This annual herb is also called Mary thistle, Wild Artichoke, Blessed Milk Thistle and Silybum marianum.

Milk Thistle is easy to grow from seeds. Plant in a sunny location. The flowers are red-violet and the leaves have white veins and are very spiny and prickly. The plant can grow up to three feet high.

In the 20th century German scientists did a chemical analysis of Milk thistle and discovered that it contains "silymarin," a mixture that may support the production and regeneration of liver cells. Silymarin is also believed to help the liver prevent various toxic substances from entering its membranes.

Milk Thistle is said to be one of the best herbs you can use to help protect the liver.

Part used: Seeds.