfully in treating hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, it was discovered that the severe liver breakdown caused by ingesting ‘Death Cap Mushrooms’ (which contain carbon tetrachloride) can be prevented if silymarin is taken immediately before, or within 48 hours of ingestion.
Key constituents: Flavonlignans (silymarin), polyacetylenes, bitter principles.

Primary actions: Increases bile flow, protects the liver, helps the liver renew its cells, beneficial in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and in any toxic condition of the liver such as excessive alcohol consumption or the side effects of chemotherapy. Lesser known benefits: Antidepressant, stimulates breast-milk production (whole plant and seeds).

Our Milk Thistle Extracts are prepared from the mature seeds of certified organically grown Silybum marianum plants. Grown without chemicals, never fumigated or irradiated, PHS Milk Thistle Extracts contain only whole herb constituents. Processed to contain the full spectrum of Milk Thistle’s silymarin flavonoids (silybin, silydianin & silychristin), PHS Milk Thistle Extracts thus provide the highest quality of benefits for liver health and protection.

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