How should I prepare these milk thistle seeds for drinking?

Milk thistle seeds are typically prepared as an infusion or tea. Use 1-2 teaspoons of whole seeds per cup of hot water, allowing them to steep for 5-10 minutes. The seeds can be crushed slightly between your fingers before steeping to help release more of the silymarin compounds. For a stronger brew, you can extend the steeping time or use a tea infuser. The resulting liquid has a mild bitter taste characteristic of traditional herbal preparations. This form allows you to control the strength of each serving based on your preference.

If you find the bitter taste too strong initially, you can start with a smaller amount and gradually increase. Some people prefer to add a small amount of honey or lemon, though this may reduce the traditional bitter effect on digestion. The seeds themselves remain hard after steeping and should be strained out before drinking.