Milk Thistle Seed, Whole (Silybum marianum) – Dried Herb, Organic

Silybum marianum grows as an annual or biennial from three to seven feet in height, has smooth, shiny, lettuce-like leaves with white veins and spines along the margins. Milk Thistle has a solitary purple flower that can grow up to two and a half inches in diameter.

Milk Thistle is native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Europe and has been widely cultivated for hundreds of years. It is considered a noxious weed in the Pacific Northwest.

Milk Thistle is a member of the vast sunflower or Asteraceae family, which encompasses a wide variety of well-known plants such as Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), the common Daisy (Bellis perennis), the Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus), and Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), to name a few.

Properties:

Milk Thistle has been used for thousands of years as a herb and even earlier as a food source. The leaves have been eaten and used often for other things. It has an affinity for the liver and is said to help regenerate the tissue along with supporting the detoxification process while simultaneously protecting it.

Also known for its usefulness in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and management of diabetes.

Combines well with Licorice Root and Dandelion Root for digestive issues.

How to use:

1/2 – 1 teaspoon of Milk Thistle to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Traditionally used in Western Herbalism decocted as Milk Thistle tea. It can also be powdered for tinctures or encapsulated.

Cautions & contraindications:

Milk Thistle may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae (Ragweed) plant family. May affect metabolism of various drugs (either increasing or decreasing levels) such as anti-diabetic agents (additive), estrogen, lamotrigine and lorazepam. Has the potential to reduce iron storage and absorption.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.