Milk Thistle

All parts of the plant are edible, and its fresh young leaves may be tender enough to eat as a spinach substitute. In other cases the plant will need to be soaked overnight in order for it to become tender enough to eat. The primary use of milk thistle seeds is for the treatment of liver dysfunction. Milk thistle seed powder can protect the liver from toxins and help it to heal. Milk thistle seeds are a high source of the antioxidant flavonoid called silymarin.