How To Harvest Milk Thistle
- When the milk thistle blossoms are dry, cut them off the plant from the base of the flower head.
- Place the flower heads into a paper bag, and then set the bag in a warm location to allow them to completely dry, which generally takes five to seven days.
How to Brew Milk Thistle Tea
- Bring water to a boil and add milk thistle seeds, leaves, or tea bag.
- Steep the milk thistle tea for 20 minutes.
- Strain using a fine mesh strainer and add flavorings such as milk or honey. Enjoy!
In the past it was grown for medicinal use and is still occasionally found in gardens. However, it is illegal to sell or buy milk thistle in Washington State and all existing plantings have to be removed, since milk thistle is a Class A Noxious Weed.
Milk thistle gets its name from the milky sap that comes out of the leaves when they are broken. The leaves also have unique white markings that, according to legend, were the Virgin Mary's milk. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine. The seeds are more commonly used.
While all thistles share similarities, only milk thistle has green and white marbled leaves. Both bull thistle and milk thistle have sharp, spiny bracts surrounding the flower head, but those found on bull thistle are smaller and denser.
The tender inside, thus revealed, is delicious raw and even better when cooked lightly. The best thistle stalks are juicy and crisp with a mild flavor. Try them lightly steamed with a dash of salt or with pasta as in the recipe here.
Research has shown milk thistle has a protective effect on the liver and similar findings have been seen in studies involving kidney function. Silymarin promotes cell regeneration in the kidneys, just as in the liver. It also appears to protect kidney cells from damage and hinders the inflammatory response in tissue.
Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle.
There is, however, no evidence that milk thistle can reduce acetaldehyde levels, and there's no magic way to avoid a hangover. Just make sure you eat before hitting the alcohol and drink plenty of water before you go to bed.
The terms “milk thistle†and “silymarin†are often used interchangeably. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions.
Milk thistle will not reverse existing liver damage, and it will not cure infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Milk thistle should not be used by people who have complications from cirrhosis (such as variceal bleeding or ascites).
Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes:
- Allergy drugs.
- Drugs for high cholesterol.
- Anti-anxiety drugs.
- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners).
- Some cancer drugs.
- Drugs broken down by the liver.
Generally, it's safe to take milk thistle in recommended doses. Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Other people have reported a headache or itchiness after they take it. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, especially if you're allergic to other plants in the same family.
The Best Milk Thistle Supplements
- Best Overall. Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle. Affordable Six Month Supply.
- Best Antioxidant Formula. Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle.
- Strongest Dose. Fresh Nutrition Milk Thistle Capsules.
- Best for Liver Health. FarmHaven Milk Thistle Capsules.
- Most Trusted. Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle Capsules.
Dosages of Milk Thistle:140 mg silymarin taken orally three times per day.
Taking milk thistle might affect this enzyme and drugs it processes, such as diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven) and others. This means milk thistle might affect the levels of these drugs in your body. Diabetes medications. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes.
