Milk thistle

Silybum marianum

Part used: Seeds (fruits)
Botanical family: Asteraceae

This purple-flowered thistle with white-marbled leaves grows throughout the Mediterranean, and its seeds contain silymarin — one of the most studied plant complexes for liver protection, stabilising liver cell membranes and supporting their regeneration. The classic support after periods of excess or long treatments.

Traditional uses

Liver support after periods of excess
Liver-related heavy digestion
Seasonal cleansing routines

Traditionally used for

liverdetoxexcessheavy digestionliver enzymes

How to prepare it

Gentle seed decoction or, more commonly, standardised extract or capsules.

Pairs well with: Artichoke leaf, Dandelion, Boldo

Ask us about this plant

Other plants with similar uses

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

This information reflects traditional uses of plants for general guidance and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask before using them.