‘Tis the season where so many of us tend to go overboard with drinking, between festive Christmas dinners, countless holiday parties, and New Year’s celebrations. And after the holiday cheer, most of us are left with that unwelcome side effect of our excesses: the hangover.
Milk thistle is well known for its hepatoprotective (ie, protects the liver ) properties. Its active ingredient, Silybum marianum, has been used universally for liver diseases and jaundice. Since excessive drinking puts a huge strain on the liver, milk thistle is especially useful during the festive season as it eliminates accumulated toxins as a result of alcohol consumption, helping the liver to recover.
There are very few known side effects of milk thistle so there are most likely no worries about milk thistle dangers if taken in the recommended dosages. However it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Milk thistle can be purchased in capsule and tincture form in the A Vogel and Sona ranges, available in store in all Matt O’Flaherty chemists.
As with all health supplements, make sure you consult your pharmacist or another qualified medical professional before taking any milk thistle supplements.
