Blessed thistle, Organic

Scientific Name: Cnicus benedictus, Compositae

AKA: Holy Thistle, Saint Benedict Thistle, Spotted Thistle, Cardin, Bitter Thistle, Blessed Cardus

Parts Used: Leaves, stems and flowers

Active Compounds: Sesquiterpene Lactones, such as Cnicin.

Background: Monks often grew Blessed Thistle as a cure for small pox. Historically, blessed thistle tea has been drunk for digestive problems, liver and gall bladder problems, headache prevention, respiratory ailments, memory improvement and external problems such as sores, boils and itchy skin.

Applications: Remedy for gastrointestinal troubles. Blood purifier.

Gastrointestinal issues – the bitter compounds in Blessed thistle are thought to results in improved flow of saliva and gastric activity and treat problems such as heartburn, indigestion, gas and constipation.

Blood purifier – thought to treat infections, edema, heart and liver ailments and reduce fever. Drinking a cup of Blessed thistle tea per day is thought to cure chronic headaches.

Description:
Blessed thistle is native to Europe and Asia but is now cultivated all over the world. It is an annual herb which reaches a height of 2 feet. It features a brown, hairy stem with spiny, lance shaped leaves. The plant produces yellow flowers which appear from late spring through late summer.

Dosage:

Tincture – 2 ml taken three times per day

Infusion – Add ½ oz of the dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to three cups per day.

Safety:
Blessed thistle is fairly safe and free from side effects although anyone with allergies to plants in the daisy family should avoid its use. Blessed thistle tea may cause nausea and vomiting if made too strongly.

More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information:

Bilberry fruit
Birch bark
Black cohosh
Black walnut hull
Blackberry leaf
Bladderwrack
Blessed thistle

For educational purposes only
This Blessed Thistle information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.