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Milk thistle has been used
for thousands of years in Europe, with
one of the earliest recorded uses in the
first century, between 23AD and 79AD.
Early Christians dedicated the milk thistle
to the Virgin Mary and called it Marian
thistle because of its properties of encouraging
breast milk production in new mothers.
In the 19th century it was used to ease
varicose veins and menstrual problems,
as a treatment for depression and most
commonly as and aid in liver health.
The origins of milk thistle can be traced
back to the Mediterranean, but it now
grows wild in the Eastern U.S. and California.
Partial to rural areas and along roadsides,
milk thistle can grow up to seven feet
tall, invading fields and posing a threat
to livestock. Milk thistle is very drought
tolerant and a confident self-seeder,
preferring sunny, well-drained soil. With
thistle-shaped, purple flowers and spiny
leaves, the milk thistle flower can produce
approximately 190 seeds at a time. At
one point in time, all the parts of the
milk thistle plant were eaten. The flower
heads were boiled and eaten like an artichoke,
the spinach-like flavor of the leaves
were a welcome addition in salads, and
the shiny, brown seeds were ground to
produce a coffee substitute or tea.
It is in the seeds where
we find the medicinal properties of milk
thistle. Silymarin is the compound responsible
for altering the structure of the liver's
cell membrane, forming a barrier to liver
toxins as well as rivaling vitamins C
and E for its antioxidant properties.
There is little silymarin found in the
other parts of milk thistle, so they are
not considered valuable for their medicinal
effects.
Milk thistle is usually taken by supplement,
but there is no recommended dosage. Practitioners
recommend following the package dose with
a full glass of water. People with allergies
to certain plants such as ragweed, artichokes
and marigolds, may experience a severe
allergic reaction to milk thistle and
should avoid its consumption.
For the non-allergic, milk thistle may
help protect you from several ailments.
Before adding any supplement or new food
to your diet, please consult your healthcare
provider.
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