Botanical name: Silybum marianum
Other name: Blessed Milk thistle, Spotted thistle, St. Mary’s thistle, Marian thistle, Holy thistle, Variegated thistle
Belonging to the Asteraceae family, Silybum marianum is an annual plant that reaches a height of three to seven feet, featuring foliage reminiscent of lettuce and distinctive spiky, purple flowers. This plant has been a staple both as a food source and for its beneficial properties for centuries. In Western herbalism, the seeds of milk thistle, known for their enduring tradition of use, are often decocted to create milk thistle tea. Additionally, these seeds can be processed into a powder for tinctures or encapsulation, offering versatile ways to harness their therapeutic potential.
Medicinal Uses:
- Liver Health and Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis C
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Breast Milk Production
- Cancer
- Skin Health
- Bone Health
