Milk thistle seeds

 Native to southern and western Europe, milk thistle has made its home in North America, and is easily recognized by its prickly, glossy green leaves and reddish, purple thistle-shaped flowers. The seed coat has the highest content of silymers - the active ingredient for which milk thistle is known.

When milk thistle reaches maturity, it develops clusters of seeds that are dispersed by the wind. For this tea, the seeds are harvested when ripe, but before they can fly away, and then ground to make a delicious tea.

You can enjoy this tea with a touch of peppermint.