Milk Thistle

Milk thistle

Milk thistle is a flowering plant that is part of the daisy family. Its leaves have white spots that contain sap, which is why the plant is named milk thistle. If you are looking for a dietary supplement that contains milk thistle, you can find a wide selection of milk thistle herbal supplements at Walgreens.com.

Potential health benefits

The milk thistle plant grows wild in many parts of the world. The extract used in herbal supplements is derived from the plant's seeds. The plant has been touted as a liver tonic for centuries, and it is sometimes used as a supplement to help liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and gallbladder issues. Some people also use a milk thistle dietary supplement to recover from a hangover, lower cholesterol levels, reduce insulin resistance, and slow the growth of cancer cells.

Supplements

Milk thistle supplements are available in capsule and tablet form. If you are unable to swallow a pill, you can purchase milk thistle in a liquid form. You can purchase a milk thistle herbal supplement in strengths ranging from 100 mg. to 1,000 mg., so you can choose just the right dosage for your individual needs. A specialized supplement designed for breastfeeding mothers that contains milk thistle and fenugreek is also available for purchase. This supplement helps promote optimal breast milk production, and it does not contain wheat, yeast, milk, lactose, sugar, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or caffeine. If you are unsure if milk thistle products are right for you, talk with your physician.