The use of Silybum goes back 2,000 years; it was traditionally used to increase breast milk production, treat depression (traditionally associated with the liver), eaten as a vegetable (the flower heads boiled and eaten like artichokes) when there were no fresh ones available after winter. Culpepper recommended boiling the leaves as a blood cleanser. Traditionally the milk white veins of the leaves were found originally in the milk of the Virgin Mary, who fell upon a thistle plant. The Saxons also believed that if the seeds were worn around the neck, snakes would not come near.

Seeds.

Flavanolignans including; silybin, silychristin, silydianin that are collectively known as silymarin. Flavonoid – silymarine. Bitter principle. Amines including tyramine and histamine. Polyacetylenes.

Liver tonic, chronic liver and gallbladder disorders such as cirrhosis, damage from chemical poisoning and alcohol abuse, cholangitis, pericholangitis, gall stones, chronic hepatitis (including B and C), as a supportive during acute hepatitis. Stimulates the flow of breast milk. Externally: can be used for psoriasis, eczema, burns, wounds and sores.

Seeds: 4-9g daily. Liquid extract (1:2): 30-60ml per week. Absorption of silybum is enhanced by lecithin.