Milk Thistle is native to the Mediterranean region but it is now found throughout the world. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white sap that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver, kidney, and gall bladder problems.
Benefits