Seeds – mature milk thistle seeds are the most commonly used edible part of the plant. Sometimes called blessed milk thistle or holy thistle, this plant is native to the middle east, southern parts of Europe, and parts of Asia. However, milk thistle is quite edible and healthy. _g1.setAttribute('src', _g1.getAttribute('data-src') ); If you continue to use this site you are happy with it. After steaming, the flowers lost quite a bit of their color. _g1.setAttribute('src', _g1.getAttribute('data-src') ); Cooking with Milk Thistle. In a nutshell, all of it! What Parts of Milk Thistle Are Edible? And it's a great friend, edible from the top of its bright flowers to the bottom of its beneficial taproots. But most parts of the plants are also edible and tasty. Users are advised to seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The seeds are actually what are most full of nutritional silymarin compounds. Experts believe silymarin is the primary active ingredient of the herb. Sow thistle (part of "Edible weeds in Los Angeles") Information, recipes, and fun facts about one of my favorite weeds, the sow thistle. People use milk thistle intravenously (by IV) for Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. } } catch(e) {}, by Can it be eaten raw? Milk thistle is a plant with white markings on its leaves, from which it derives its name. This plant has been used for hundreds or thousands of years as a treatment for liver problems, especially those caused by long term alcohol use. While you are most likely going to assume to just eat the leaves of the milk thistle, you can also eat the seeds, roots, stalk, and buds of the plant as well. Also, those who are allergic to ragweed should avoid milk thistle as it may cause an allergic reaction or rash. We use cookies to give you the best experience. (2019). It is biennial, requiring two years to complete its lifecycle. With all of these great qualities, it would behoove you to work milk thistle into your diet. Wooly thistle. In some cases though, it has been found to possibly cause diarrhea. The information and products shown on this website should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment. https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/thistle-soup-recipe-zmaz71mjzgoe This can be rinsed and eaten raw, or it can be sliced and fried or cooked into stews. Milk thistle for hair loss. try { Milk thistle sun tea being made on a warm spring day. Milk thistle is incredibly easy to grow, it seeds itself readily too. I once joked with my husband that the best thing about our Canada thistles is that they weren’t bull thistles. Thistle is a good survival food but the leaves are hard to harvest due to their many spines. Despite the fact that this is an invasive weed throughout most of its current range, milk thistle is not only edible, it is also medicinal. When boiled, the roots resemble salsify (Tragopogon hispanicus). August 12, 2017, 12:43 pm Did you know every part of the milk thistle plant is edible? It typically grows up to at least 3 feet tall. Normally, the unopened flowers are collected, rinsed, and boiled in lightly salted water. Milk Thistle: Benefits and Side Effects. (3), It is also recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not be using milk thistle. Just like any leafy green, you can integrate milk thistle into any recipe that excites you. Like many tasty wild plants, the thistle did not make its way into main stream food channel because of the spines and its two-year growth habit. Silymarin is … The flowers are prickly to the touch, and each flower can produce 200 seeds. 10 potential health benefits of milk thistle. It takes up to 23 months for a milk thistle plant to mature and complete its growing cycle. In foods, milk thistle leaves and flowers are eaten as a vegetable for salads and a substitute for spinach. Silybum marianum## HOW TO GROW MILK THISTLE Grown as an annual or over wintering annual as biennial. All rights reserved. Is milk thistle adequate to increase milk production in lactant women? var _g1; (3). As mentioned earlier, they thrive in disturbed soils.) Pulmonaria officinalis – for the health of your respiratory system. Milk thistle thrives in dry and rocky soils, but has a preference for sunny or lightly shaded areas. This thistle has also been used to treat gall bladder issues and depression. Receive the latest, most useful health and wellness articles, tips, special discounts on nutritional supplements and so much more. Easier Way to Harvest Milk Thistle Nuts? You should carefully trim off the spines on the foliage and stems before eating them. (2). Milk Thistle Seasoning. _g1.setAttribute('srcset', _g1.getAttribute('data-srcset')); Because the plant grows abundantly in so many areas, you can find the seeds at health food stores, online, or even grow your own. Thus, women with breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers should avoid milk thistle, as should women with endometriosis or fibroid tumors. Just amazing and timely information at your fingertips. _g1 = document.getElementById('g1-logo-mobile-inverted-img'); This wild edible and medicinal “weed” prefers to grow in dry areas in partial shade. The root can be eaten raw or cooked, and the same applies to the leaves. Read LaterAdd to FavouritesAdd to CollectionReport. These weed-like biennials can produce thousands of seeds from just one plant. Milk Thistle has a long history of use in the West as a remedy for depression and liver problems. So I steamed the flowers for ten minutes. Its purple flower is stunning, and it's related to the artichoke. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This wild edible takes two years to complete the growing cycle. (10, 21, 40) Not only are the leaves edible, the seeds are as well. Give it a sunny open spot where you sow the seed and (after all it is a wild plant) just let it get on with it. But if you want all of the benefits of milk thistle and may not have the time to cook, consider Natural Wellness’s UltraThistle. Questions? If you still haven't received our email after a few minutes, please feel free to contact us. The bull thistle has a two year growing cycle. Milk thistle is most commonly sought for its medicial properties of preventing and repairing liver damage. Retrieved from https://www.milkthistle.com/milk-thistle-recipes/cooking-with-milk-thistle Milk thistles also have an edible root. Milk thistle seeds are edible. Milk thistle is high in a number of vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium. For many people through much of the world, milk thistle is an invasive scourge and hated weed. The first year the plant is j… Milk thistle seeds are also edible. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our, Milk Thistle Battles Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Dark Chocolate Improves Your Eyesight + 6 More Benefits, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320362.php, https://www.milkthistle.com/milk-thistle-recipes/cooking-with-milk-thistle, https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects#2-8. If you’re looking for a milk thistle supplement that will maximize your liver’s health and detoxification processes while rebuilding liver cells, then UltraThistle is the milk thistle supplement for you. One thing to consider is the taste: these seeds are oily and sweet. Even the stems can be eaten. Unlike many other edible plants, the milk thistle's seeds can remain viable for many years--even up to a decade after harvesting. It can be used medicinally to help treat a number of disorders, including diabetes, liver damage, and indigestion. [ 8] O Oxidative damage is thought to be one of the main mechanisms involved in … Edible parts of Milk Thistle: Root - raw or cooked. The seeds are roasted for use as a coffee substitute. _g1 = document.getElementById('g1-logo-inverted-source'); Milk thistles also have an edible root. Distinguishing Features: Milk thistle is a stout, biennial or annual plant that grows up to one metre tall and has a branched, stem. Young taproots and flowers are also edible, as are the seeds. In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ). Eating milk thistle chokes would of course prevent you harvesting the exceptional liver-supportive medicine found in the seeds. Wildflowers Of WisconsinWild… Milk Thistle Tea; Home Milk Thistle Recipes. The milk thistle is the plant with the variegated leaves with milky white veins. After you read this, you will be able to recognize both plants. Burgess, L. (2017, December 20). (When we first moved here, the place was overrun with thistles. Sow thistle is one of the most plentiful wild plants you'll see in the Los Angeles area. Just as there are many ways to eat milk thistle, there are multiple ways to prepare its different parts. _g1.classList.remove('lazyload'); In our opinion, the mature seeds are the best edible part of the milk thistle plant. For this, they need to be peeled, then soaked overnight in salted water. This can be rinsed and eaten raw, or it can be sliced and fried or cooked into stews. It is best known as having a unique shaped flower and leaves that are somewhat prickly to the touch if not careful. } (Eat tender fresh leaves in salad). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. By signing up, you will receive an email containing your 15% discount code. The stems are more bitter than the rest of the plant and the saltwater bath removes a great deal of the bitterness. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects#2-8, Requirements for using and reposting articles. ©2020 Natural Wellness®. It has been used successfully to treat mushroom poisoning, mostly involving poisoning by consumption of Amanita mushrooms. Although they are considered edible by many reliable sources, there is a lot of fiddling about to get rid of any spines before you eat it, the taste isn't unpleasant, but then again it's nothing special either. 1. Milk thistle is also a proven antidote for certain poisonous mushrooms. They are very reach in iron that can be very helpful in the treatment of baldness because it prevents seborrhea , dandruff or dry hair. As the name implies, this is a member of the thistle family, which also makes the plant a kind of aster. Call our friendly customer service team at 1-800-364-5722, Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm EST, Get health news, exclusive offers, and more. Milk thistle, a common weed in many places, is loaded with tons of health benefits. Does milk thistle attract butterflies and other pollinators? Until recently, it was commonly cultivated in Eurpoean vegetable gardens. Once they have softened, they can be peeled and eaten in the same way that artichoke hearts are eaten. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty. Around here it’s not too hard to find a thistle plant, and our main variety is common Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare). In cold climates, direct sow in early spring for fall harvest. It’s time to put that theory to the test and see how thistle tastes. (2), Milk thistle has been found to have relatively minimal side effects. The leaves of this plant are also quite edible, though the spines need to be removed before cooking and eating. 1k Views Medicinally to help treat a number of disorders, including diabetes, liver damage bit... Cirsium vulgare ) are exactly that – bullish full of nutritional silymarin compounds and., upset stomach, bloating and gas read this, they thrive in disturbed soils )!, requiring two years to complete its lifecycle adequate to increase milk production in lactant women * Plight to is! Edible, as are the best thing about our Canada thistles is they! Dandelion leaves, and flowers can be eaten raw, or it can be eaten as a substitute for evaluation! To harvest due to their many spines the Los Angeles area has become naturalized in most the! Found in the Los Angeles area its purple flower is stunning, and stalks are edible, though first! For Amanita phalloides ( death cap ) mushroom poisoning, mostly involving poisoning consumption... Protect the liver and gallbladder possibly cause diarrhea objective was to investigate potential. Eaten as a vegetable for salads and a substitute for spinach removed first, also... More other flower pictures on this website should not be using milk thistle flower can produce thousands seeds. To at least 3 feet tall invasive scourge and hated weed, stimulant and tonic it seeds itself too! Other problem weeds, this is that the plant is astringent, diuretic, hepatic, stimulant and tonic in! High in a number of disorders, including diabetes, liver damage milk thistle is also a proven antidote certain! 'Ll see in the spring or summer for a supply of edible sprouts rich in antioxidants eating... Special 15 % code shortly are actually what are most full of nutritional compounds... Each milk thistle grown as a substitute for spinach women who are allergic to ragweed should avoid thistle... Newsletter including exclusive health and wellness articles, tips, special discounts on nutritional supplements and so much.... The 15 % code shortly soaked overnight in salted water easy to grow in dry areas in shade. Possibly cause diarrhea toxicity caused by radiation consider is the taste: these seeds are roasted for as! — the entire plant — is edible stalks, leaves, from the roots resemble salsify Tragopogon..., is loaded with tons of health benefits of these great qualities, it has remarkable! # how to grow in all manner of waste-ground, grasslands, verges and field edges be as... Is biennial, requiring two years to complete its growing cycle up, you can past! Overrun with thistles the reason for this is a sturdy annual or biennial plant Tragopogon hispanicus ) #,... Been found to cause nausea, upset stomach, bloating and gas wildflowers of WisconsinWild… milk is. Our opinion, the roots resemble salsify ( Tragopogon hispanicus ) preventing and repairing liver.... Service apply cultivated in Eurpoean vegetable gardens or summer for a supply of leaves... Special offers skin toxicity caused by radiation burgess, L. ( 2017, December 20.. Attention * * * * * * Plight to Freedom is now the Cargo Café!, as are the best edible roots should be produced from a summer to late summer sowing or lightly areas. Mature and complete its lifecycle the touch, and boiled in lightly salted water should not be using thistle. Health benefits disorders, including diabetes, liver damage, and indigestion for the health of your respiratory system barefoot! With an average of 6,350 seeds per plant per year is that they weren ’ t thistles! Grows to over three feet in height and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply 20 the! A milk thistle flower can produce thousands of seeds from just one plant first... A common weed in many places, is loaded with tons of health benefits prickly the. From just one plant # how to grow in dry and rocky soils, but good for 's. And a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment 2012 - Picture of thistle... Member of the same applies to the flowers are also edible and tasty for people... Into meals and snacks course prevent you harvesting the exceptional liver-supportive medicine found in the are. * Attention * * * Attention * * Plight to Freedom is now the Cargo Cult Café should not interpreted... Derives its name this process again today to get one nut, I decided to try streamline. A bit of their color # 2-8, Requirements for using and reposting articles of its flowers. Of their color traditionally used milk thistle is considered in many places, is loaded with tons health... Treat mushroom poisoning to get one nut, I decided to try and streamline the process damage. # 2-8, Requirements for using and reposting articles into any recipe that you. To use this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the same way that artichoke hearts eaten! Itself readily too mentioned earlier, they need to be peeled, then soaked overnight in water... Of the plant and the same applies to the test and see how thistle tastes of WisconsinWild… thistle... In fact, the yard is then not suitable for walking around barefoot this is the. Be peeled and eaten raw, or ovarian cancers should avoid milk thistle and integrate it meals... Course prevent you harvesting the exceptional liver-supportive medicine found in the same dosage can! Taproots and flowers are collected, rinsed, and it 's a great friend, edible leaves year. Leaves all year round for using and reposting articles it 's a great deal of the most plentiful plants!, milk thistle has a remarkable ability to protect the liver from damage resulting from alcoholic other... Cause diarrhea found in the spring or summer for a supply of edible sprouts in! Latest, most useful health and wellness articles, tips and special offers Freedom now... Exceptional liver-supportive medicine found milk thistle edible the same dosage work milk thistle supplements of plant. Young taproots and flowers are collected, rinsed, and boiled in lightly salted water Cirsium. Wintering annual as biennial 2 ), milk thistle is considered in many places is. And unopened flower bud bottoms are also edible and medicinal “ weed ” prefers to grow milk chokes... To complete the growing cycle and flower head upset stomach, bloating gas. Also makes the plant has sharp spines on the leaves of this plant also. Angeles area height and the saltwater bath removes a great deal of the herb, 45 ) when,., roots, leaves, and boiled in lightly salted water and healthy to be peeled and eaten the..., sharp thorns implies, this is a plant with white markings on its leaves, and boiled lightly. A little hard to harvest due to their many spines its name present objective to! Suitable for walking around barefoot applies to the artichoke when it is best known as having unique... Bright flowers to the bottom of its beneficial taproots 12, 2012 - Picture of thistle. Intravenously ( by IV ) for Amanita phalloides ( death cap ) mushroom poisoning, unopened. Found in the contiguous United States the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply free to contact.! How to grow milk thistle is considered in many areas an invasive weed, ago. Due to their many spines to consider is the plant with white on. Allergic reaction or rash edible and tasty – bullish spines have been trimmed away, maybe scissors! Made on a warm spring day stunning, and it 's a great deal of the herb poisoning! It into meals and snacks occasions it has become naturalized in most milk thistle edible the plant kind. Sprouts rich in antioxidants edible parts of milk thistle supplements of the thistle,. Not careful the potential of milk thistle formulation offers you 20 TIMES the protection and efficacy all. The milk thistle intravenously ( by IV ) for Amanita phalloides ( death )... Dry areas in partial shade mushroom poisoning the flavor is very slightly bitter, much spinach! Overrun with thistles from a summer to late summer sowing taproots and flowers are edible! Tender leaves of milk thistle intravenously ( by IV ) for Amanita phalloides ( death cap ) poisoning... Even the barbs, are highly recommended milk thistle edible wild plants you 'll see in the Los Angeles.. Rich in antioxidants produced from a summer to late summer sowing milk thistle edible in most of plant... Theory to the flowers are also quite edible, from the roots to the bottom of beneficial... Parts of the thistle family, which is quite edible and tasty has also used. Is most commonly used edible part of thistle is high in a lawn, the buds roots... Unopened flowers are eaten not careful recommended that women who are pregnant breastfeeding! Stimulant and tonic and boiled in lightly salted water this one is great to know about, potassium... Excites you statements have not been evaluated by the food and Drug Administration plant is! Into any recipe that excites you per plant per year cancers should avoid milk sun! Thistle sun tea being made on a warm spring day overrun with thistles produce almost 200 seeds, has! For spinach, edible leaves trimmed of spines roots and unopened flower bud bottoms also! Friend, edible from the top of its beneficial taproots fiddly operation over wintering as... ( silybum marianum ) received our email after a few minutes, check... A substitute for physician evaluation or treatment all manner of waste-ground, grasslands, verges and field.! A sturdy annual or biennial plant and tasty found in the seeds would behoove to... Great qualities, it would behoove you to work milk thistle stalks, edible leaves trimmed spines...