Milk Thistle: Origins, Benefits & Uses - A Comprehensive Guide

Milk thistle is an herbal medication that is used to detoxify the body. It has been grown and used in Europe for generations. The plant is a member of the sunflower family and produces edible seeds. The seeds are processed into various products that a consumer uses for liver and gallbladder repair and wellness maintenance. It is also used to combat inflammation, hepatitis, constipation and other health issues. It is readily available for purchase.

History

• Milk thistle was named "silybum" by Dioscordes, a Greek physician who served with the ancient Roman Army. The herb was used to treat kidney problems and hepatitis during ancient times.

Source

• Milk thistle comes from a plant that grows up to 6 feet tall. The seeds were brought to the United States for a medicinal drink and is now a common weed seen in California.

Milk Thistle Flower

• The milk thistle flower is at least 2 inches wide and is red violet or crimson and globular in shape. The plant is recognizable by the prickly leaves that has white veining on them.

Harvest

• The flower goes to seed after it matures. The flower heads are dried and the seeds are extracted from them through a threshing process.

Milk Thistle Seeds

• The black shiny seeds have tufts of feathery fibers on them, which are removed. The seeds can be eaten and are ground into powder for capsules or infusions.

Suppliers

• Herbalists, natural food and alternative medicine stores and Internet sites are suppliers of milk thistle. Organic growers also supply bulk milk thistle products to customers.