The seeds, lightly crushed beforehand to promote extraction, are infused in hot water. Due to the low solubility of the active compounds in water, this form remains of moderate traditional use; a professional may recommend a more suitable form if needed. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The seeds are macerated in alcohol for several weeks to obtain a concentrated tincture, a form traditionally favored by herbalists for this plant. Use and dosage must be established with a trained professional, due to the concentration of active principles. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Fresh or dried leaves are brought to a gentle boil for a few minutes, then filtered. This preparation, of rarer and less documented use than that of the seeds, is traditionally reserved for occasional use and upon advice from a professional. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Milk Thistle grows spontaneously in sunny wastelands and embankments of southern Europe; it is also cultivated in certain medicinal plant gardens, and its dried seeds are widely available in herbal shops.