Botanical Name: Silybum marianum
Common Name:
- English: St Mary’s Thistle
- Also, known as: Akùb, Artichnuat sauvage, Blessed thistle, Bull thistle, Cardo blanco, Cardo de burro, Cardo mariano, Carod de Maria, Cardo di Maria, Carduo mariano, Chardon argente, Chardon-marie, épine blanche, Frauendistelfrüchte, Fructus cardui mariae, Fruit de chardon marie, Holy thistle, Kharshat barri, Khorfeish, Kocakavkas, Kuub, Lady’s milk, Lady’s thistle, lait de Notre Dame, Marian thistle, Máriatövis-termés, Mariazami, Mariendistel, Mariendistel früchte, Marienkörner, Maritighal, Mild marian thistle, milk thistle, pternix, shawkeddiman, Silberdistil, silybe, silybon, silybum, St Mary’s thistle, thistle, thistle of the Blessed Virgin, true thistle, variegated marian thistle, Mariana lactea Hill, Mediterranean Milk Thistle, Mariendistel
Origin: Ukraine
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Seed & Hull
General Information:
It is a fine, tall plant, about the size of the Cotton Thistle, with cut-into root-leaves, waved and spiny at the margin, of a deep, glossy green, with milk-white veins, and is found not uncommonly in hedge banks and on waste ground, especially by buildings, which causes some authorities to consider that it may not be a true native. In Scotland it is rare.
The heads of this Thistle formerly were eaten, boiled, treated like those of the Artichoke. There is a tradition that the milk-white veins of the leaves originated in the milk of the Virgin which once fell upon a plant of Thistle, hence it was called Our Lady’s Thistle, and the Latin name of the species has the same derivation. The Marian, or Milk Thistle, is perhaps the most important medicinally among the members of this genus.
How to use:
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as “Electuaries”.
Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.