Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
  • Common Names: Milk Thistle, Holy Thistle, Marian Thistle, St. Mary's Thistle
  • Parts Used: Seeds, Leaves, Roots
  • Native Habitat: Found across Europe, including the UK and the Isle of Man, typically in wastelands, meadows, and roadsides.

Milk thistle is renowned for its liver-protective properties, primarily due to its active compound silymarin, which supports liver regeneration, detoxification, and protection against toxins.

Equine Use of Milk Thistle

Benefits for Horses
  1. Liver Support – Helps with liver damage, detoxification, and hepatic stress.
  2. Digestive Aid – Supports gut flora, bile production, and nutrient absorption.
  3. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory – Protects against cell damage from toxins, infections, or medications.
  4. Hoof & Skin Health – Promotes healthy skin, mane, and tail growth.
  5. Recovery from Toxins – Supports horses recovering from poisoning or mycotoxins in feed.
Administration for Horses
  • Ground Seeds (Most Effective):
    • mixed into feed for liver support.
  • Tea Infusion (Leaves & Roots):
    • Add to drinking water for mild detoxification.
  • Poultice (External Use):
    • Ground seeds or leaves applied to wounds for skin healing.
⚠ Precautions
  • May interact with some medications (e.g., liver-metabolized drugs).
  • Avoid excessive use in pregnant mares.
  • Can have mild laxative effects in high doses.

Canine Use of Milk Thistle

Benefits for Dogs
  1. Liver Detox & Support – Helps dogs with liver disease, hepatitis, and medication detox.
  2. Kidney & Urinary Health – Supports kidney function and reduces toxin buildup.
  3. Skin & Coat Benefits – Improves dry skin, dull coat, and inflammatory skin conditions.
  4. Immune & Antioxidant Boost – Fights oxidative stress and enhances immune response.

Administration for Dogs

  • Powdered Seeds (Best Form):
    • mixed with food.
  • Tincture (Liver Support):
    • Tea Infusion (Gentle Support):
    • Dried leaves steeped in warm water, added to food.
⚠ Precautions
  • Use caution in diabetic dogs (may affect blood sugar levels).
  • Do not use in pregnant or nursing dogs unless directed by a vet.
  • May cause mild diarrhea at high doses.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Milk Thistle

Folklore & Historical Use
  • Associated with the Virgin Mary – Legend says the white veins on the leaves were formed from her milk, leading to its reputation as a sacred healing plant.
  • Used by Celtic Healers – Traditionally used in liver and blood-purification tonics.
  • Protection Against Evil & Hexes – In the Isle of Man, milk thistle was planted near homes to ward off evil spirits and protect against poisoning.
  • Folk Remedy for Snakebites & Toxins – In old British herbal medicine, it was given to those bitten by snakes or suffering from poisoning.
  • Symbol of Strength & Renewal – Considered a resilient plant, it symbolized recovery from illness and rebirth.

Detox

Inflamation

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Milk Vetch (Astragalus membranaceus)