Milk thistle is considered one of the most effective natural remedies and supportive treatments available. The prickly plant is known for its antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used to treat illnesses, diseases, and side effects from medical treatments.
Many people use its detoxifying qualities as a complementary therapy. This is especially true for those with liver damage. Conditions like fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis can benefit from it. Studies have shown milk thistle also stimulates bone mineralisation, making it useful in the fight against osteoporosis. Additional research suggests it protects brain function and may benefit patients battling dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The plant’s main extract, silymarin, is understood to possess properties that destroy cancer cells and enhance the effects of chemotherapy against certain cancers.
Scientists have also found milk thistle may play an important role in keeping cholesterol levels down.
An herbal hair loss remedy
Native to the UK, milk thistle has a multitude of uses. But its most common application as an herbal supplement is in the battle against hair loss. Milk thistle’s effects on hair health are hard to ignore. In much the same way that milk thistle’s main active ingredient purifies bodily organs like the liver—reversing damage and restoring function—it works similarly with the skin, connective tissue, and epicranial layers of the scalp and hair follicles embedded in them.
Silymarin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects detoxify cells and enhance regeneration in hair follicle bulbs that generate hair strands. This soothing and purifying action significantly supports the development of robust, healthy hair. The elimination of toxins and waste materials helps hair follicles function fully, while milk thistle’s rich vitamin E content acts as a natural sunscreen for hair and skin. This natural protection from UV rays and airborne pollutants creates improved conditions for better hair growth.
Additionally, the plant is rich in phytosterols, a group of compounds present in plant membranes, recognized for their anti-aging effects that nourish and hydrate both the scalp and hair. By reducing scalp psoriasis and dandruff, milk thistle provides an optimal environment in which strong follicles and hair can thrive.
All of these benefits of milk thistle extract serve to strengthen and protect hair follicles, resulting in reduced hair fall and stronger hair growth. They make milk thistle an ideal natural remedy in the battle against hair loss, which is why MHR Clinic includes milk thistle in the vitamin and herbal component of its comprehensive hair restoration programmes.
Beyond its health benefits, milk thistle has a rich history and a place in folklore. Found in abundance throughout southern Europe and parts of the UK, including England, Wales, and South East Scotland, milk thistle is easily recognised by its distinctive purple flowers and white veins.
According to legend, the Virgin Mary’s breast milk fell onto the plant’s leaves, permanently marking them with white veins and blessing it with cleansing and healing powers. This has led to its common names, Mary thistle and holy thistle. Silybum marianum, to use its botanical name, is a resilient plant that grows wild in dry and rocky areas and is related to the daisy and ragweed family.
Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken orally, causing few, if any, serious side effects, which are rare and may include mild nausea or an upset stomach. It is commonly available as a tablet supplement or as a tea but can also be found in powder form. As with any supplement, it’s best to inform your doctor of anything you’re taking, especially if you are on other medications, as they may advise on the best way to incorporate it into your routine.
For those looking for natural ways to support hair growth and protect overall health, milk thistle offers a wealth of benefits.
At MHR Clinic, our staff are well-versed in using milk thistle as part of our hair restoration programmes, so feel free to speak to us at one of our practices for more information on this unique herbal remedy and how it could support your hair health journey.
