How to Harvest Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a popular medicinal herb. It is believed to detoxify the liver and improve its function, as well as calm upset stomachs and lessen the symptoms of gallbladder diseases. The milk thistle plant resembles other thistles, with a tall stem and a large purple flower. However, the milk thistle flower is surrounded by pointed leaves, where other thistles are not, and the plant is rarely found growing in the wild.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heavy-duty gloves
• Sharp scissors
• Basket
• Paper bag
• Newspaper

1. Identify mature seed heads. Milk thistle seeds are mature when they change color from white or tan to brown.

2. Cut mature seed heads. Wearing heavy gloves to avoid the spines, snip the seed heads and place them in a basket.

3. Place the seed heads in a paper bag and set in a warm, dry location until they are dry.

4. Remove the seeds. When the seed heads are dry, lay them on a newspaper-lined tabletop. Wear gloves while removing the seeds. Sort out any leaves, stems or debris that get mixed in.

5. Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Milk thistles have extremely strong, pointed spines. Take care when handling them.
• Milk thistle is an herbal supplement. It has not been approved by the FDA to cure or treat any condition.

References

• Kansas State University Extension: Milk Thistle