What you need to know: This fairly ordinary-looking thistle can by identified by its purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves, and is found growing wild throughout the world. It is has been used for 2,000 years for cleansing and as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. It is most effective for addressing the liver, kidney and gallbladder, and for clearing excessive heat from the body. Several scientific studies suggest that a substance in milk thistle, a flavonoid called silymarin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.

Why you should try it: Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, is one of the most effective agents for the liver. It works twofold, by supporting the liver in both detoxification and repair. It promotes the rapid excretion of toxic substances while also regenerating liver cells damaged by alcohol. Silymarin also supports glutathione and SOD production, key antioxidants and nutrients needed for liver detox. Preliminary evidence suggests that it has anticancer effects as well, stopping cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, shortening their lifespan, and reducing blood supply to tumors.

Let’s get together:Adding a capsule of milk thistle into your daily routine is the best way to gain its protective benefits. Always choose a product that is standardized to contain eighty percent or more of silymarin like Silymarin by Pure Encapsulations. Consider ramping up your dosage when juice cleansing to further promote the cleansing and repairing benefits.