Milk Thistle

Family Asteraceae or Compositae. A perennial plant that grows between 3-6 feet tall and has large purple flowers, and brown, spotty fruit. The part used is the ripe seed. It contains, flavonoids, steroids, organic acids and fatty oil. Geography: Indigenous to the Mediterranean and Europe. It has also been cultivated in North America and South America and grows like a weed in Australia in fields, meadows and along the roadside.

Historical Uses

Milk thistle seeds have been used for thousands of years to help with liver conditions. In skin care it provides anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and free radical fighting benefits.

Stories & Legends

The plant got its name because it is believed to help nursing mothers produce milk.