Milk Thistle Seed Powder (Silybum Marianum)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Milk Thistle Seed Powder (Silybum Marianum) HERB COMMON NAME :  Milk Thistle HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Silybum Marianum OTHER NAMES :  Holy Thistle, Blessed Thistle, Mary Thistle, Mary’s Thistle, Lady’s Thistle, Our Lady’s Thistle, Marian, Wild Artichoke, Variegated Thistle FAMILY :  Asteraceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Monday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries Chakra: 3rd Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Sabbat or Holiday: Mabon / the Autumn Equinox (btw. September 21-24) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Nergal, Thor   Parts Used:  Seeds Description:  Milk Thistle is harvested for its seed, which contains a significant amount of amino acids, protein and, most notably, a group of chemical compounds referred to as silymarin. Milk thistle seed is added to salads and other foods, but is most commonly used to produce teas, infusions, tinctures and extracts. The leaves are typically boiled with milk. Milk Thistle powder removes liver toxins, treats hepatitis B & C, and reduces inflammation. Research has shown that it promotes the regeneration of diseased liver cells, removes liver toxins, and protects them against some poisons. This gives it a role in any chronic liver disease and especially those due to alcohol, drug, or dietary abuse. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and pancreatic function. Milk Thistle seeds are the only known substance that regenerates damaged liver tissue. The seeds protect against the toxic effects of chronic alcohol poisoning, as well as other chemical environmental toxins that may be encountered in the workplace. It is believed to also aid in gall bladder problems. In the past, the seeds were also given to break down kidney stones. Milk Thistle is believed to increase the production of milk for breastfeeding mothers. The plant has long been considered protective against snakes and their bites. Culpeper recommended Milk Thistle for jaundice. In Europe, it is the antidote of choice for poisoning by death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which is a hepatotoxin, and it does indeed work, regenerating liver cells, but if you are poisoned by such a mushroom, go to the hospital instead of the garden. Historical Uses:  hepatitis B & C, inflammation, liver disease, jaundice, detox, cleanse, kidney stones, gall bladder, cholagogue, hepatic, hepatoprotective, hepatorestorative, galactagogue, demulcent, breastfeeding, nursing, snake bites, addiction recovery Mystical Attributes:  Milk Thistle is associated with the Virgin Mary, who is reputed to have wept over the plant. Because the liver is traditionally the seat of anger, some magic practitioners believe that the wearing of milk thistle potentiates anger. It would certainly be uncomfortable. Eliphas Levi describes malicious sorcerers who drowned vipers and asps in milk to which milk thistle sap had been added to create a virulent poison. Mystical Intentions:  revenge, vengeance, war magic Taste & Smell:  Milk thistle has a mild slightly sweet and milky flavor, often compared to dandelion with a mild earthy undertone and floral notes. The seeds are sweet to chew as a snack, and are sometimes roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Milk thistle is a Mediterranean plant in the daisy family that is characterized by tufts of purple flower heads surrounded by a halo of protective thorns. It is a native of Southern Europe through to Asia and is now found throughout the world. As a biennial, it is hardy down to -20°F/-29°C, but is more typically an annual. Goldfinches love the seeds, and butterflies and sphinx and hawk moths love the flowers. This plant grows from 1 to 6-1/2 feet in height with its base at times reaching nearly 5 feet in diameter. It is bit and thorny, so plant where it can have room. Milk thistle grows in a conical shape, the stem being grooved and somewhat cottony. In the larger specimens the stem is hollow. Milk thistle’s leaves are oblong to lanceolate, and they are either lobate or pinnate, with spiny edges. The leaves also have milk-white veins, are devoid of hair, and are shiny green. The red-purple flower heads are 1-1/2 to 4-3/4 inches long and wide, and may take two years to show up. They flower in the summer through autumn (more specifically from June to August in the North and from December to February in the Southern Hemisphere). Milk Thistle grows in waste places, areas by the sea, and in cultivated garden beds in full sun. This plant will succeed in any well-drained fertile garden soil. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost to have blooms the first year. It germinates in 7-14 days at room temperature for transplants. Or sow seeds directly outside into the garden beds during March or April, after danger of frost, for blooms in the second year, after which it produces seeds and dies. Plant at least 24-36 inches apart. The plant will usually flower in the summer and complete its life cycle in one growing season. Alternatively the seed can be sown from May to August when the plant will normally wait until the following year to flower and thus behave as a biennial. Seed harvest occurs in 2 steps: cutting and threshing. Harvesting occurs in August, around 2–3 weeks after flowering. Wear HEAVY gloves when handling. Parachutes of seeds have to be removed before storage, rub seeds on a screen or sieve to do that. Store dried milk thistle seeds and powdered dried milk thistle seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Avoid using with possible allergy to Asteraceae family. Though rare, some adverse effects have been reported (sweating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea). May increase metabolism of some drugs.   Constituents: silymarin flavolignans (silymarin complex) flavonoids volatile oil bitter principle mucilage     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 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