Common English Name: Milk thistle.
Botanical Name: Silybum marianum.
Plant Family: Asteraceae.
Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed.
Origin: Mediterranean region of Europe.
Plant Description: Distinctive purple flower heads with thorns and white mottling on its leaves.
Main Chemical Components: Silymarin (silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin), vitamin E, linoleic acid.
Blends Well With: Not known.
Uses: Clinical studies have mixed results in the area of liver disease (from alcohol) and cancer (http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/milk-thistle). Can also be used to protect skin.
Fun Fact: Greek physician Dioscorides (40 – 90 A.D.) gave this plant species the name Silybum.
Cautions for Use: Milk thistle may cause diarrhea and an upset stomach. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if you have a history of hormone-related cancers. Milk thistle may cause interactions with several prescription or over-the-counter drugs; consult a qualified health care practitioner before use.