Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been used as a liver remedy for over 2,000 years. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder wrote of its use for bile-related conditions in 23 AD. According to legend, the white markings on the leaves were caused by drops of the Virgin Mary's milk — hence 'milk' thistle. In medieval Europe, Culpeper recommended it for the liver and spleen. Modern research has confirmed its active compound, silymarin, as a powerful liver protectant.

Tradition: Western Herbalism

Origin: Mediterranean