milk thistle

noun

: a tall thistle (Silybum marianum) having white-veined dark green leaves and large purple flower heads that is native to the Mediterranean region but has become naturalized elsewhere including the U.S.

also : an extract of milk thistle and especially its seeds that is held to protect the liver from damage or disease

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s infused with milk thistle and hydrolyzed collagen, both of which are lauded for their ultra-hydrating properties. —Daisy Maldonado, SELF, 16 June 2022

TikTok’s latest health hack claims that milk thistle, an herbal remedy, can prevent a hangover. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 24 Feb. 2023

This product contains turkey tail mushroom, milk thistle, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, and lutein to work together in supporting cognitive function eye health, liver health, heart health and immunity. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2022

As the name suggests, this lotion feels like a lightweight emulsion on the skin, and contains ingredients like mattifying powders and milk thistle extracts to reduce the appearance of acne. —Daley Quinn, Health, 21 Feb. 2023

Milk Dust has herbal blends including milk thistle which is proven to help increase and maintain the production of milk. —Dallas News, 18 Jan. 2023

And, it’s made from non-toxic natural ingredients that encourage healing, like prunella vulgairs, macadamia, milk thistle, and frankincense. —Olivia O'bryon, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2022

What science says: One common supplement in the detox family is milk thistle. —Christine Byrne, Men's Health, 27 Jan. 2023

Prized for its ability tosupport liver health, milk thistle is a popular cleanser, detoxification aid, and weight loss ingredient. —James Robinson, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

milk thistle

noun

milk this·​tle -ˈthis-əl 

1

: a tall thistle (Silybum marianum) that is the source of silymarin, has large clasping white-blotched leaves and large purple flower heads with bristly receptacles, and is native to southern Europe but has been widely introduced elsewhere including the United States

2

: an extract of milk thistle and especially its seeds : silymarin