Description
Milk thistle, also known as silybum marianum, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been widely distributed throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The plant is also commonly known as Mary thistle, holy thistle, and lady’s thistle.
Milk thistle is an annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height, with a base that can sometimes spread up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The stem of the plant is grooved and somewhat cottony, and its leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape, with spiny edges and milk-white veins.
The fruit of the milk thistle plant is made up of small, dry, one-seeded achenes that are black in color, with a simple long white pappus surrounded by a yellow basal ring. The seeds are the usable part of the plant and are commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Milk thistle has been used for centuries for its numerous health benefits. The plant has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The main producers of milk thistle are found in Europe and the United States, with Germany being the largest producer of the plant. Milk thistle is widely available in supplement form and can be consumed in tea, tincture, or capsule form. It is important to note that milk thistle can interact with certain medications, so it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.
Blumental Bayern is a manufacturer, supplier, and bulk sales provider of Milk Thistle seeds as raw material. We also offer Milk Thistle extract with a minimum of 50% silymarin as a food supplement. Contact us for high-quality products.
