Silybum marianum

Carduus marianus, commonly known as blessed milkthistle or silymarin, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant is particularly known for its distinctive white veins on the leaves, which are said to resemble the pattern of the Virgin Mary's breast milk, hence the name "Mary's thistle" or "Our Lady's thistle." In Hebrew, it is referred to as חַלְמִישׁ הַקֹּדֶשׁ (chalmish hakodesh). The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for its liver-protective properties. The active compound, silymarin, is extracted from the seeds and is widely used in modern herbal medicine for the treatment of liver disorders. In French, the plant is called chardon-Marie, and in German, it is known as Mariendistel. The plant prefers sunny locations and well-drained soils, often found in meadows, roadsides, and waste places. It is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height, with spiny leaves and large, purple flower heads.