Nutri Herb

Herb Library:  Milk Thistle

Botanical Names

silybum marianum, carduus marianus

Common Names

holy thistle, mary thistle, St. Mary's thistle, Marian thistle, silymarin, blessed milk thistle, bull thistle, lady's milk, lady's thistle, pternix, thistle of the Blessed Virgin, Venus thistle

Plant Description

Milk Thistle is an annual or biennial plant of the daisy family. It is found in areas of Europe, North America, North Africa, and the Middle East. Milk Thistle has pink to purple flowers and bears fruit. Its name is derived from the appearance of its leaves which have milk-white veins and a milky sap.

Parts of Milk Thistle Used in Dietary Supplements

The seeds of the Milk Thistle plant are commonly used in herbal supplements.