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.