St Mary’s Thistle is a medicinal plant whose therapeutic history dates back 2000 years. Traditionally, St Mary’s Thistle has been used to treat a range of liver and gallbladder disorders including hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice, to protect the liver against poisoning from chemical and environmental toxins, as an antioxidant and antiviral, and to enhance immunity. Today, St Mary’s Thistle extracts are now under intense study for cancer prevention, cancer treatment and amelioration of chemotherapy side effects.

Pets who share their living environment with humans are exposed to scores of human-produced chemicals by inhaling indoor air with contaminated dust, walking in parks and neighborhoods where chemicals have been applied, drinking contaminated tap water, eating pet food laden with numerous chemicals and artificial ingredients, and contacting a variety of house and garden products, from herbicides to flame retardants.

In the first study of its kind, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) undertook a study to investigate the extent of exposure pets face to contaminants in our homes and outdoor environments. The body burden testing conducted in this investigation is the most comprehensive ever published for companion animals. Unfortunately, the study indicated that dogs are exposed to complex mixtures of synthetic industrial chemicals, often at levels far in excess of those found in people. For example, a total of 35 chemicals were detected in dogs, with particularly high levels of plasticizers, grease-proof chemicals and fire retardants. The EWG also identified an extensive amount of scientific literature that demonstrates a link between chemical exposure and health risks for our pets.

So even if your dog is not showing obvious signs of liver problems, the burden of constantly needing to metabolise and excrete prescription medications, environmental chemicals, and artificial additives and preservatives (just to name a few), can be very damaging to health. As such, it is highly recommended that you support your dog's liver as a key strategy in promoting a long and healthy life.

Silybum marianum (St Mary’s Thistle or Milk Thistle)

Each 1 mL contains 1,000 mg of dried herb equivalent

Alcohol free

To provide your dog with the highest quality human-grade herbal tonics, I sometimes need to switch between suppliers. Each manufacturing company has their own unique processing techniques that can result in the final product being a different colour or viscosity. This difference in appearance in no way reduces the quality, strength or efficacy of the product.

Note: 20 drops = 1 mL

Storage

Store below 25 C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Use within 12 months of opening
Keep out of reach of children.

Milk Thistle is considered safe and well tolerated when taken within the recommended dose range.
Milk Thistle is not contraindicated with conventional medications and is gentle enough for long-term use.
Studies have found no adverse effects when used during pregnancy, however, always consult your veterinarian in such situations.
Contraindicated in dogs with known allergy to the Asteraceae (daisy) family.