Latin (botanical) name: Silybum marianum

Common names: Holy Thistle, Marythistle, St. Mary’s Thistle, Marian Thistle

Plant Description: Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is generally found in dry, rocky soils in southern and western Europe and is commonly seen in California. It is a stout, annual or biennial plant which can reach heights of 6 feet. It has a shiny brown stem, 1-3 feet high, with several branches and prickly thorns. Milk Thistle bears large, alternate, dark green, glossy leaves with spiny, scalloped edges and milkwhite veins. The blooms are small, composite, spherical, colorful purple-pink and pompom-like. They bloom from June to August.

Use: Make a tea by pouring approximately 2 cups of boiling water over 2 heaped tsp of herb. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. In general, sip a cup before breakfast, and another 2 hours after dinner.

Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.