What Is It Like to Take Milk Thistle Supplements to Support Liver Health?
Key takeaways:
Milk thistle is a purple flowering plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, primarily for its potential benefits for liver health.
The plant’s seeds contain silymarin, a compound believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties.
People who take milk thistle as a supplement tell GoodRx that it supports their overall well-being.
Milk thistle has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, primarily because of the flowering plant’s potential benefits for liver health. The plant’s active compound, silymarin, is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Today, milk thistle comes as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. Milk thistle supplements typically contain concentrated extracts of silymarin. Though, more research is needed on the effectiveness of the supplements.
People who take milk thistle say it supports liver and gallbladder health, acts as a detoxifying agent and digestive aid, and helps with inflammation. While people don’t report immediate feelings of relief, they say the goal is to achieve an overall sense of well-being.
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Here’s how three people describe what it’s like to take milk thistle supplements for liver health.
He wanted to improve his liver function
Phil Bhaerman, who’s 53, started taking milk thistle back in 1999 after he was diagnosed with hepatitis A. Phil contracted the virus, which can cause liver damage, from contaminated food at a restaurant. He remembers the illness being debilitating, causing terrible night sweats initially and then serious fatigue (even after he slept 8 hours). And he remembers how, when he was shaving, his eyes appeared yellow against the white shaving cream.
“Just getting out of bed to walk to the bathroom, literally next door to my room, was exhausting,” says Phil, of Arlington, Texas, about the effects of the liver damage. “I had a constant upset stomach and no appetite. I lost about 40 lbs over 4 to 5 weeks.”
Phil’s mother, Hebe, who was a nurse, suggested that Phil start taking milk thistle to improve his liver function. “Milk thistle helped me with the symptoms big time,” he says.
Even after Phil recovered from the hepatitis A infection, he continued to take milk thistle daily. Twenty-five years later, he is still taking it and says it helps him maintain liver health.
He finds it reduces inflammation and boosts energy
Blake Livingood, a chiropractor and doctor of natural medicine in Cary, North Carolina, says he knows from personal and professional experience how much milk thistle can help the liver.
The 40-year-old author, who also regularly posts on social media about health and fitness, has been taking a milk thistle supplement daily for 4 or 5 years. He says it boosts his energy and makes his skin feel clean and clear.
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“There’s nothing that will sap your energy faster than a bogged-down liver,” he says.
Blake says he takes milk thistle for its properties that reduce inflammation and help him feel recharged. “You’re able to just bounce back a little better,” he says.
She credits it for helping to improve her health
Two years ago, before she discovered milk thistle, Sierra Bauer was dealing with a lot of stress. She was working full time, had an extra part-time job, and was taking a full load of college classes online.
“I was in such a bad mental state that I really wasn’t doing anything to take care of my health,” says Sierra, 21, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She had also picked up a smoking habit at the time to cope with her anxiety.
On top of everything else, Sierra had a major hip surgery and broke her wrist two times.
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“It came to a point where I was physically and mentally burning myself out and creating a lot of inflammation in my body,” she says.
Reaching a breaking point — and frustrated with the side effects of the medication she was taking — Sierra turned to more natural remedies to improve her health, including milk thistle. The herb grew as a weed in her backyard when she was a kid. Now, she says, it’s had a positive effect on her health.
“It’s just been a game-changer for me,” she says.
At first, Sierra was mainly looking to improve her overall health. But she found that taking milk thistle increased her energy and led to fewer aches and pains. She started by taking capsules and now takes a daily supplement that contains both collagen and milk thistle in powder form.
Sierra says she’s discovered a passion for health and wellness and goes to the gym regularly. She includes milk thistle as part of her regular supplement regimen, which she credits for helping to improve her health.
What does the doctor say?
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Senior Medical Editor
Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy that some people use for health-promoting effects. If you’re curious about whether milk thistle is right for you here’s some things to keep in mind:
Milk thistle products are generally safe. These supplements don’t usually cause any harm when taken at the recommended doses.
There’s limited research to support health claims around milk thistle. The lack of research means it’s impossible to say whether milk thistle really does have health benefits or whether it works for everyone.
There’s no information on how much milk thistle people should take to get the potential health benefits. Most people just follow the dosage instructions on the label of their preferred product.
Milk thistle products are not regulated by the FDA. That means that the products haven’t undergone rigorous testing to make sure they are safe and contain exactly what they say they do.
Check with your healthcare team before starting milk thistle if you’re taking any medications. You want to make sure that milk thistle doesn’t interact with any of your medications.
If you’re allergic to plants like marigolds and chrysanthemums, be aware that milk thistle may also trigger an allergic reaction. Consider asking your allergist for an allergy test to milk thistle before you start taking it. Seek immediate medical care if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking milk thistle.
It’s not clear if milk thistle is safe to take during pregnancy or while nursing. Your obstetrics team can help you decide if you should avoid milk thistle supplements.
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