Silybum Marianus
( Milk Thistle, member of the Compositae family,
aka. Mary Thistle )
Medicinal Preparation
Decoction: Bruise 1oz of seeds per pint of
boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Take 1/2 cup per day
for liver problems and should be drunk 30 minutes before meals 3 to 4 times per
day.
Standard Tincture: 1:1, 60% alcohol, 20-40 drops to 5X a day.
Strong Tincture 1:3, 70% alcohol, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, to 4X a day.
Parts Used
All parts are used medicinally, but the
seeds hold the most medicinal value
Active properties
- Flavonlignans (1 to 4% silymarin [seeds])
- Bitter principles
- Polyacetylenes
Medicinal Uses
- Protects and regenerates liver cells (seeds)
- Stimulates secretion of bile
- Increases breast milk production (flower tops)
- Antidepressant
- Relax spasms
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Repair Liver damage caused by chemotheraphy
