Where Does Milk Thistle Come From?

Milk thistle is an herbal medication that is used to detoxify the body. It has been grown and used in Europe for generations. The plant is a member of the sunflower family and produces edible seeds. The seeds are processed into various products that a consumer uses for liver and gallbladder repair and wellness maintenance. It is also used to combat inflammation, hepatitis, constipation and other health issues. It is readily available for purchase.

History

• Milk thistle was named "silybum" by Dioscordes, a Greek physician who served with the ancient Roman Army. The herb was used to treat kidney problems and hepatitis during ancient times.

Source

• Milk thistle comes from a plant that grows up to 6 feet tall. The seeds were brought to the United States for a medicinal drink and is now a common weed seen in California.

Milk Thistle Flower

• The milk thistle flower is at least 2 inches wide and is red violet or crimson and globular in shape. The plant is recognizable by the prickly leaves that has white veining on them.

Harvest

• The flower goes to seed after it matures. The flower heads are dried and the seeds are extracted from them through a threshing process.

Milk Thistle Seeds

• The black shiny seeds have tufts of feathery fibers on them, which are removed. The seeds can be eaten and are ground into powder for capsules or infusions.

Suppliers

• Herbalists, natural food and alternative medicine stores and Internet sites are suppliers of milk thistle. Organic growers also supply bulk milk thistle products to customers.