Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum is a species of thistle. It has various common names including milk thistle, blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle.
Buy Milk Thistle
Scientific Name: Silybum marianus
Parts Used: Seeds
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Grow It Yourself:
Buy Milk Thistle
Scientific Name: Silybum marianus
Parts Used: Seeds
Cautions:
- None reported
Healing Properties
- Hepatic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying
- Promotes bile production and flow
- Good for the liver, detoxifying
- Increases milk flow in nursing mothers
- Good for alcoholism, cirrhosis, hepatitis, as well as constipation, bloating and PMS
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Add fresh or dried herb to food and beverages.
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- Essential Oils: Apply externally
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
- How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses
Grow It Yourself:
- Buy Milk Thistle Seeds
- Harvest seeds in the summer after seed heads turn brown.
- Harvest leaves anytime during growing season.
- Harvest flowers anytime while flowering.
- Zone: 5-10
- Any soil
- Full sun