Traditionally, milk thistle is employed for two purposes:
Promoting the health of the liver in healthy and weakened states.
Promoting the production of milk in nursing mothers.
The primary active ingredient in milk thistle is known as silymarin. Silymarin is one of the most powerful liver protecting substances known. Additionally, silymarin stimulates new protein synthesis for new cell generation. This process provides a restorative effect on the liver. Along the biliary tree, silymarin enhances bile flow. It reduces the cholesterol content of the bile, thus limiting potential gallstone formation. Milk thistle has been used extensively in Europe and shown to possess very low toxicity. Truly, this is an herb with efficacy for promoting and maintaining liver health.