Can you protect yourself against too much alcohol consumption? Herbalists believe you can.

The milk thistle plant whose seeds are beneficial

The seeds of the milk thistle plant contain a powerful antioxidant called silymarin, which is said to protect not just the liver, but also the gall bladder and spleen against the demon drink.

Milk thistle is a member of the daisy family of plants and is rich in flavonolignans, a group of compounds which help to repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxins.

Silymarin also has anti-inflammatory properties that protect new liver cells from destruction. Add the presence of phytochemicals which fight against toxic overload and, all in all, the humble milk thistle is a great little helper if you have a tendency to overdo it from time to time.

You can take milk thistle as a capsule, in tablet, tincture or liquid extract form, before or after drinking.