Milk Thistle Seeds - Certified Organic - Powder 1 lb

Herbal Information for Milk Thistle Seed Organic in Powder Form

Discover the transformative benefits of milk thistle for your liver health, detoxification, and overall well-being. Don't wait to start your journey to a healthier you. Explore our premium range of milk thistle supplements and products designed to support your body's natural defenses. Shop now and take the first step toward a revitalized life!

What is Milk Thistle Seed?

Milk thistle, a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family, has a history dating back to ancient times. Revered for its medicinal properties, milk thistle has gained recognition in modern healthcare for its potential benefits, particularly for liver health.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Its seeds contain silymarin, a complex of flavonoids known for its antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is often used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, promote breast milk production, and even protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol, and other environmental poisons.

Key Benefits of Milk Thistle
Liver Health and Detoxification

Milk thistle is most renowned for its liver-protective effects. The active compound, silymarin, helps to protect the liver by stabilizing cell membranes and reducing fibrosis. It promotes the growth of new liver cells and has been shown to reduce liver inflammation and damage caused by toxins such as alcohol and drugs.

Evidence from Studies

A number of studies have demonstrated that milk thistle can improve liver function. For instance, a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that patients with liver cirrhosis who took milk thistle experienced improved liver function tests compared to those who did not.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Milk thistle's antioxidant properties make it a potent weapon against oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases. Silymarin is known to scavenge free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and inflammation. This function is crucial in protecting the body from various diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Supporting Heart Health

Silymarin's ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood suggests that milk thistle can be beneficial for heart health. A study in the Journal of Hepatology found that milk thistle significantly reduced cholesterol levels and improved blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Managing Diabetes

Milk thistle may also have a positive impact on diabetes management. The antioxidant properties of silymarin can help reduce insulin resistance, thus lowering blood sugar levels. Clinical trials have shown that patients with type 2 diabetes who took milk thistle supplements experienced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels.

Milk Thistle Recipes for Health and Wellness

Milk thistle is a versatile herb that can be incorporated into various recipes to leverage its health benefits, especially for liver detoxification and overall wellness. Here are some recipes that make it easy to include milk thistle in your daily routine.

Milk Thistle Detox Smoothie

A nutrient-packed smoothie to kickstart your day with liver-supporting goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon ground milk thistle seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a chilled smoothie.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Benefits: This smoothie combines milk thistle with antioxidants from blueberries and spinach, making it an excellent choice for liver support and detoxification.

Milk Thistle and Lemon Detox Water

A refreshing detox drink perfect for daily hydration.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon milk thistle seeds
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cups water
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grind the milk thistle seeds and place them in a tea infuser.
2. Add the lemon slices and the tea infuser to a large pitcher.
3. Fill the pitcher with water and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Add mint leaves for extra flavor, if desired.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy throughout the day.

Benefits: This detox water is a great way to stay hydrated while supporting liver health and cleansing your system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Milk Thistle

What are the main health benefits of milk thistle?

Milk thistle is primarily known for its liver-protective properties. It contains a powerful compound called silymarin, which has antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Milk thistle is used to treat liver conditions such as cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. It also supports heart health, diabetes management, and may have anti-cancer properties.

How does milk thistle benefit the liver?

Milk thistle helps protect the liver from toxins, promotes the regeneration of liver cells, and reduces inflammation and fibrosis. It is often used as a complementary treatment for liver diseases and conditions that damage the liver.

Can milk thistle help with detoxification?

Yes, milk thistle is commonly used for detoxification. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body and supports the liver in processing and removing harmful substances. This makes it a popular choice for liver detox programs.

What forms of milk thistle are available?

Milk thistle is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures, teas, and powdered seeds. The seeds can also be ground and added to food or drinks.

How much milk thistle should I take?

The appropriate dosage of milk thistle can vary depending on the condition being treated and the form in which it is taken. A typical dose is 200 to 400 mg of silymarin per day, but it’s important to follow the specific instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Are there any side effects of taking milk thistle?

Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended amounts. However, some individuals may experience side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you experience any adverse effects.

Common Name:  Milk Thistle Seed, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Mary Thistle, Marian Thistle
Botanical Name:   Silybum marianum
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Certified Organic:   Yes, USDA Organic
Package Size:  1 pound
Form: Fine Powder
Origin:  Croatia
Brand: Starwest Botanicals
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
California Prop 65 

Summary of  Milk Thistle Seed Health Benefits

• Support for Liver and Digestive functions
• Natural Cleansing Action of the Liver
• Supports Healthy Liver
• Aids in Regulating Cholesterol
• Purifying metabolic waste from the body
• Supports Immune System

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:

• How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes.
• How to make a citrus facial splash
• Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
• Citrus potpourri basket.

About Starwest Botanicals Quality Control

Starwest Botanicals validated quality assurance testing includes:
• Organoleptic testing to ensure proper appearance, color, aroma and flavor.
• Microscopic and Macroscopic inspection for foreign matter.
• HPTLC for identification, to verify purity and authenticity.
• ICP-MS heavy metal analysis.
• Microbiology testing for pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.
• Chemical analyses for moisture content, volatile oil, ash and acid insoluble ash.

Audits all suppliers yearly to assure they meet our GMP requirements

Laboratory Analysis

Samples are retained from all shipments are thoroughly tested and compared to our extensive reference library of dried herbs and botanicals to verify authenticity. All lot samples are kept for five years and can be traced for verification.

Starwest Botanicals utilizes not only their in-house laboratory, but also independent labs and consultants to guarantee their analyses are complete. Testing includes organoleptic analysis for aroma, color, flavor and texture. Physical testing involves moisture, volatile oil content, heavy metals, microbiology, thin layer chromatography, and other tests specific to each herb.

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years, in all cultures. In this day and age Western Bulk Herbs and Spices should be regarded as an added element to present-day healthcare, and not as a replacement. Botanical herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, support, and balance.

 References:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/milkthistle/ataglance.htm
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320362
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-138/milk-thistle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silybum_marianum
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=MilkThistle
https://www.superfoodevolution.com/milk-thistle-benefits.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5253978/
https://examine.com/supplements/milk-thistle/