Blessed Thistle

Blessed Thistle

---

Latin name: Cnicus benedictus
Other names: Cardin, Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle, St. Benedict Thistle

A Remedy For

• Appetite loss
• Indigestion

This herb is also used by nursing mothers to improve the flow of milk, although its effectiveness for this purpose has not been scientifically established.

What It Is; Why It Works
In Renaissance Europe, Blessed Thistle gained a reputation as a cure-all, and was even believed to have fought off the plague. The plant is praised for its medicinal powers in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" and was recommended in early herbal treatises as a remedy for migraine and other headaches.
Despite its past popularity, Blessed Thistle is now considered genuinely useful only for digestive problems. It works by stimulating the production of saliva and digestive juices. The plant originated in southern Europe, but is now cultivated throughout the continent.

Avoid If...
No known medical conditions preclude the use of Blessed Thistle.

Special Cautions
It's possible to develop a sensitivity to Blessed Thistle that extends to similar plants such as mugwort and cornflower. Outright allergic reactions are, however, quite rare.

Possible Drug Interactions
No drug interactions have been reported.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.

How to Prepare
To make a tea, pour boiling water over 1.5 to 2 grams of crushed Blessed Thistle and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup a half hour before meals.

Typical Dosage
The customary dosage is 1 cup of tea a half-hour before meals, for a total of 4 to 6 grams of the herb daily.

Overdosage
No information on overdosage is available.