Leisha As a child, walking on a back road, I saw a plant I had never seen before. It was tall. It had big, prickly leaves and big purple flowers. I reached out to touch it and as soon as I touched a leaf, I felt a sharp pain and pulled my hand away and saw that I had a big welt on my skin. “Owww! I tried again and same thing. Does this plant have thorns all over it?” Carefully inspecting the speckled leaves, I discovered tiny barbs, and the flowers had a sticky substance on them. I knew that the barbs and the sticky substance were the plant’s way of protecting itself from animals. I was fascinated by the plant. How does one touch without being harmed?
After that first encounter with Milk Thistle, the research began. Who was she? What is she here for? I must admit that I have learned a lot about her and continue to do so. Her medicine is produced deep inside the flower. One thing for sure, Milk Thistle is a very strong plant that can survive in harsh conditions (from Canada to Ecuador) and she she has learned to protect herself from animals and humans. She was a very beautiful plant. Her purple flowers were the most beautiful things I had ever seen. At the core of her flower, are her seeds. The seeds are adorned with delicate whisps, akin to dandelion puffs.. These puffs are Milk Thistle’s way of spreading her legacy. Milk Thistle’s seeds care carried by the wind to distant lands to find new homes and start new families.
Inside the seeds is Silybum. The name “Silybum” is derived from the Greek word “silybon,” which means “tuft” or “tuft of hair,” likely referring to the plant’s distinctive seed heads. Her other name, “Marianum” is a reference to the Virgin Mary, as the white marbling on the plant’s leaves was thought to represent her milk. This name reflects the plant’s rich history and its use in traditional herbal medicine. When I was studying herbs, my teacher asked us to pick three plants and form a relationship with them. One of my three choices was Thistle! I did some research on thistles, and I learned that they are actually quite common plants. They are found all over the world, and there are many different species of thistle. Some thistles are edible, while others are poisonous. I also learned that thistles have a long history of medicinal use. They have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including liver problems, stomachache, and diarrhea. I was fascinated by this beautiful and dangerous plant.
I started to collect different types of thistle, and I would often go for walks in the fields and forests, looking for new varieties and collecting her seeds. I was also impressed by the resilience of thistles. They can grow in harsh conditions, and they are often the first plants to colonize disturbed areas. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned about thistles. There are many different types of thistles, and they all have their own unique characteristics. Some of my favorites include:
Milk Thistle: This is the most well-known type of thistle. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it is now found all over the world. Milk Thistle is known for its medicinal properties, and it is often used to treat liver problems. Cardoon: This is a large, edible thistle that is native to the Mediterranean region. Cardoon is often used in Italian cuisine, and it can also be used to make medicine. It is popular in Ecuador. Globe Thistle: This is a large, spiky thistle that is native to Europe and Asia. Globe Thistle is often used as an ornamental plant, but it can also be used to make medicine. Scotch Thistle: This is a small, purple thistle that is native to Scotland. Scotch Thistle is the national flower of Scotland, and it is often used as a symbol of strength and resilience. Yellow Thistle: This is a small, yellow thistle that is native to North America. Yellow Thistle is often used as an ornamental plant, but it can also be used to make medicine. This is the one found to grow naturally in Eucador.
Milk Thistle is a biennial plant, which means that it takes two years to complete its lifecycle. In the first year, the plant grows leaves and roots, and in the second year, it flowers and produces seeds. As we don’t have the cold winters in Ecuador, I often try to mimic this two-year cycle, by harvesting the plant in the first year, after it has grown leaves and leaving the roots in the ground. My thought is this will encourage the plant to produce flowers and seeds in the second year. Milk Thistle is a super slow-growing plant, so it may take a few years for it to reach maturity and flower. Be patient and give the plant the care it needs, and it will eventually reward you with its beautiful flowers and seeds. A biennial plant is a plant that completes its lifecycle in two years. In the first year, the plant grows leaves and roots, and in the second year, it flowers and produces seeds. I suppose there are several reasons why nature might have a biennial lifecycle. One is that it allows the plant to store up energy in the first year so that it can flower and produce seeds in the second year. This is especially important for plants that live in harsh environments, where they may not have access to food or water during the winter. Another reason for a biennial lifecycle is that it allows the plant to avoid predators. Many predators are only interested in plants that are young and tender, so by waiting until the second year to flower, the plant can avoid being eaten. A biennial lifecycle can also help plants to spread their seeds. When the plant dies in the second year, its seeds are dispersed by the wind or by animals. This helps to ensure that the plant’s genes are spread to new areas.
The caterpillars of monarch butterflies eat the leaves of milk thistle, which gives them their bright orange color. This phenomenon is known as “carotenoid sequestration” or “pigment sequestering”. Monarch caterpillars are able to absorb carotenoids from the milk thistle leaves and store them in their bodies. These carotenoids are pigments that are responsible for the bright orange color of the monarch butterfly’s wings. By eating milk thistle leaves, monarch caterpillars are able to obtain the nutrients they need to grow and develop, and they also acquire the bright orange color that helps them to attract mates and avoid predators. Monarch caterpillars are only able to acquire carotenoids from a limited number of plant species, including milk thistle. This is why monarch butterflies are often found in areas where milk thistle is abundant. The bright orange color of monarch butterflies is not only important for attracting mates and avoiding predators, but it also helps to protect them from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The carotenoids in their wings absorb ultraviolet radiation, which helps to prevent damage to their DNA. The relationship between monarch butterflies and milk thistle is an example of mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit from the interaction. In the case of monarch butterflies and milk thistle, the caterpillars benefit from the nutrients and carotenoids they obtain from the leaves, while the milk thistle benefits from the pollination services provided by the adult butterflies.
When I sit and listen too Milk Thistle, she says””From the heart of nature’s resilience, I, the Milk Thistle, stand as a testament to transformation. My sturdy presence among the wilds speaks of detoxification and renewal. Just as I cleanse the soil, I offer you a chance to cleanse within. Let my spiky exterior remind you that strength often lies beneath the surface. Embrace the bitter moments, for they too hold the potential to heal. As you sip the essence of my seeds, remember that growth arises from adversity. Just as I thrive in neglected corners, find your strength in the most unexpected places. Let my journey be a whisper of hope: amidst challenges, there’s always a path to restoration. Reclaim your vitality, dear humans, and let the spirit of renewal guide your way.”
I am still learning about thistles, and I am always amazed by their diversity and their many uses. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met these fascinating plants, and I look forward to learning more about them in the future. The white veins on its leaves are said to represent the milk of the Virgin Mary, giving rise to the plant’s name. According to folklore, a drop of milk from the Virgin Mary fell onto the leaves, marking them with the distinctive white streaks. This association with Mary has contributed to the plant’s historical and cultural significance. Milk Thistle is generally considered to have properties that can help balance Pitta dosha. The herb’s bitter and cooling qualities are thought to be beneficial for Pitta-related imbalances, particularly in the liver, which is associated with the Pitta dosha Milk thistle has liver-protective and antioxidant properties. Silymarin, protects the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, drugs, and viruses, while also promoting liver cell regeneration. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and gallbladder support, detoxification, immune modulation, neuroprotection, blood sugar control, Milk Thistile characterized by distinctive spiky leaves adorned with white marbled veins, a feature said to symbolize the milk of the Virgin Mary in folklore. The leaves, when crushed, release a milky sap, adding to the plant’s visual and sensory uniqueness. The flowers are big boldness with a beautiful royal purple.
Milk thistle, a resilient and protective plant, is often associated with the following traits: Resilience: It thrives in various conditions, storing nutrients to survive stress. Protection: Its spiny leaves and white veins symbolize protection and liver protection. Purification: Associated with detoxification and body cleansing. Strength: A powerful herb with a long medicinal history. The botanical name for Milk Thistle is Silybum marianum. Here’s the breakdown: Silybum: This genus name likely derives from the Greek word “sileon” meaning “saliva” or “sap,” possibly referencing the milky sap found in the plant’s leaves and stems. marianum: The species epithet honors the Virgin Mary, as legend relates the white markings on the leaves to drops of her milk falling upon the plant. The seeds and leaves of the Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) plant are primarily used The leaves also contain silymarin, although in lower concentrations than the seeds, and have been traditionally used for their potential health benefits. The plant’s other parts, such as the flowerheads, are generally not used for medicinal purposes but may have ornamental value.
Young milk thistle leaves can be harvested in the spring or early summer. To harvest them, simply cut them off the plant with a sharp knife. Be careful not to touch the spines, as they can be irritating to the skin. Milk thistle flower buds can be harvested in the late summer or early fall. To harvest them, cut them off the plant with a sharp knife just before they open. Milk thistle seeds can be harvested in the fall when they are fully ripe. To harvest them, cut off the seed heads with a sharp knife and then thwack them against a hard surface to release the seeds. Dry the herb in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Store in airtight containers.
The impact of silymarin on the gut microbiota is attributed to its multifaceted properties. It possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect the delicate balance of gut bacteria by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, silymarin has been shown to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, thus contributing to a more diverse and resilient gut microbiome.
Silymarin has been shown to promote the growth of several beneficial bacteria, including:
Lactobacillus: A group of bacteria that produce lactic acid, contributing to gut health and immune function.
Bifidobacterium: A group of bacteria that play a role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system modulation.
Akkermansia muciniphila: A bacterium that promotes the production of mucus, which protects the intestinal lining and prevents harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
Silymarin has also been shown to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, including:
Escherichia coli (E. coli): A bacterium that can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections.
Clostridium difficile: A bacterium that can cause severe inflammation of the colon.
Staphylococcus aureus: A bacterium that can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and other serious health problems.
The ability of milk thistle to modulate the gut microbiome holds promise for a range of health conditions associated with dysbiosis. Studies have shown that silymarin supplementation can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Additionally, silymarin has demonstrated potential in alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract.
Milk thistle’s influence on the gut microbiome may extend to its impact on mental health. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, plays a crucial role in mood regulation and behavior. Studies suggest that silymarin may exert beneficial effects on mood disorders such as anxiety and depression by modulating the gut microbiota and influencing the gut-brain axis. Milk thistle, with its ability to modulate the human microbiome, has emerged as a promising natural approach for promoting gut health and addressing microbiome-related health conditions. Its active compound, silymarin, has demonstrated a range of beneficial effects on the gut microbiota, including promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms of silymarin’s action and expand its potential applications in various microbiome-related health concerns.
A Recipe for Milk Thistle Tea
Milk Thistle tea is a wonderful way to experience the medicinal properties of this amazing plant. It’s quite simple to make and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried milk thistle seeds
- 1 cup boiling water
- Honey or lemon to taste (optional)
- Filtered water
Instructions:
- Combine 1 teaspoon of dried milk thistle seeds with 1 cup of boiling water in a cup or teapot.
- Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into a cup using a tea strainer or cheese cloth.
- Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
- Serve the tea hot or iced, and enjoy!
Note: You can also add the seeds to a french press or infuser for a stronger tea.
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