Milk Thistle
Scientific Name: Carduus marianus Compositae
AKA: Mary Thistle
Parts Used: seeds, flower heads
Active Compounds: Polyacetylenes, flavonlignans, bitter principles
Background: If you have trouble with your liver, you'll want to know more about milk thistle. This herb has been well-known in Europe for its ability to treat liver ailments as well as depression. Until recently, that information was just anecdotal but modern research confirms what people already knew intuitively. Milk thistle can help to protect the liver from toxic substances. In Germany, milk thistle is actually used as a treatment for cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Applications: Liver protection/Antidepressant
Milk thistle is primarily used to improve liver function.
Liver: Milk thistle can be used to protect the liver from toxic substances. It can also be used to treat hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. It can also help to improve the liver fucntion after chemotherapy treatment.
Women's health: Milk thistle can be used to help women with the production of breast milk.
Depression: Milk thistle can be taken to improve depression that often results from a lack of liver function.
Description:
Milk thistle is a biennial plant that grows as tall as five feet. It has a green stalk and leaves. The flower heads are a brilliant purple color. The plant grows native to the Mediterranean region of the world. It is also found in Australia and California. The flower heads are harvested in the summer when in bloom and the seeds are harvested in the late summer.
Dosage:
As a tincture of seeds, take for liver problems.
As a decoction, take 1/2 cup daily for infections of the liver.
As a capsule, take 500 mg for hangover.
Tablets may be taken for chronic liver problems.
Safety:
No negative safety information is available for this herb. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.

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