Translation guide
Milk thistle is a plant known for its medicinal properties, especially for liver health. In Japanese, it is usually referred to by its scientific name or a direct translation.
milk thistle (plant)
milk thistle (supplement)
Referring to the plant itself, often in botanical or herbal contexts.
The most common Japanese name for milk thistle, literally 'Mary's thistle'. Used in gardening and herbal contexts.
Milk thistle is said to be good for the liver.
Katakana loanword from English. Common in health food and supplement contexts.
I take milk thistle supplements.
Literally 'large thistle'. Sometimes used but less specific; may refer to other large thistles.
One type of large thistle is milk thistle.
Referring to milk thistle as a health product, such as capsules, tea, or extract.
The standard term for the supplement in Japan. Often seen on product labels.
This milk thistle is organic.
Specifically 'milk thistle extract'. Used when emphasizing the extracted form.
It contains milk thistle extract.
Use マリアアザミ when talking about the plant in a botanical sense, and ミルクシスル when referring to supplements or health products. In many everyday situations, the English word 'milk thistle' is understood by health-conscious Japanese speakers.