Milk thistle is most renowned for its protective effects on the liver. Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, is believed to help detoxify the liver, promote liver cell regeneration, and protect against damage from toxins, alcohol, and certain medications.
Milk thistle seed has a long tradition of use in western herbalism and is typically decocted as milk thistle tea. It can also be powdered for tinctures or encapsulated.