Milk Thistle Guide

Milk thistle is an herb traditionally used to support healthy liver function and help relieve digestive disturbances. Learn how it’s used and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is milk thistle used for?

Milk thistle is used in herbal medicine to support liver function and help relieve digestive disturbances.¹

What is silymarin?

Silymarin is a group of naturally occurring compounds found in milk thistle seeds and is commonly used to standardize extracts.¹

How long does milk thistle take to work?

For liver-support uses, Health Canada recommends at least three weeks to see beneficial effects.¹

Is milk thistle only for liver health?

No. Health Canada also recognizes its traditional use for relieving digestive disturbances such as dyspepsia.¹

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is a flowering plant whose fruit and seeds are used in herbal medicine.¹ 

Its seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds commonly concentrated in standardized milk thistle extracts. Supplements may provide powdered seed or different types of extracts depending on the intended use.¹ 

How does milk thistle support wellness?

Health Canada recognizes milk thistle as a liver protectant and for helping support healthy liver function.¹ 

It’s also used in herbal medicine to help relieve digestive disturbances and dyspepsia.¹ 

Which health goals can milk thistle support?

Liver Health

Milk thistle is used in herbal medicine to help protect the liver and support healthy liver function.¹

Digestive Health

Milk thistle may help relieve digestive disturbances and dyspepsia.¹

Everyday Wellness

Milk thistle can be part of a broader wellness routine focused on supporting normal liver and digestive function.¹

How can milk thistle fit into your routine?

Milk thistle is often used when liver or digestive support is the main goal. 

  • For liver support: It may be used as part of a routine focused on maintaining healthy liver function.¹ 
  • For digestive comfort: It may help relieve digestive disturbances such as dyspepsia.¹ 
  • Give it time: Health Canada recommends at least three weeks for liver-support benefits.¹ 
  • Support the basics: Balanced eating, movement, and moderating alcohol also matter for liver health. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a milk thistle supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Check the extract: Some milk thistle products are standardized to silymarin.¹ 
  • Compare the amount: Look at both the extract amount and its concentration. 
  • Choose standalone or combination: Jamieson offers milk thistle alone and in a herbal complex. 
  • Review added herbs: Combination formulas may include artichoke, turmeric, or other ingredients. 
  • Follow the duration guidance: Liver-support use may require at least three weeks.¹ 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

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FAQs
What does milk thistle do?

Health Canada recognizes milk thistle for helping protect the liver, support liver function, and relieve digestive disturbances.¹

What is silymarin in milk thistle?

Silymarin is a group of naturally occurring compounds found in milk thistle seeds. Standardized extracts may list their silymarin content so you can compare formulations.¹

How long should you take milk thistle?

For liver-support uses, Health Canada recommends using milk thistle for at least three weeks to see beneficial effects.¹

Sources

1. Health Canada. Milk Thistle — Silybum marianum Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated June 26, 2026.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=milk.thistle.oral&lang=eng