The Magic of Milk Thistle
MILK THISTLE
Silybum marianum
The following information has been learned and gathered from a variety of sources. It is intended for educational purposes only. This is not to be taken as medical advice and it is always recommended to talk to your health care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Common Names: Blessed Milk Thistle, Silybum, Milk Thistle, Marian Thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary’s Thistle, Mediterranean Milk Thistle, Variegated Thistle
*milk thistle is often interchanged with the common name silybum similar to silybin one of the most active medicinal compounds in the plant
*silybum derives from the Greek silybon or silybos meaning “tassel” or “tuft” as the flower may resemble.
*marianum, the species name, derives from Latin, in reference to the sacred Mother Mary of the Christian tradition (Mary/marianum). Milk thistles’ marbled white leaves are said to be reminiscent of the breast milk that Mary spilled while nursing her baby Jesus as she was fleeing Egypt.
*blessed thistle is the common name to a different thistle: Cnicus benedictus
Family: Asteraceae (aka the daisy family) Compositae
Looks: “Jagged and Beautiful”. Milk thistle is quite stunning in all of her phases. In Springtime you can find fresh patches of milk thistle growing in a rosette up to 3 feet in diameter and about 3+ feet tall. Shiny, prickly, large, green leaves marbled with thick white veins are the way to tell this thistle from others. The leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and the edges have spines up to ½ inch! When broken, the leaves emit a milky sap.
Silybum’s solitary bright purple flower shoots up from her spiny stalk and sits atop of her throne of dagger-like spiny bracts. Her beautiful flower is made up of tubular florets atop rows of phyllaries. Milk thistle has been called “wild artichoke” mistakenly, as the flowers resemble one another (artichokes are a cultivated variety of the cardoon, which is a member of the thistle family). Milk Thistle typically flowers in May (depending on climate zone) and can be annual or biennial (living for 2 years). After milk thistle goes to seed, the plant dies and dries up into a spiky brown patch just in time for those Harvest/ Halloween bouquets.
Where?: Milk thistle is not everyone’s favorite plant, in fact, many consider her an invasive and noxious weed! This is not without reason, milk thistle spreads quickly in large patches. She is quite persistent with her dense foliage and deep tap roots making it very hard to eradicate. She has prickly spines and thorns, and can also be toxic to livestock when eaten in large quantities (this is due to its ability to accumulate high amounts of nitrates from the soil). Milk thistle also has a tendency to take over large areas, displacing native plants by outcompeting them for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Silybum has been deemed illegal to buy, grow, and/or sell in Washington State because of its peskiness. She originally comes from the Mediterranean region but has naturalized all around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, South America, Africa, and Asia. You can find milk thistle growing along roadsides, pastures, ditches, and any rocky, dry areas.
So, how did this spiky noxious stubborn weed get to all of these places? It is believed that the colonizers brought milk thistle on their journeys with them as medicine, and it has naturalized over time.
Parts Used: Historically, people would eat the roots, flowers, and leaves of milk thistle- however it is now commonly agreed upon that the safest and most potent medicine comes from the seed itself.
Harvest: harvest the seeds before the plant is fully mature, usually late Summer/early Fall. Wear thick, protective gardening gloves as the spines do hurt! Find the plants whose flower has turned into a silver-white seed head (the pappus). Cut dried blossoms off from the base. Place flower heads in a paper bag and allow to dry for up to a week. Shake into a bucket, allowing the seeds to fall out and the chaff to blow away.
Astrological Influence: Milk thistle is considered an herb of the moon, influencing the fluids of the body responsible for cleansing, nourishing, hydrating, and eliminating.
Milk thistle is also said to have Jupiterian qualities. Jupiter rules over the liver, and milk thistle is our most powerful liver tonic. Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system, as the liver is the biggest organ inside of our body.
Energetics: Cooling & Drying
Magic: Protection and Healing, Boundary Work
Constituents: The most studied active constituent in silybum marianum is silymarin, which is composed of the flavonolignans silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, with silybin being the most biologically active. Silymarin is found in highest concentrations in the leaves and seeds. The seeds also contain betaine, trimethylglycine and essential fatty acids, contributing to the hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant, glutathione enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and promotes hepatic tissue regeneration.
Medicinal Actions:
Hepatic: tones, strengthens, and supports the liver
Galactagogue: stimulates/improves lactation
Demulcent: mucilaginous preparation that soothes and protects irritated or inflamed tissue.
Cholagogue: stimulates the flow of bile from the gallbladder
Antihepatotoxic/Hepatoprotective: mitigates the harm of toxic on liver cells
Traditional Use: Milk thistle has been recorded being used for over 2,000 years. In Ancient Greece, Dioscorides mentioned that milk thistle tea was used in the treatment of snakebites.
There are records of John Gerard dating back to the 1500s mentioning milk thistle in the treatment of emotional disorders. “My opinion is that this (milk thistle) is the best remedy that grows against all melancholy diseases”. 1597.
In more recent history, it is said that the leaves and flower heads were boiled and eaten as a Spring tonic after the long winter months.
Silymarin has been noted in history as used to stimulate lactation, help with depression, and as a liver tonic. It has also been credited for saving lives from overdose on toxic mushrooms.
Preparation/Dosage: Modern day use of milk thistle typically is by taking a concentrated extract of 80% silymarin. Dosage is 175 mg per day of a 30:1 seed extract. 600 mg per day for therapeutic and restorative effects.
Traditionally, milk thistle seeds have been made into an herbal tea or decoction, however, research shows that the active constituents are not very soluble in water, and therefore the effects are not strong enough to make a real difference.
Seeds need to be cracked in any preparation, and can be eaten raw.
Medicine: Milk thistle is by far our most potent and powerful herb we have for protecting and supporting the liver. It is indicated for a whole range of liver and gallbladder conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. When we understand how this works, and the many functions of the liver- we can understand just how important milk thistle is to our overall health.
photo credit: www.mayoclinic.org
Functions of the Liver: WOW!
Detoxification- Biotransfroms external toxins such as alcohol, drugs, pesticides, pollution, chemicals along with internal hormones- cortisol, adrenaline, histamine, and estrogen and clears them from our body. Any disruption in this process can lead to overall imbalance and disease.
Production of Cholesterol- metabolizes lipids (fats), including the synthesis of cholesterol and bile acids
Storage of Micronutrients- copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamins.
Production of Bile- which helps us digest fat and is an antimicrobial for the gut.
Protein Synthesis- involved with biochemical processes.
Blood Sugar Balance- stores glycogen (glucose)
Immune System- the liver acts as a filter for the blood and catches pathogens before they can do harm
Metabolism- Thyroid hormone T4 is converted into the active hormone T3 in the liver. T3 is involved with regulation of your weight, energy levels, internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth, metabolism and is an important part of the endocrine system.
Regulates Blood Clotting- produces blood clotting factors and other blood proteins
Transports Bilirubin- the product of red blood cell degeneration being eliminated from the body
Manufactures and Regulates hormones
*The liver is able to regenerate itself after disease, although, if the disease progresses beyond the tissue’s capacity to regenerate new cells, then the body’s entire metabolism will be affected.
Okay, so I think we can all be in agreement that we need to protect this organ and support its functioning any way we can! If these functions are disrupted, then a plethora of illness and dis-ease can occur. By supporting our liver health, we are preventing disease.
This is where milk thistle comes in waving its proud flag. There is no pharmaceutical to date that has the power to heal and reverse damage the way that milk thistle does.
So what are silymarin’s super powers?
Silymarin
- has the ability to increase levels of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant important in preventing damage to the cells caused by free radicals and heavy metals.
-has been shown to stimulate the growth of new liver cells.
-has the ability to alter the liver cell membranes in a way that prevents certain toxins from penetrating the cells.
-stimulates protein synthesis forming a layer of protection outside of the cell’s surface protecting the cell from damage and mutation and therefore can be considered anticarcinogenic.
-inhibits binding of toxins to the cell membrane
-can reverse the effects of toxic alkaloids- most notably preventing the damaging effects of the toxic mushroom amanita phalloides - the “death cap” mushroom.
photo credit: www.inaturalist.org
Studies are being done as to the effectiveness of silymarin in:
-lowering cholesterol
-preventing type 2 diabetes
-preventing gallstones
-having anti aging effects
-preventing oxidative stress
-reducing menopause symptoms
-improving bone health
-counteracting inflammation in the kidneys
-regenerating and strengthening neurons and nerves, supporting brain health
-lowering fat levels in the blood , reducing the risk of heart disease
-correcting mitochondrial imbalance
.
My personal story: Milk thistle has become a near and dear herb to me over my years of studying herbalism. I initially began taking the capsules for their detoxing effect- worried about over indulging in the night life and wearing myself out. I wanted to support my liver and help my body to rid itself of toxins from my environment. I felt a major difference within a couple weeks of taking milk thistle everyday- more energy, less grogginess, no headaches etc. I also had an unexpected effect occur- to my surprise, I experienced great relief of painful symptoms during my menstrual cycle. I believe I was suffering from excess estrogen in my system which caused me to have severe mood swings, tender, swollen breasts, bloating, fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and brain fog. After a couple months of taking milk thistle everyday, I began realizing these symptoms were going away one by one. I believe milk thistle helped my liver process excess estrogen out of my blood, therefore regulating my hormones and my cycle. No more headaches! Minimal aching in my breasts, less dramatic mood phases, and an overall feeling of being more alert. I recommend researching milk thistle to anyone who is suffering from hormone dysregulation- I believe it can really help in the right circumstances! I can confidently say that taking milk thistle as an everyday tonic has significantly improved my quality of life.
Liver Detox Herbal Combination: Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Oregon Grape Root, Reishi, Burdock, Licorice, Turmeric
Contraindications: Milk thistle itself has not been reported to have any side effects, however because of its action on the liver and speeding the metabolism of certain chemicals in the body- it is advised to check with a physician when combining with medication. This is especially true with allergy, cholesterol, blood thinning, cancer, and anti-anxiety medications.
Milk thistle has also been reported to lower blood sugar- which may have negative effects on those with diabetes.
Fun Facts
*Milk Thistle is the national emblem and flower of Scotland. The tale goes that a yell was cried out by an enemy troop who stepped on the spikes of milk thistle. This cry awoke the sleeping Scottish soldiers and alerted them that the enemy was near. This saved the Scottish army from being ambushed, and because of that they will always be grateful.
*There is an epic poem called “ A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle” by Hugh MacDiarmid
*Milk thistle is mentioned in the bible during Adam’s banishment into a garden of thorns and thistles in the book of Genesis
*One flower can produce over 6,000 seeds of which 90% tend to remain viable up to 9 years!
*Global sales of milk thistle are predicted to reach $120 million by 2024
*In Winnie The Pooh, milk thistle is Eeyore’s favorite food (probably because it helps fight depression!)
*Milk thistle helps to reduce symptoms of an alcohol hangover. Take a 500 mg milk thistle capsule before imbibing ; )
References:
Abenavoli L., Capasso R., Milic N., Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: Past, present, future. Phytother. Res. 2010
Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. Mrs. M Grieve, 1931.Dover Publications, 1981.
Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Inner Traditions/ Bear & Co, 2003.
http://www.e-lactancia.org/media/papers/Cardo_Mariano_Silimarina-AltMedRev1999.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150307/
http://www.stariq.com/Main/Articles/P0000863.htm
https://www.visitscotland.com/about/uniquely-scottish/thistle/
Toni Riehle
Written by herbalist Toni Riehle, a recent graduate of the clinical program at Berkeley Herbal Center. Toni is excited to launch her new business Rainbow Apothecary this January 2023.