The silymarin found in milk thistle suppresses or reduces the effect of substances that cause liver necrosis or cirrhosis. It is also effective for mild digestive disorders or biliary function issues, as an infusion or dry extract.
However, during breastfeeding, consuming this plant is not recommended. For liver issues, a breastfeeding mother can turn to turmeric or ginger instead, in small amounts.
What the science says: liver
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
The liver
Silymarin from milk thistle improves liver markers in fatty liver disease and various liver conditions according to meta-analyses (Ann Hepatol, 2024) (World J Gastroenterol, 2017); the Mediterranean diet (olive oil, vegetables, fish) reduces liver fat (Clin Nutr, 2022). Artichoke, black radish, rosemary, and dandelion are the traditional liver cleansers; fasting gives the liver a rest. Precaution: viral hepatitis or cirrhosis should be monitored with a specialist; some plants are hepatotoxic (comfrey, celandine, kava) — do not improvise.
