Milk thistle has has deep magenta flowers, and spiny thistle-like leaves with distinctive white markings. It has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. And was used in Europe as a remedy for depression and liver problems. Today, accompanied by research, it is still used to treat depression and liver problems. It is also a liver protective, chemoprotective, anticancer, anti-allergenic, and breast-milk production increaser.
History & Folklore
Milk thistle has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years to treat depression, liver disorders, and low milk production in new mothers. Research done recently has confirmed that milk thistle is effective in protecting the liver from damage.
Habitat & Cultivation
Milk thistle is a biennial with spiny, thistle-like leaves and deep magenta flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, milk thistle has been naturalized in California and grows throughout Europe. The flower heads, typically eaten as food or used in remedies, are picked in full bloom at the beginning of the summer season. The seeds, containing silymarin (which protects the liver) is the main part used in remedies, are collected at the end of the summer season.
Uses
Traditional Uses spring tonic, increase breast-milk production, and treat depression
Liver disorders used to protect the liver and to conditions of liver stress: hepatitis and jaundice, infection, damage from excess alcohol, and consequences of chemotherapy
Parts used
Flower Heads (fresh or dry) eaten as a tonic food, can be used in remedies
Seeds the main part used in remedies; contains silymarin which protects the liver
Key Actions
Liver protective
Chemoprotective
Anticancer
Anti-allergenic
Increases breast-milk production (milk thistle, get it?)
Constituents
Flavolignans (1-4%)
Bitter Principles
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 137.
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