The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication

 

 


 

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A fragment with some flowers

 

 

 Common noun: Milk Thistle 
Scientific noun: Silybum Marianum 
Family. Compositae 
Habitat: We find it at the side of the roads and paths, in the dry , barren lands, during April and July. 

Characteristics: Biannual herb of very big height ,until 2 meters tall with big red solitary heads, which can be easily recognized because of its curved bracts ,ending in a strong spine.Big leaves with white spots on its surface. Lobed, spiny edged.

Properties:

a)medicinal:

To cure low blood pressure, by cooking its fruits in a proportion of 30 grams per litter.To ease liver congestion we use not only the roots and stem but the leaves juice too by crushing them in the desired proportion.

Other properties: febrifuge, haemostatic (after some blood loss)antiallergic and antiasthmatic

b)cookery:

We can make salads from its leaves once we remove its prickles. The same leaves ,as well as its roots and flower-heads ,can be eaten boiled, being very useful for the liver.

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Picking and storing:Spring is the best season to make use of the plant ,specially because we use it fresh, just after collecting it.We can pick the fruits in Summer