Milk thistle – Silybum marianum

Milk thistle – Silybum marianum
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Milk thistle, Lady’s Thistle, Lady’s Milk, Marian thistle, Variegated Thistle
Parts used: Seeds & leaf

Key Actions:

-Seed
-Hepatorestorative
-Cholagogue
-Decreases insulin resistance
-Hepatoprotective
-Antidepressant

-Leaf-
Galactagogue

Dried milk thistle @shesalwaysbarefoot

Energetics:

-Moistening
-Reduces excess heat
-Reduces congestion & stagnation of tissues
-Mildly bitter & mucilaginous

Helps/Uses:

-Protects liver damage from Environmental damage, drugs & alcohol
-Physical liver damage
-Depression
-Improves liver function
-Hormone balancer
-Metabolic syndrome
-Hepatitis
-Increases breast milk (leaf)

Flowering milk thistle in the garden @shesalwaysbarefoot

Removing the pappus

Gently shake seeds around while blowing on the thistle fluff to float away with the wind.
Don’t forget to close your eyes! Or, in light wind, transfer back and forth the seeds to remove more thistle fluff

milk thistle head @shesalwaysbarefoot

Storage

Place seeds in a jar & keep in a cool dark place. I like to grind my seeds, a 1/4 cup at a time, & keep in the fridge.

Disclaimer

This post is for personal use. A reference. I am not a doctor, or claim to know everything. This herb represents many thousands of plants with medicinal properties. Do not take essential oils internally unless directed by a heath care professional. Any plant substance, whether used as a food or medication, externally or internally, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Do not try self-diagnosis or attempt self-treatment for serious or long-term problems without consulting a medical professional or qualified practitioner. Do not undertake any self-treatment while you are undergoing a prescribed course of medical treatment without first seeking professional advice. Always seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Candice

I want to show others that medicine is all around us. There are many common backyard plants that we can benefit from. Including what we use as a day to day culinary herb within our dishes can have a huge impact on our daily health. Being conscience of different common herbs that you might already have in your pantry & work with them to enhance your families health.

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