— (Milk Thistle)
Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
The silymarin seed used across Europe as a liver protector.
Milk thistle plant · Herb · Parts: Seed, Leaf
- Taste (rasa)
- Bitter, sweet
- Energy (virya)
- Cooling
- Balances
- Pitta, Kapha
What it is used for
Benefits
- Silymarin from the seed is the best-studied Western liver-support extract
- Traditionally used after rich food, alcohol or a heavy season
- Used alongside bitter herbs for sluggish digestion of fats
- Also used in Europe for Pitta-style skin flare-ups
How much
Dosage
200-400 mg silymarin daily with food, or 1 tsp freshly ground seed stirred into food once daily.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Ground seed
Grind 1 tsp seed and stir into porridge, yoghurt or a smoothie.
With breakfast
Seed tea
Simmer 1 tsp crushed seed in a cup of water for 10 minutes; strain.
After a heavy meal
Read this first
Precautions
- Talk to a clinician first if you have any diagnosed liver condition
- May interact with medicines processed by the liver, including some statins
- Allergy risk for people sensitive to the daisy family
Where this comes from
Sources
Common questions
What is Milk Thistle used for?
The silymarin seed used across Europe as a liver protector. In traditional use the main applications are: Silymarin from the seed is the best-studied Western liver-support extract; Traditionally used after rich food, alcohol or a heavy season; Used alongside bitter herbs for sluggish digestion of fats.
What is the typical dosage of Milk Thistle?
200-400 mg silymarin daily with food, or 1 tsp freshly ground seed stirred into food once daily. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Milk Thistle be taken?
Ground seed: Grind 1 tsp seed and stir into porridge, yoghurt or a smoothie. Timing — With breakfast
Are there any precautions with Milk Thistle?
Talk to a clinician first if you have any diagnosed liver condition May interact with medicines processed by the liver, including some statins Allergy risk for people sensitive to the daisy family Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Milk Thistle replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
Where to buy
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- iHerbShips to US, UK and EU; third-party tested brands
- Banyan BotanicalsUS organic Ayurvedic specialist
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