Milk Thistle. Milk thistle is a genus of flowering plant with the species Silybum marianum and belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is an annual or biennial thorny herb, growing up to 1.5 meters tall, thriving in countries with a Mediterranean and continental climate, such as Greece, Asia Minor, and Western Asia. It is mainly found in mountainous and rocky areas as well as in disturbed or excavated soils.

Active Substances

The active ingredient of the plant is silymarin. Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans and is present throughout the plant, primarily in the fruits and seeds. Other substances it contains include tyramine, histamine, essential oils, lipids, alkaloids, saponins, and vitamins C, E, and K.

Properties

• Hepatoprotective action
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Regulation of immune system function
• Reduction of cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Beneficial action in the removal of toxins

Usage

It is prepared as an herbal tea. We add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes. We can drink up to 3 cups a day. We can also crush the seeds into a fine powder and consume it with water, 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day.

Attention!

Overconsumption can lead to unwanted effects. It is advised to consult a specialist before taking the herb.