Milk Thistle Benefits

As a dietary supplement, milk thistle is claimed to have several benefits. It is said to help treat conditions such as liver disease, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, and diabetes. Although it is not clear if milk thistle really works for most of these uses, there are many studies that are currently examining the possible benefits of milk thistle for various uses. The supplements should not be given to children without a healthcare provider's approval.

Milk Thistle Supplement Information

Claimed Benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a flowering plant used as a dietary supplement. As with many dietary supplements, milk thistle is claimed to be beneficial for a wide variety of different uses. Some of the possible benefits of milk thistle may include treating the following conditions:

Liver disease, including:

Toxic liver damage caused by chemicals
Toxic liver damage caused by certain poisonous mushrooms
Jaundice
Chronic inflammatory liver disease
Hepatitis (including both acute and chronic hepatitis)
Cirrhosis

Loss of appetite
High cholesterol
Indigestion and heartburn
Gallbladder disease
Diabetes
Hangovers
Spleen diseases
Prostate cancer
Pleurisy (a lung disease)
Malaria
Depression
Menstrual problems
Poor breast milk supply.

It is not clear if milk thistle really works for most of these uses (see Does Milk Thistle Work?), although many studies are currently examining the possible benefits of milk thistle for various uses.

(Milk Thistle Benefits Continued: Page 2)