Milk Thistle

Herbal Liver & Antioxidant Supplement

Country Park Herbs Milk Thistle (St Mary's Thistle) is a traditional herbal supplement providing natural antioxidant and nutritional support for normal liver function in horses.

Designed for horses requiring additional antioxidant and liver support as part of a longer-term nutritional program.

Supplied as St Mary's Thistle seeds, which may be fed whole, or ground or crushed to assist incorporation into the feed and digestion.

Natural Source of Silymarin

St Mary's Thistle (Silybum marianum, also known as Carduus marianus) seeds naturally contain silymarin, a group of bioactive flavonolignan compounds with antioxidant properties. Silymarin has been widely investigated for its relationship with liver function, including its potential role in supporting normal cellular antioxidant defences and liver cell membrane integrity.

Liver Support

The liver is central to many essential functions, including:

• Nutrient metabolism
• Processing metabolic waste products
• Metabolism of medications and other compounds
• Bile production
• Energy metabolism
• Storage and processing of nutrients

St Mary's Thistle is traditionally used as a liver-supporting herb and traditionally described as a cholagogue – used in herbal practice to support normal bile production and flow, which plays an important role in digestion and the processing of dietary fats.

Antioxidant Support

Normal metabolism generates free radicals, which are controlled by the body's antioxidant defences. The naturally occurring silymarin compounds in Milk Thistle provide antioxidant activity, helping support normal cellular protection against oxidative stress.

Ideal For

• Horses requiring additional liver support
• Horses exposed to increased dietary or environmental challenges
• Older horses
• Horses receiving longer-term nutritional management
• Horses requiring additional antioxidant support
• General maintenance of normal liver health

Key Benefits

• Traditional herbal support for normal liver function
• Naturally contains silymarin
• Provides plant-based antioxidant compounds
• Supports normal cellular antioxidant defences
• Traditionally used as a liver tonic
• Traditionally used to support normal bile flow
• Suitable for longer-term nutritional programs
• Seeds may be fed whole or ground

Feeding Rate

Feed according to the product's recommended feeding rate. Milk Thistle is commonly used as a longer-term supplement; traditional feeding programs may continue for approximately 4–12 weeks or longer, depending on the individual horse and reason for supplementation. For horses with diagnosed liver disease or abnormal liver blood results, discuss the appropriate amount and duration with your veterinarian.

Complete Liver Support

St Mary's Thistle is a traditional herbal supplement naturally rich in silymarin, providing antioxidant and nutritional support for normal liver function and cellular health.

Milk Thistle should not be used as a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment of liver disease, poisoning or adverse drug reactions. Horses showing jaundice, photosensitivity, neurological changes, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite or abnormal liver blood results require veterinary assessment. If liver damage from toxic plants, chemicals, medications, infection or other disease is suspected, seek veterinary advice promptly. Always read the label before use.