“Dear Pharmacist,
I am a recovering alcoholic and now that I’m “dry” I was wondering if there was something that would ease the damage I’ve done to my liver? Can you help?” –V,L. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Answer: Yes, milk thistle. It is grown in Europe as a vegetable and used in salads. It functions as a substitute for spinach. But it’s not just good food, it’s good medicine. Extracts of the plant can support a healthy liver, a good thing since the liver is responsible for processing everything that goes into your mouth, drugs included.
Milk thistle is a safe, natural herb that can revitalize the liver, even after the damage has been done. And alcohol does some damage. Alcohol is a potent toxin to the liver, and in case you didn’t realize, so are hundreds of drugs, preservatives, pesticides and heavily processed foods. If you decide to take milk thistle, get a good brand that is standardized to 80% silymarin. A note of caution, if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daises, you may be sensitive to milk thistle too.
Suzy Cohen, RPh, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years, blending conventional medicine with natural approaches to help people feel better and live healthier. She is the founder of Script Essentials, a supplement company known for targeted, custom-formulated products, some with patented innovations.
With a special focus on thyroid health, functional medicine, and drug-induced nutrient depletion (what she calls “drug muggers”), Suzy is the author of several books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, and Diabetes Without Drugs. She also writes a nationally syndicated health column and shares practical, easy-to-understand guidance with readers around the world.
