Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an annual or biennial massive thistle from the Asteraceae family.

The seeds are hard to crush.

A biennial herb, emerging in spring with a cluster of spiny leaves with distinctive white veins. In late June, purple-red inflorescences emerge on about 1 m long stems. Flowering lasts from July to September. In late summer, the flowers develop into fruits which are then harvested. Milk thistle can help the liver function properly. The name is related to an old legend that the white spots on the petals were formed from the milk of the Virgin Mary.

Because of its appearance, milk thistle is also grown as an ornamental plant.

Milk thistle is an ancient herb, formerly also called "Christ's crown" because of its thorns. Although it is native to the Mediterranean, it can also be grown in our conditions. It was used in ancient times as a traditional remedy, among other things, after snake bites. In the 17th century, people already knew its positive effects on the liver, blood pressure, abdominal disorders and it was also used as a remedy for melancholy and depression.

The medicinal effects with which milk thistle is associated today are mainly related to liver disease. It protects this important organ from undesirable substances commonly found in food, drink or air. It can help, for example, in the treatment of inflammation and cirrhosis of the liver, but also as a prevention of gallstones. It may also alleviate the effects of liver damage caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Milk thistle is also used to regenerate liver cells and blood vessels, for varicose veins, diseases of the gallbladder, spleen and duodenum, colic, jaundice and as a decoction in the treatment of haemorrhoids. It is also recommended as a dietary supplement in weight reduction for its detoxifying effects.

Milk thistle may also help against drug, food or mushroom poisoning, circulatory disorders, low blood pressure, asthma, allergies, migraine and dizziness or travel sickness.

The mainactive ingredient contained in this miracle herb is the liver tissue-restoring silymarin. Silymarin has such powerful effects that it is also used for regeneration of damaged liver in drug addicts, alcoholics, for people after poisoning (e.g. by mushrooms or drugs), after chemotherapy, for severely obese or suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. Milk thistle has 4 to 6 percent of this substance in its seeds.

The liver has an indispensable function in the body of processing nutrients and a key organ for metabolism. It also helps in detoxification of the body and biotransformation, synthesis of plasma proteins and serves as a reservoir of vitamins, iron, glycogen and other substances. As they also have many other important functions, in case of their failure, metabolic disorders, blood clotting and in acute cases liver failure can be fatal.

The side effects of prolonged use are unknown, only in rare cases can mildly laxative effects occur in the first few days.

In order for milk thistle to show its effects, it should be taken regularly for several weeks to months, preferably 2 to 3 times a year.

It is important to avoid alcoholic beverages, synthetic drugs and foods rich in fat during this treatment.

Specification: purified seeds of milk thistle.

100% Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)

Net weight: 1000g

Dosage: adults: 2.5g (1tbsp) 2 times a day, children from 3 years: 1g (1/2 teaspoon) 2 times a day

>Use: swallow the crushed seeds with a glass of water

Maximum daily dose of 5g contains 5g of milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum)

Disclaimer: This product has been marketed as a dietary supplement.

It is not a medicine.

It is not a substitute for a varied diet.

The product is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.

Children over 3 years of age must consult a specialist for use.

Milk thistle in any form is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, people with high blood pressure and people suffering from serious illnesses without consulting a doctor.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.

Not suitable for persons allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients in the product.

Do not forget that a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet ensure the proper functioning of the body and the maintenance of good condition.