If you've stumbled onto a patch of milk thistle, you need to grab your gloves and shears.Cut the purple heads from the stalks once they are white and fluffy.Put the heads in a paper bag and let them dry.The seeds should be moved to a storage container.You're ready to use the milk thistle seeds.
Step 1: In the fall, harvest the milk thistle.
When the flowers start to dry out, pay attention.You can see white or silver seeds near the milk thistle in the fall.Wait until the milk thistle blossoms are dry to make it easier to harvest.
Step 2: Put on gloves and protective clothing.
Long sleeves and pants will protect your skin from the prickly leaves of the plant.Sturdy gloves will keep you from being poked.If you don't handle the plant carefully, milk thistle can still get into the gloves.
Step 3: The milk thistle has a head.
Cut the head with sharp scissors or shears.It's easier to hold the milk thistle if you leave 2 in (5 cm) of the stalks.As you please, harvest as many milk thistle heads as you like.
Step 4: If you want to dry the heads, put them in a paper bag.
If you want to harvest the milk thistle seeds, place all of the heads in a paper bag and put them into a warm place.The seeds will dry out completely.Put a bag of milk thistle heads in a garage or a room in your house that gets a lot of sunshine.
Step 5: The seeds need to be separated from the chaff.
Transfer the seeds to a sack after they are dry.Push the bag down to loosen the seeds.The seeds should be put into a bucket or bowl.As you pour the seeds into the container, you'll see the chaff blow away.
Step 6: The seeds should be kept in a container.
Put the seeds in a dry place after transferring them to the storage container.You should be able to get about 5 grams of seeds for each milk thistle head.You can keep the seeds for a year if you store them well.
Step 7: The tea has anti-Inflammatory andAntioxidant properties.
Put the ground milk thistle seeds in a tea pot.Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes after pouring 2 cups of boiling water into the pot.Take the tea bag out and drink slowly.Adding lemon or honey to the tea will make it taste better.
Step 8: If you want to make bath salts, make a tincture.
Take 5 ounces of alcohol and put it into a glass container.Attach a lid to the container with 1 ounce of milk thistle seeds.Allow the container to rest for at least 5 to 6 weeks.Before you use it, make sure you strain it.Store it in a dark container for a long time.If you want to take it by mouth, squeeze 1 to 2 drops onto your tongue 2 to 4 times a day.
Step 9: The seeds should be grinded into a powder.
Put your seeds into a food processor and blend it.The seeds should be ground into a fine powder.You can store the powder for up to 6 months.The powder can be used in a smoothie.