--- title: "Milk Thistle: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Milk thistle fruit is traditionally used to support liver function, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and for indigestion." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/milk-thistle/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) # Milk Thistle Silybum marianum T Traditional use Milk thistle fruit is traditionally used to support liver function, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and for indigestion. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance The EMA classes milk thistle fruit (seed) as a traditional herbal medicine for digestive complaints, feelings of fullness, indigestion and to support liver function. This applies only after a doctor has ruled out serious illness. It is not recommended under 18. **Parts used:** fruits **Key constituents:** Silymarin Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used to support liver function after serious conditions have been excluded by a doctor. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used for digestive complaints such as fullness and indigestion. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Pour 100 ml of boiling water over 3–5 g of crushed seed; drink before meals. **Amount:** 2–3 times daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 18 years - See a doctor at once if your skin or eyes turn yellow or the colour of urine or stool changes. - If you suspect liver disease, see a doctor first; this product does not replace diagnosis or treatment. - Do not use if you are allergic to the daisy family (Asteraceae). - Not recommended under 18, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. \[1\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Mild stomach symptoms such as dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach or diarrhoea - Headache - Allergic reactions such as rash or itching #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Milk thistle tea is made from crushed seeds and drunk before meals. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Is milk thistle good for the liver? The EMA accepts its traditional use to support liver function after a doctor has ruled out serious disease. It does not replace treatment of liver disease. How do I make milk thistle tea? Pour 100 ml of boiling water over 3–5 g of crushed seed and drink before meals, 2–3 times a day. Is it the same as other thistles? Several spiny plants are called thistle. The assessment covers the fruit of Silybum marianum only. When should I see a doctor straight away? If your skin or eyes turn yellow or the colour of your urine or stool changes. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., fructus](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-silybum-marianum-l-gaertn-fructus_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2018 ### Cite This Page Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/milk-thistle/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Corn Silk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/) T Traditional use Zea mays A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss. 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[Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Cherry Stem](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cherry-stem/) T Traditional use Prunus avium Dried cherry stem tea is traditionally used as a diuretic in minor urinary complaints. There is no scientific evidence that it causes weight loss. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Seed) [Seed →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Chasteberry Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chasteberry-seed/) A Strong clinical evidence Vitex agnus-castus Chasteberry dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); regular use for 3 months is recommended for effect. [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Flaxseed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/flaxseed/) A Strong clinical evidence Linum usitatissimum Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) +1 [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Cumin](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cumin/) B Limited clinical evidence Cuminum cyminum An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.