Wholesale Blessed thistle

01.
A Bit of Botany

botanical information about blessed thistle

description
Blessed thistle is an annual plant in the Asteraceae family, which scarcely exceeds 2 feet in height. It has a coarse, erect, branched, and rather woolly stem.

Blessed thistle leaves are 3 to 6 inches long, more or less hairy, with margins lobed and spiny. The yellow flower heads which appear from about May to August are borne at the ends of the branches, almost hidden by the upper leaves, and are about 1 ½ inches long. Surrounding the flower heads are leathery scales, tipped with long, branching, yellowish-red spines.

The herb has a rather disagreeable odor which is lost in drying.

common names
& nomenclature
Centaurea derives from the Latin word for centaur, a half man/half horse creature from Greek mythology, and benedicta means blessed.

A general West Germanic borrowing, cf. Old Frisian bete, Middle Dutch bete, Old High German bieza, German Beete.

Also known as:
holy thistle, blessed knapweed, saint benedict thistle, spotted thistle, cardin, bitter thistle, blessed cardus, our lady's thistle, cursed thistle, and spotted cardus

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for blessed thistle

Blessed Thistle is native to Africa, Asia and Europe but has naturalized in other areas including North and South America and also Australia.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations when growing blessed thistle

climate
Blessed thistle prefers full to part sun and cannot grow in shade.

soil
Blessed thistle will grow in any ordinary soil, as it is widely adaptable to poor soil—but thrives in rich garden soil.

growing
Blessed thistle is propagated by seed and germinates in one to three weeks. Allow 2 feet each way when thinning out the seedlings. The seeds are usually sown in spring, but if the newly-ripened seeds are sown in September or October in sheltered situations, it is possible to have supplies of the herb green, both summer and winter.

harvesting
Harvest Blessed thistle leaves and leafy flowering tops preferably just before or during the flowering period. Use fresh or preserve by drying.

preserving
Dry the leaves, stems and flowers by spreading out in a single layer on screens in a dry area, or hang by the roots to dry. Chop into small pieces for storage in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

health and recipes

Formulas and recipes

What is blessed thistle used for?

Blessed thistle has a long history in European folklore and traditional herbal writings, where it was once regarded as a highly versatile plant. Today, blessed thistle is primarily valued for its distinctive bitter flavor and is commonly used in herbal-forward beverages such as teas and specialty alcohols. Tinctures are also a traditional method of preserving and working with the dried herb.

Blessed thistle tea recipe

• Mix 1 tsp blessed thistle herb with another tea to counter the bitter taste
• Add 1 cup boiled water to the mixture
• Let steep for 5-10 minutes
• Remove tea blend and add honey or other natural sweeteners

Health Benefits

Blessed thistle benefits

Blessed thistle has a long history of mention in traditional European herbal writings and is sometimes confused with milk thistle, though the two are distinct plants with different characteristics. Historically, blessed thistle was regarded as a versatile botanical and valued for its role in a wide range of traditional preparations.

Today, blessed thistle is primarily appreciated for its bitter flavor and is commonly used in teas, tinctures, and herbal-infused beverages. It is also occasionally included in topical botanical preparations, such as poultices, based on traditional methods of use.

Blessed thistle can be prepared in several forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules, depending on personal preference. Tea preparations are typically made by steeping the dried herb in hot water. As with any botanical ingredient, it should be used in moderation and according to product guidelines.