Milk Thistle Health Benefits

Milk thistle (silybum marianum) is often used in alternative medicine to treat liver, gall bladder and kidney problems. The herb is referred to as milk thistle, Mary thistle or holy thistle.

Identification

The milk thistle plant originated along the Mediterranean Sea, but has spread to the United States, where it's commonly grown. The herb has red, pink and purple flowers along with spotted, brown fruit.

History

Milk thistle has been used medicinally since the Greco-Roman period, 2,000 years ago.

Benefits

The herb is well-known for its ability as a helpful fighter against an assortment of liver diseases. It might also aid those who have type 2 diabetes. Some have also claimed that milk thistle can be used as a laxative.

Fact

A flavonoid complex (silymarin) is believed to be the active disease-fighting component in milk thistle extract.

Side Effects

There have been notations made of possible side effects, which include allergic reactions and upset stomachs.

References

• purehealthMD
• MayoClinic
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine