Organic Milk Thistle Powder ~ 100% Premium Botanical name: Silybum Marianum Choose from size 1 oz to 16 oz. Milk thistle is a member of the daisy or sunflower family and is characterized by tall erect stems with mottled, toothed alternative leaves that yield a milky liquid. The upper leaves support purple flower heads that are composed of tube-like florets surrounded by thorny spines. A hardy plant, milk thistle is commonly found growing along wayside paths and in pastures.Milk thistle seeds contain up to 3% flavonolignans, primarily silybin A and B, a mixture referred to as silibinin. Other compounds include isosilybin A and B, silychristin and silydianin. These agents are together known as silymarin. The seeds also contain up to 30% fatty oil, vitamin E and the flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, taxifolin and naringenin.Nowadays the roots and peeled stems are still consumed as a vegetable often served after being boiled, while the base of the flower heads are cooked and eaten with melted butter (similar to familiar artichoke recipes). The seeds are also roasted and used as a coffee substitute.Try sprinkling powdered milk thistle seeds into hot cereals, rice and vegetable dishes, either alone or in combination with sesame, sunflower, flax or other ground seeds. In terms of flavor, the seeds complement fish, soups and stews. *Please Note: we offer Free Shipping USPS First Class. If you wish to expedite shipping, please select shipping option USPS Priority Shipping. Thank you ~