Blessed Thistle is an erect, red-stemmed annual growing to 26 in (65 cm) having spiny leathery leaves, a spiny stem, and yellow flowers in summer and autumn, native to the Mediterranean.
• Do not be confused between Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) and Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum).
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Aerial parts, leaves, flowering tops, root, seeds and sap
Directions of Preparation
• Its traditionally taken as a tea and also used in extracts. Boil up a cup of water and add 1/2 a teaspoon of the dried Blessed Thistle herb and allow it to steep for 10 minutes before Straining it out. To be absolutely safe, do not drink more than 3 or 4 cups a day.
• As an infusion, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoon of dry Blessed Thistle and let it stand for 10-15 minutes.
• Use a proportion of 5-6 drops of dilutes Blessed Thistle seeds oil in 1/2 cup of water.
• The secretion from the plant can be applied directly.
Recommended Dosage
Dried flowering tops – 1.5–3.0 g as an infusion three times daily.
Liquid extract – 1.5–3.0 mL (1 : 1 in 25% Alcohol) three times daily.
Infusion – Take 1/2 a cup 3 times a day.
Its Active Constituents:
• Blessed Thistle contain:
• Lignan (arctigenin, nortracheloside, 2-acetyl nortracheloside and trachelogenin), sesquiterpene lactones (including cnicin),
• Volatile oil,
• Polyacetylenes,
• Flavonoids,
• Triterpenes,
• Phytosterols,
• Tannin,
• Cnicin (a bitter principle) and cnicine (bitter compound) which are bitter and Anti-Inflammatory,
• Mucilage,
• Small amount of Essential Oil.
Precaution:
* Do not give to children.
* Blessed Thistle is not recommended for use during Pregnancy or for those with ulcer.
* It can be toxic if used in excessive Dosages. Large doses of Blessed Thistle (such as more than 5g) in a cup of tea may provoke/cause Vomiting.
Health Benefits of Blessed Thistle
Breastfeeding
• Blessed Thistle herb is a traditional tonic for women and a galactagogue (a herb that stimulates breast Milk production and increases the flow of breast Milk, usually by increasing prolactin levels).
Foods & Breastfeeding
Cancer & Tumor Prevention
• Blessed Thistle herb is considered a Cancer tonic herb as research suggest that Blessed Thistle has anti-tumor and Anti-Cancer effects.
Foods & Cancer
Detoxification
• Blessed Thistle herb is considered a Depurative (having Diuretic and Diaphoretic properties), thus helpful in purify the body system and getting rid the body of toxins.
• Its Depurative actions help give support to The Liver and help it to repair itself.
Foods & Detoxification
Digestive System
• Holy Thistle is a good bitter tonic, improving digestion by stimulating secretions within the salivary glands, stomach, Gall Bladder and intestines.
• Its a bitter tonic and an excellent Digestive herb to use as an apertif to prevent gas and Bloating from eating a meal heavy in fats. Take 1/2 a cup hot, before heavy meals to aid digestion.
• Blessed Thistle is useful in combating Indigestion, loss of appetite, and stimulation effects of the Digestive System as it increases the flow of gastric juices and bile. Blessed Thistle as a Digestive tonic, has also been used since ancient times to promote a person’s appetite.
• It contain cnicin (a compound found in many bitter herbs thought to stimulate the production of both saliva and gastric acid, which both aid digestion), thus used as a remedy for gas, Constipation, and stomach pain.
• Its fresh seeds are used to induce Vomiting.
• Its oil has Sedative action and is very effective in combating Colic.
• Holy Thistle tincture is taken for minor Digestive complaints.
Foods & Digestive System
Metabolism
• It can help to stimulate the body’s production of bile, while cinincin (a compound) helps to stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juice.
Foods & Metabolism
Musculoskeletal System
• Blessed Thistle can be applied externally as a poultice herb to treat Chilblains.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Respiratory System
• Blessed Thistle is an effective Expectorant, helping to loosen or thin mucus, making it easier to Cough it up.
• Holy Thistle is mildly Expectorant.
• The yellow secretion produced by the stem is used in the form of an infusion as a Sedative for Coughs and Anti-Asthma.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Blessed Thistle is part of the asteraceae family of plants (a family having measurable anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and Anti-Inflammatory properties), best for topical treatment for Skin Infections, minor cuts and Wounds.
• The same yellow secretion produced by the stem is used to combat warts and ulcerations of the Skin.
• Holy Thistle contain volatile oil which is thought to have Anti-Biotic properties, thus makes it a healing balm for Wounds and sores.
Foods & Skin Health
Women Health
• Blessed Thistle can help alleviate many PMS symptoms (including painful menstruation and PMS-related Headaches).
Note:
* When a baby latches on to their mother’s breast, many nerves within the mother’s nipple become activated as a result setting Hormones in motion throughout a mother’s system. Two of these Hormones are prolactin (boosts the mother’s Milk supply) and oxytocin (releases Milk).
Foods & Women Health
