A compound in Milk Thistle seed dubbed silymarin has been shown to protect the liver from a variety of harmful substances. It prevents toxins from penetrating the interior of liver cells, while promoting the growth of healthy new cells to repair liver damage.

Other compounds in the seed have a similarly renewing effect on the kidneys, and may be beneficial for the prostate gland. Researchers have found that an ingredient called silibinin reduces levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a compound linked to prostate cancer, while inhibiting the growth of certain prostate tumor cells. The seeds also have antioxidant properties, mopping up damaging free radicals.

Despite this impressive list of properties, the herb's performance in actual practice has been quite mixed. A 1982 trial of silymarin in patients with mild liver problems produced significant improvement in their lab results. However, two recent trials of silymarin in patients with cirrhosis of the liver yielded little if any improvement.

Native to Europe, the Milk Thistle plant generally reaches a height of 2 to 5 feet. The Latin name "marianum" and English name "Our Lady's Thistle" stem from the color of the leaf veins, which, legend has it, were turned white by drops of the Virgin Mary's milk. Thanks to this legend, Milk Thistle was once used as a tonic for nursing mothers.

How To Prepare

Make tea, mix 1/2 teaspoonful of crushed seeds with cold water, bring to 110 degrees, let stand for 30 minutes, then strain.

Net wt.: 8 oz