Native to Europe & found growing wild in the United States & South America, silybum marianum or milk thistle as it’s most commonly referred to as is a plant who’s medicinal properties have been valued for thousands of years. Milk thistle's nutrient content includes calcium, fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc.

Milk thistle remains a top recommendation among experts for the treatment of liver disorders, breast-feeding problems, HIV treatment, gallbladder disorders, lactation problems, mushroom poisoning, and psoriasis.

Within the ripe seeds of the plant is the active ingredient which is known as silymarin. Silymarin and its constituent, silibin, both have anti-oxidant properties and have demonstrated the ability to slow cell growth in some types of cancer.

It’s been said that milk thistle promotes the growth of new liver cells and by binding itself to the cell membranes, it shields the liver by preventing toxins from penetrating through healthy liver cells.

Because of its ability to protect & promote healthy function within the liver, milk thistle remains a top recommendation as an alternative treatment for many liver disorders including cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Several clinical studies have shown milk thistle extract - when taken in daily doses – lowers mortality rates in people with cirrhosis further than those who were given a placebo.

In another double-blind, controlled study, the serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) in patients with liver disease was shown to decrease with silymarin.

When it comes to death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) poisoning, milk thistle is the only known antidote. Once the fatal mushroom is ingested, the liver becomes destroyed as a result of protein production in liver cells coming to a halt. Milk thistle works by neutralizing these toxins and shielding the liver.

Inflammation of the gall-bladder ducts may also be prevented with milk thistle and it may clear up jaundice to some degree as well.

You can find milk thistle is your local health food store in seed or capsule form as well as extracts and tinctures.

* Important notes: A concentrated capsule or extract form of milk thistle works best.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using milk thistle or any alternative therapies. The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.