Organic Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

Botanical Name: Cnicus benedictus
Common Names: Holy Thistle, St. Benedict's Thistle
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Origin: Mediterranean region
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers)

Habitat and Growing Conditions

Blessed Thistle thrives in warm, sunny climates and is commonly found in dry, sandy, or rocky soils. It is often grown as an ornamental plant but also for its medicinal properties. The plant is annual and can be cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

History and Folklore

Historically, blessed thistle was revered in medieval times, often used in monastery gardens for its medicinal properties. It was believed to have been named after St. Benedict, a saint associated with healing. Traditionally, it was used to treat the plague and considered a tonic for the entire body, especially for digestive issues.

Botany

Blessed thistle is a spiny, thistle-like herb that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It has yellow flowers surrounded by prickly bracts and hairy, lobed leaves. The plant emits a strong odor, especially when crushed.

Constituents

• Lignans (Cnicin)
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Essential Oils

Energetics and Taste

• Energetics: Warming and drying
• Taste: Bitter, astringent

Medicinal Actions

• Digestive Bitter: Stimulates digestion and appetite.
• Galactagogue: Promotes lactation in nursing mothers.
• Antimicrobial: May help fight infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.

System Affinities

• Digestive System: Enhances digestion, particularly useful in cases of indigestion and lack of appetite.
• Female Reproductive System: Used traditionally to support milk production.

Uses

• Digestive Health: Blessed thistle is commonly used to stimulate appetite and improve digestion, particularly in cases of dyspepsia or loss of appetite.
• Lactation: The herb is often recommended to nursing mothers to help increase milk supply.
• Infections: Due to its antimicrobial properties, it has been used to support the body's response to infections.

Cautions

• Pregnancy: Avoid use during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
• Allergies: Those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid blessed thistle.
• Stomach Ulcers: Its strong bitter properties can irritate ulcers or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Scientific Studies

1. Galactagogue Effect: A study in Alternative Medicine Review highlights the efficacy of blessed thistle in promoting lactation .
2. Digestive Health: Research in Phytomedicine explores the bitter principles in blessed thistle, which enhance digestive enzyme secretion and appetite .
3. Antimicrobial Properties: A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology discusses the antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from Cnicus benedictus.