In the application of milk thistle fruits, a distinction is made between the actual fruits and preparations from them (extracts, etc.). Milk thistle fruits are used as a stomach bitter for digestive disorders (dyspeptic complaints) such as flatulence, bloating or nausea and gallbladder complaints.
Use of milk thistle extract
Extracts from the fruits have protective effects on the liver (hepatoprotective effect) and are therefore used supportively in chronic inflammatory liver diseases and liver cirrhosis. In addition, preparations from milk thistle also alleviate liver damage caused by tuber leaf fungus poisoning.
Furthermore, empirical medicine has shown that milk thistle fruits also have a positive effect on fatty livers. Traditionally, milk thistle fruits and preparations made from them are said to support digestive function in general.
Milk thistle in folk medicine.
In folk medicine, milk thistle fruits were once used to treat jaundice, “clogged liver,” and side stitches, as well as a gallet-reducing agent. Today, the plant is also used to support digestive function in cases of indigestion.
Homeopathic use of milk thistle.
Homeopathically, the ripe, dried fruits find application in diseases of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and venous vascular system.
Ingredients of milk thistle
Milk thistle fruits contain up to 3% silymarin, a liver-protecting natural compound complex consisting of about 50% silybinin. In addition, depending on the origin and variety, up to 26% fatty oil with polyunsaturated fatty acids occurs.
Milk thistle – indication
Milk thistle finds medical application in:
- Digestive problems
- Dyspeptic complaints
- Bile complaints
- Chronic inflammatory liver disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
