Natural Health

Milk Thistle (image taken from Holland and Barret)

Milk thistle is a commonly used as herbal remedy for aiding liver health as it is thought to have natural detox benefits. Milk thistle has been proven to help protect the liver from the effects of smoking and alcohol intake[1].

The milk thistle supplement comes from a weed with a distinctive white marking on its leaves, and distinctive purple flowering heads. It can grow to around five feet tall and grows throughout Europe, but it is naturally established in Australia and California[2].

During the 16th century this plant became quite popular for consumption and almost all parts of it were eaten. Although the leaves have prickles, these can be trimmed and boiled to make a substitution for spinach, or can be used raw in salads[1].

In supplement form, milk thistle is generally available in both liquid and capsule form which is taken orally as a diet supplement.

The tester:

Age: 33

Sex: Male

General health and fitness: Good

Dosage taken: One capsule three times a day with food

The testing experience:

“In my late teens and 20s I drank alcohol quite a few nights a week with my friends down at the pub, but I have since tried to cut down on the amount I drink. I decided to try milk thistle as it sounded as though it would be beneficial for my liver after all the years of alcohol consumption.

“I didn’t notice any side effects after taking milk thistle, and I also didn’t suffer any allergic reactions. It is hard to know exactly how it has benefitted me, but I do feel healthier than I did before I started to take it.

“The milk thistle supplement was easy to take, and I plan to continue to take it in the future to make sure my liver stays in top health.”

[2] Holland and Barrett. (2009). Milk Thistle. http://www.hollandandbarrett.com