Your liver works overtime. Processing everything from last night's dinner to environmental toxins, your liver needs consistent support to stay healthy and resilient. In this episode, Chris and Mel dive deep into milk thistle, the gold standard herb for liver protection and regeneration.

You'll learn why milk thistle has been trusted for over 2,000 years, how silymarin (the compound complex in milk thistle seeds) protects and regenerates liver cells, and why freeze-dried milk thistle preserves the beneficial compounds that get lost in standard processing.

Chris shares her experience growing milk thistle and why it's one of Eclectic Herb's bestsellers, while Mel explains the science behind this powerful plant and its uses beyond liver support.

What's in this episode:

• The 2,000-year history of milk thistle, from Pliny the Elder to Victorian physicians
• How Eclectic Physicians used milk thistle for digestive complaints and sluggish bile
• Silymarin: the compound complex that protects and regenerates liver cells
• Using milk thistle for liver support, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cholesterol management
• Why milk thistle works for acne, skin health, and detoxification pathways
• Growing milk thistle: Chris's insights on harvest, seeds, and why it's invasive
• The antidote potential for poisonous mushroom exposure
• Why freeze-dried whole seed milk thistle makes a difference

Herbal Terms in This Episode:

• Silymarin: A complex of flavonolignans found in milk thistle seeds that includes silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin. This compound stabilizes cell membranes, reduces oxidative stress, and supports liver detoxification and regeneration.
• Hepatoprotective: An herb that protects the liver from damage caused by toxins, medications, alcohol, or disease.
• Galactagogue: An herb that promotes or increases breast milk production in nursing mothers.
• Biliousness: A term used by Eclectic Physicians referring to sluggish bile flow and digestive complaints.

We'd love to hear from you!

Do you already use milk thistle for liver support? Have you noticed benefits for your skin or digestion? Share your experiences with us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @eclecticherb

Get your freeze-dried milk thistle here and explore other liver-supporting herbs at eclecticherb.com

Full show notes, transcript, and Chris's in-depth blog on milk thistle:

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