Milk thistle is a flowering herb related to the daisy family that is most known for its benefits for the liver.
It can also be used for several other conditions such as high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, indigestion issues and menopausal symptoms.
It is also used for anti-aging and as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, which also provides benefits to the look of your skin. The plant is native to South European countries, although it is now found in temperate regions throughout the world so it is widely available.
But how does it work?
The seeds of milk thistle contain a bioflavonoid complex called silymarin.
This compound is responsible for the main benefits of milk thistle for skin and health. Silymarin is both anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.
Studies indicate that silymarin may support long-term liver health and help with chronic liver conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver poisoning and viral hepatitis.
Multiple studies also indicate that milk thistle extract protects the liver from toxins such as alcohol (even if used in excess) or a polluted environment.
How milk thistle helps with acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema
From the benefits milk thistle has on the liver, one can see that it is detoxifying, a powerful antioxidant and generally anti-inflammatory.
All these properties are beneficial for fighting skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis or eczema naturally. This is why the herb is believed to to help with these skin conditions.
By cleansing the liver and boosting the immune system, all these benefits can be seen on the skin. Taking a milk thistle supplement if you suffer from skin conditions can help to naturally get rid of skin irritations.
How to take milk thistle
If you want to try out milk thistle for yourself, the best idea is to look for a supplement which contains 50 to 150 milligrams of it as a daily dose. This should be suitable for ongoing use and health support.
Make sure to look for a brand that sells highly potent extract labeled at least 80 percent pure silymarin, as any less is not effective.
It’s better to get one where you only need to take one or a few capsules daily. Another way to take milk thistle is as a liquid tincture, so only a few drops are needed.
