The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is also known by many other names: lady's thistle, stomach thistle, milk thistle, Mary's grains, stinging grains, stinging seeds or stinging seeds. According to a legend, the white spots on its leaves go back to the Virgin Mary, who dripped milk onto the thistle leaves while breastfeeding the baby Jesus. The home of the Milk thistle is southern Europe and northern Africa. Typical for the herbaceous plant, which can grow up to 150 centimeters tall, are the green and white marbled leaves, whose leaf edges are covered with small thorns. The fruits of the milk thistle contain the valuable ingredient silymarin, which is used as a gentle protection for the middle of the body.

Since silymarin is difficult to dissolve in water, its effect in a tea is very limited. Milk thistle fruits are therefore usually used as extracts in the form of capsules or tablets. Since milk thistle fruits are extremely well tolerated, they can be taken over a longer period of time without any problems. People who suffer from jaundice or another liver disease or who have gallstones should only take milk thistle preparations on medical advice.

The liver is considered an important detoxification organ. It is located in the upper abdomen below the right rib cage and, at around 1,500 grams, is the largest and heaviest internal organ in the human body. It is particularly important for carbohydrate, fat, protein and hormone metabolism and produces bile, which is important for fat digestion and is stored in the gallbladder. The liver also absorbs harmful substances from the blood and converts them into waste products. It therefore fulfils an important detoxification function. However, excessive and fatty food and excessive alcohol consumption place a great deal of strain on the liver. Environmental pollution and medication also have a harmful effect.

Milk thistle is well tolerated by many people. In sensitive individuals, hypersensitivity reactions or a mild laxative effect are possible.