Milk Thistle for Liver: Benefits, Dosage, and How It Supports Detox

Your liver plays a key role in keeping the ecosystem of your body balanced, with its main function being that of a cleaner since it filters the toxins from your blood. But what happens when your liver turns sluggish and doesn’t perform its duties the way it should? Your body’s ecosystem goes wonky, affecting your entire health, including your skin health. 

That’s right. Your liver and skin are in constant communication with each other. When something goes wrong in the liver, your skin reflects it. Does this skin-liver connection mean that by supporting your liver, you can improve chronic skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or skin sensitivity? Bingo. 

While several plant-based ingredients can support your detox organs, today we’ll discuss a popular one: milk thistle. This ingredient is a key component in Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops. Let’s explore what it is, how it benefits your liver, and when (and how much) you should take it. 

 

What is Milk Thistle? How Does It Work?

Milk thistle (also known as holy thistle or Mary thistle) is a flowering plant (or a weed, depending on who you ask) that's often used in herbal remedies and supplements for liver and gallbladder diseases. It's prickly and has purplish-pink flowers and spiny leaves with white veins. 

Native to the Mediterranean region in Europe, this plant gained widespread acclaim as a natural and modern remedy due to the plant compounds it contains, which are collectively known as silymarin. You’ll often find the words silymarin and milk thistle used interchangeably. 

This active ingredient is extracted from milk thistle’s seeds and flowers and used in liver-supporting supplements (such as Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops), due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Silymarin is also thought to protect liver cells and have antifibrotic properties, meaning it helps slow down the build-up of scar tissue in the liver (which is a symptom of liver diseases like cirrhosis).

Milk Thistle for Liver Health: What the Research Says

Although more research is needed, there have been some scientific studies that show promising conclusions. 

A study conducted in 2021 on the effects of milk thistle on patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD (a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver and isn’t related to alcohol consumption), suggested that the silymarin supplement could be beneficial. The results showed decreased levels of fat and certain liver enzymes, which are typically associated with liver disease.

Various studies conducted on patients with liver diseases have shown that groups of patients who were on a silymarin supplement mostly had lower mortality percentages than the groups containing placebo patients (i.e., those who were not taking any milk thistle supplements). 

Studies conducted on mice found that silymarin increased the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA). This further stimulates the production of ribosomes, which gives your body the proteins needed for cell regeneration. Researchers theorize that this could mean that milk thistle could be beneficial in helping the regeneration of liver cells in patients with liver damage. 

Silymarin is also shown to reduce the effects of toxins from Amanita phalloides, a toxic mushroom more commonly known as the Death Cap. Eating this mushroom can lead to liver damage and, in rare cases, even liver failure.

Though these clinical trials and studies are encouraging, there have also been some studies with varying results. For instance, this one concluded that milk thistle had no positive effects on patients with Hepatitis C, a viral liver infection. This is to say that although milk thistle might help support your liver, it isn’t a cure-all. It should only be taken as an additional supplement and must not be used as a replacement for medical care. 

Is Milk Thistle Good for Your Liver?

Yes, when used consistently and responsibly, milk thistle can be a good complementary supplement for your liver health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to calm inflammation within your body, detox your liver, and may help ease the symptoms of liver diseases. As a result, milk thistle, in turn, supports your skin, too. 

Dr. John Papastergiou, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, cautions that milk thistle is not a magic fix. “A lot of people expect immediate results from a supplement like milk thistle, but the truth is that liver support is gradual and works best as part of a consistent, long-term routine,’ he says.

He further adds that, in addition to helping your liver detox, milk thistle also helps your liver function more efficiently, which has a ripple effect on overall well-being. This, of course, is a process that takes time, so he advises that patience and consistency are key. 

It’s worth noting that milk thistle is best used as part of a broader wellness or anti-inflammatory regimen. Why? Because the liver doesn’t work in isolation. Dr. Papastergiou says that the liver is a part of a whole network influenced by gut health, inflammation, and oxidative stress. So, combining milk thistle with other anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric will provide a broader system of support, according to him.

He says that while milk thistle helps protect and regenerate liver cells, turmeric can reduce the systemic inflammation that burdens the liver in the first place. “Together, they create a more balanced, sustainable way to support internal and skin health."

Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops are created with a blend of liver-friendly, plant-based ingredients, including milk thistle and turmeric. 
Shop now and support a gentle liver detox

Benefits of Milk Thistle for Liver

The most commonly studied benefits of milk thistle include the following.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: It inhibits the release of cytokines, which are proteins that cause inflammation.

• Antioxidant properties: It scavenges free radicals (unstable molecules) that cause oxidative stress and damage your cells. Researchers believe that this creates a detoxifying effect, supporting a liver cleanse.

• Supports the immune system: A study found that milk thistle extract boosted the immune system.

• Protects liver cells: It is thought to protect your liver cells by preventing toxins from damaging them. It has also been shown to contribute to the process of regenerating new and healthy liver cells, which makes up an important part of easing the symptoms of liver disease.

• Reduces scarring in the liver: Studies show that milk thistle may indirectly decrease collagen fiber deposits, thereby reducing the scarring of healthy liver tissue.

Now that we’ve covered how milk thistle provides liver support, it’s time to answer an important question…

Who Should Use Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle can be used by anyone (over the age of 18) who wants to give their liver health a boost. But, you might especially benefit from this supplement if you struggle with chronic inflammation, whether it’s digestive discomfort, hormonal imbalance, or skin reactivity, says Dr. Papastergiou. 

“It is particularly helpful for those with sluggish liver function, a history of toxin exposure, or anyone looking to support their detox pathways gently, without harsh cleanses,” he says. He also adds that people who are navigating steroid withdrawal may also reap a lot of benefits from it, as internal support becomes crucial during this journey

Is Milk Thistle Safe?

Yes, milk thistle is generally considered safe to ingest as long as you stay within the recommended daily dosage (more on that below). Clinical trials involving patients who ingested silymarin in capsule form with a dosage of 560 mg per day for 8 weeks found that the frequency of adverse effects was only about 1%. 

Dr. Papstergiou further reiterates that milk thistle is generally well-tolerated. However, he mentions that there are a few caveats. For instance, people with ragweed allergies may experience cross-reactions since milk thistle is a plant from the same family, he says. You should also be careful if you’re allergic to any other plants from the same family, such as daisy, chrysanthemum, and marigold.

According to Dr. Papstergiou, milk thistle may also interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver. “That’s why I always recommend consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications like statins or antipsychotics,” he advises.

Although rare, you may also experience some common side effects such as headaches or gut disturbances like nausea, gas, bloating, or diarrhea. 

How Much Milk Thistle Per Day for Liver Support?

Milk thistle comes in various forms: capsules, powder (to be made into tea), pills, or liquid extract. Although there’s no set recommended dosage, taking capsules or tablets of 250 mg to 750 mg in 2-3 doses per day is generally considered safe. Standardized milk thistle extract, however, is more potent and effective than seed powder, so if you’re opting for the former, stick to lower dosages. 

The European Medical Agency (EMA) provides the following milk thistle dosage recommendations for adults:

• When mixing the powder with tea, use 3-5 grams of milk thistle extract with 100 mL of boiling water. Take it 2-3 times per day. 

• When taken as a powdered herbal substance, take a dosage of 300 grams 2-3 times per day. 

• When taken as a dry extract, take around 250 mg 2-3 times per day. 

The EMA also advises against giving milk thistle extract to kids and adolescents younger than 18 years.

When it comes to Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops, though, taking two dosages per day of 1 mL each is enough to pack a punch.

Studies on the safety of milk thistle on pregnant and lactating people haven’t been conducted yet, so it’s best to consult your doctor before you take a milk thistle supplement or avoid it entirely. The same goes if you have allergies.

When Should You Take Milk Thistle Extract? 

Although you can take milk thistle any time during the day, it’s best to take it just before (say 15 minutes) or after your meal times. This is because taking it with food can help increase the absorption of silymarin by your body. 

No matter when you take it, though, split the supplement into 2-3 dosages instead of taking it all at once. And don’t forget to build a consistent routine for best results. 

Note: Milk thistle is a herbal supplement and not a medication, so it might take a few weeks before you start seeing any results.

Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops, made with milk thistle extract as one of its active ingredients, are designed to support your liver and skin: two major players in chronic flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Unlike other supplements, you can use our drops any time. A dosage of 1 mL is enough. With consistent use, most of our users see tangible improvements in 2-3 weeks. 

Cleanse your liver and calm your skin in one go with Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops. 
Shop now

How Liver Health Impacts Skin Conditions Like Eczema

Your liver is the detox powerhouse of your body. To keep you healthy, it filters all the waste from your blood for elimination through bowel movements. But when your liver is in stress-mode or not functioning optimally, toxins that would typically be processed out of the body can begin to circulate and show up in other systems: most visibly, your skin, says Dr. Papastergiou. 

When asked to explain the liver-skin connection in simple terms, this is what Dr. Papastergiou said: “Think of it like this: your liver is your internal filter. If that filter is clogged, the pressure builds elsewhere. With the skin being another detox organ, it tries to take over.” 

When this load becomes too heavy, your skin could end up reacting to it through flare-ups like eczema, psoriasis, acne, or skin sensitivity. He adds that supporting your liver can help reduce this burden and allow the skin to calm down.

Bottom line: Milk thistle’s liver-protecting benefits and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties hold a lot of promise in enhancing the health of your liver-skin axis. So, whether you’re suffering from a liver imbalance or reactive skin, adding this supplement to your routine can soothe you both internally and externally.

Soothe your flare-ups with inside-out support with Phoilex’s ReLeaf and Recover Set. Topical and internal healing for your liver, gut, and skin. 
Shop now

FAQs

Does milk thistle repair the liver?

Milk thistle has been shown to have some liver-supporting benefits that may help boost liver health, but it’s neither a full-fledged cure for liver damage, nor does it repair the liver by itself. 

How long does milk thistle take to help the liver?

With consistent usage, you may be able to see benefits after 6-8 weeks. 

Who cannot take milk thistle?

Milk thistle is not recommended for pregnant and lactating people, people who are allergic to plants like ragweed, daisy, and others belonging to the same family, and people who are under 18 years of age. 

What is the best herb for liver repair?

While no herb can completely repair the liver by itself, milk thistle is often touted as a popular herbal supplement for supporting liver health, and is an active ingredient in Phoilex’s Liverty Dynamic Drops.