Milk thistle is flowering medicinal herb native to Mediterranean countries. Its Latin name is Silybum marianum. The other common names of Milk thistle plant are Holy thistle, Venus thistle, Heal thistle etc.
This plant is grown as food source in Europe. Milk thistle whole plant is edible. Its roots are soaked in water for a night and eaten next day. The stems are eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are also eaten in form of vegetable. Its seeds are used as coffee substitute. Seeds are also useful in treating jaundice, dyspepsia, lack of appetite and stomach disorders. The seed extract contains flavonoids which have strong liver protective action and useful in liver diseases.
Health Benefits of Milk thistle
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Supports liver health, Protects liver from toxins
- Removes body toxins, Detoxifies body
- Mild laxative, Stimulates bile secretion
- Lowers blood sugar level
- Good for liver, gallbladder, pancreas and stomach
- Stimulates lungs to discharge excess mucus
- Useful in allergic rhinitis
Available forms of Milk thistle
Milk thistle herb can be taken orally in form of Milk thistle tea and in form of pure herb supplement.
Its seeds are also available in powder form. You can drink 2-3 cups of milk thistle tea in a day.
Milk thistle plant is useful in supporting liver function. It is also useful in detoxifying body. This plant is used traditionally for liver related diseases, pleurisy, oedema in legs, hydrophobia and jaundice.