09 Jan Milk Thistle: the go-to remedy for overindulgence

Milk thistle is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for thousands of years to soothe an upset stomach and relieve the symptoms of overindulgence.

I like to keep some milk thistle tablets in my kitchen cupboard for those times when I’ve had a few too many sweet treats or a little too much prosecco!

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant and member of the sunflower family with striking, spiky purple blooms. Native to the Mediterranean, the plant also grows in other parts of Europe, including the UK, and in the wild in North and South America.

It has been prescribed by American physicians to help relieve liver conditions since the 19th century.

It’s also known as holy thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, St. Mary thistle, Our Lady’s thistle and wild artichoke because of its thistle-like appearance. The term ‘milk’ refers to the plant’s milky-white veins.

The active ingredient, silymarin, is derived from the fruits of the plant and is believed to have medicinal properties. Three other compounds found in the plant: isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin, are also popular as a natural remedy to support good liver health.

What is Milk Thistle used for?

Milk thistle is popularly used as a liver cleanser that helps remove toxins from the body, such as those found in alcohol.

A healthy liver works hard to purify the blood and to support practically every function in the body.  It also helps with the production of hormones and ensures that glucose is released into the bloodstream to give us energy. Good liver health is also essential for your general health.

Overindulging in food or alcohol makes the liver’s job tougher. Milk thistle is used to help relieve the symptoms of overindulgence and to help support the liver to remove toxins from the body.

How does Milk Thistle work?

Silymarin is a potent antioxidant and is believed to reduce the damage caused when the liver metabolises toxic agents.

Research into the health benefits of milk thistle is ongoing: studies have shown benefits to the liver such as reducing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress,  a state that has been linked to the development of infections and inflammatory conditions.

Who is Milk Thistle for?

Milk thistle tablets are for adults over 18 years old who occasionally overindulge in alcohol or large meals.

You should always read the Patient Information Leaflet before taking milk thistle as certain medications can become less effective when taken at the same time. These include:

• Medications that are broken down by the liver including certain painkillers, anti-depressants and blood thinners
• Oestrogen pills
• Medications for lowering cholesterol
• Certain immunosuppressants

HRI Milk Thistle tablets

HRI Milk Thistle tablets are easy-to-swallow and contain a high dose of the active extract, Silybum marianum to help relieve symptoms of overindulgence.

HRI Milk Thistle tablets carry the THR (Traditional Herbal Registration) symbol, guaranteeing the highest quality and safety in Europe, as approved by the government regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Join our Facebook Community to get more natural health tips.