ANYtime is a great time to support our liver! There are so many ideas and many are a part of my rituals for this time of year. There are lots of healthy ideas for stepping out of the winter months and into spring's gentle light and energy of renewal.
Here's an easy 'herb sprinkle' idea: Milk Thistle Sprinkles = the easiest idea ever. Takes less than a minute. You just need some great quality milk thistle seeds and a spice or coffee grinder!!
Research indicates that the silymarin contained in Milk Thistle helps to restore liver function and helps to improve digestion in situations where when damage has occurred from ‘general toxicity’ as well as alcohol, drugs, radiation, mushroom poisoning, toxic chemicals, or heavy metals.
To learn more about this liver supportive super star, I've shared the highlights here.
Milk Thistle Sprinkles
Milk Thistle medicine can be as EASY as a quick grind and sprinkle!
Grind some milk thistle seeds in a coffee grinder and store in the freezer.
Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the ground seeds into your smoothies or over veggies, in stews, soups or sauces.
Therapeutic dose? Take 2 tablespoons, if possible, 2x daily for a few months and LOVE your liver!!
I recommend you purchase the whole seeds whenever possible. Here's what I am using at the moment: Starwest Botanicals Organic Milk Thistle Seed, 1 Pound
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Much better to purchase whole milk thistle seeds and not the powder. It's best to have whole seeds and grind a small amount at a time, to be stored in fridge or freezer.
If you purchase a pound of milk thistle seeds, they are easy to tincture and also make a 'salt reducing' condiment. Read about Milk Thistle gomasio here.
Here's hoping that you try this easy but powerful liver nourishing and supportive idea and create a healthy new habit ~ for LIFE!
~ with love and green wishes for best health, Carol
Olisemeke
can it be used to treat liver related ailments??
and can it be found in Africa too???
Carol Little
Hello there.
Milk Thistle is primariy used to nourish and support the liver. It is available online or often at local health food stores. I am sorry -- I don't know where you would find in Africa locally..
k
how long can milk thistle be stored for in the fridge? does it go bad?
Carol Little
Hi there. I don't know, to be honest. I have always bought and used within a few months.As a 'dried herb', which it is, we would normally plan to store in a cool area and use within a year. It doesn't need to be in the fridge until after it is 'ground'
Hope this is helpful K.
Megan Stevens
I do this, too, keep the whole seeds until I need them. Thank you for the insights!
Elaina
I've heard milk thistle was good for the liver, but didn't know you could take it in your smoothies like that. I wonder if I could just buy the seeds and use my mortar & pestle to crush them (since I only have one grinder that I use for coffee).
Carol Little
Yes Elaina! That would work just fine!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
These were one of my mom's favorite wild flowers. They're so pretty! I've never used it before but it sounds like a wonderful, gentle support for the liver.
linda spiker
I need a liver loving condiment! So good to know!
Renee
I would have never thought of doing this! What a fantastic idea! I will remember this way better than making tea LOL!
Carol Little
I hope you'll do this. It's so easy and tasty too.
Raia Todd
I've never tried milk thistle before. I think the flowers are gorgeous, though!
Anna
Do you think any thistle plant could be subbed. I have an abundance of Canadian thistle.
Carol Little
HI Anna. In my opinion. NO. For example, the Canada Thistle is unrelated and appears to have some medicinal use but not at all the same.
There are lots growing in Ontario but I've never researched fully. Here's a link: http://www.redrootmountain.com/cirsium-arvense-canada-thistle/170
I think you'll agree that there are possibly other uses, but not similar to the Milk Thistle at all.
Thanks for your question.
Anna
Darn! I wish I could use it. I guess the gold finches will just have to enjoy it.