As someone who’s been drinking milk thistle tea for years, I can say it’s one of the few herbal tea options that feels both calming and restorative. It comes from the milk thistle plant, also called holy thistle or Mary thistle, a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean but now found across the globe. It belongs to the scientific family of daisy flowers, and its botanical name is silybum marianum. What makes this tea special is its rich tradition and the fact that it’s made by infusing the leaves or seeds of the plant in hot water. Since it’s naturally-caffeine free, it can be consumed any time of day without disrupting your sleep patterns.
Flavor
I personally enjoy the mild flavor with earthy undertones and floral notes, especially when sweetened with honey or a dash of milk for that soft creamy texture. Compared to dandelion tea, it’s less bitter and has more balance. While the flowers may offer antioxidant effects that ease oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, it’s the seed-based tea that truly supports liver health, detoxification, and even regeneration thanks to higher silymarin levels.
Milk Thistle Tea Health Benefits
Liver Health and Detoxification
Milk thistle tea is best known for its benefits to liver health, thanks to the compound silymarin, a flavonoid found in the milk thistle plant. This compound and its flavonolignans complex provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects. It helps regenerate damaged liver cells, improve protein synthesis, and reduce oxidative stress caused by toxins and alcohol. Research from pharmaceutical biology and human studies shows it may support treatment of fatty liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, and cirrhosis. While supplements may offer higher bioavailability, the tea—when consumed regularly—still offers steady support. Some formulations even include phosphatidylcholine to enhance absorption.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Support
Studies, including those from phytotherapy research, have shown milk thistle tea may help regulate blood sugar. It improves insulin tolerance, reduces insulin resistance, and lowers fasting blood glucose levels. Silymarin has also been linked to a decrease in cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, which benefits those with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
Weight Loss Benefits
An animal study on mice revealed that despite being fed an unhealthy diet, the group that received milk thistle tea with silymarin showed lower obesity levels and even weight loss. This suggests potential for use in traditional weight loss programs, though more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these weight loss benefits.
Skin Health
Like green tea, milk thistle tea contains antioxidants that protect skin health. It neutralizes free radicals, which are known to cause premature aging, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory skin conditions. Studies show it can protect healthy cells and reduce oxidative stress, especially when applied topically.
Heart Health
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of milk thistle tea also support heart health. It improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and may help prevent blood clots. Combined with its ability to lower cholesterol, it contributes to protection against heart disease.
Bone Health
In research published by Biomed Research International, milk thistle extract showed positive effects on bone health, especially in those with estrogen deficiency and osteoporosis. It helped increase bone density and reduce bone loss, suggesting it could support bone strength over time.
Immune Support
Like other herbal teas, milk thistle tea boosts immune health. A study in the Journal of British Poultry Science linked dietary consumption of milk thistle to improved immune performance, showing its antibacterial, antiviral, and pathogen-fighting abilities that help prevent flu and the common cold.
Side Effects and Warnings
Allergic Reactions
People allergic to ragweed, daisy plants, or the milk thistle plant may experience allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, skin rash, difficulty breathing, or an itchy throat. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional if any of these symptoms appear.
Hormonal Effects
Milk thistle tea may mimic estrogen, which could cause issues for people with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, fibroid tumors, or endometriosis. It can also affect the menstrual cycle or raise the risk of miscarriage, making it unsafe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Digestive Side Effects
Some individuals may experience digestive upset, including bloating, diarrhea, or general discomfort in the digestive system. These effects are usually mild but should be monitored.
Medication Interactions
Milk thistle can interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver like blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some chemotherapy treatments. Always seek medical advice before using it with a current treatment plan.
Not FDA-Approved
The FDA and Food and Drug Administration have not approved milk thistle tea as a medical treatment for liver problems, jaundice, or cirrhosis. It should be viewed as a complementary treatment rather than a cure, and always used under professional guidance.
Complete Milk Thistle Tea Recipe