What Are Milk Thistle Seeds?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a tall, striking thistle of the daisy family native to the Mediterranean and now found in many parts of the world. It has large, glossy, spiny leaves marbled with white veins and big, spiny purple flower heads. According to an old legend, the white veins came from drops of the Virgin Mary’s milk, which gave the plant its names milk thistle and Marian thistle.
After flowering, each flower head produces many small, hard, shiny seeds, technically fruits called achenes, which are brown to black and mottled. These seeds are the part used. They contain silymarin, a group of natural plant compounds that has made milk thistle one of the most studied plants in herbal research.
Milk thistle seeds have been part of European herbal tradition since ancient Greece. Today the whole seeds are used to make milk thistle seed tea, and they are freshly ground and added to smoothies, muesli, yogurt, salads and bread dough, where they give a mild, nutty and slightly bitter taste.
Because the seeds are very hard, they are best crushed or ground just before use.
Our milk thistle seeds contain only whole Silybum marianum seeds with nothing added. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Milk Thistle Seeds
- Seed tea: Crush 1 teaspoon (about 3 g) of seeds and simmer in 1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz / 350 ml) of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
- Ground seeds: Grind in a coffee or spice grinder and add 1 to 2 teaspoons to smoothies, muesli or yogurt.
- Baking: Sprinkle ground seeds into bread dough or muffin batter.
Safety
Avoid if you are allergic to plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae). If you take diabetes medication or other regular medication, or have a hormone-sensitive condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before regular use. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to brew milk thistle seed tea: our guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make milk thistle seed tea?
Crush the seeds, then simmer them in water for 10 to 15 minutes and strain.
Should I grind milk thistle seeds?
Yes. The seeds are very hard, so crushing or grinding them just before use works best.
What do milk thistle seeds taste like?
They are mild, nutty and slightly bitter.
Are these whole seeds or powder?
These are whole seeds. Grind small amounts fresh as needed.
How should I store milk thistle seeds?
Keep whole seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Store ground seeds in the fridge and use within a few days.
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