Preparation: 12-25 drops if used as a tincture. To make a tea, stir 1 heaping tsp of herb into 1 or 2 cups boiling water. Remove from heat. Steep 10 mins. Use 1/2 cup, 2-3 x's a day. This herb is one of the oldest remedies for the treatment of amenorrhea, which is absence of the menstrual cycle after the onset of menstruation.

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus (formerly Carduus benedictus, Carbenia benedicta)) Cut and Sifted Bulk

Family

Asteraceae (Daisy Family)

Etymology

The genus name Cnicus comes from the Greek knicos, meaning thistle or safflower. The species name, benedictus, was bestowed in honor of Saint Benedict, who founded the religious order that bears his name. 

Range of Appearance

Blessed thistle is believed to be native to the Mediterranean and Eurasia. An annual, it often grows in wasteland areas and achieves a height of about 2 feet. It has brown, densely hairy stems and compound basal leaves with triangular leaflets, which are white veined and prickly. The upper leaves form a cuplike shape around the flowers, which are yellow with violet streaks.

Parts Used

Inner stalk, leaves, root, flower

Physiological Effects

Alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, bitter, cholagogue, digestive, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, hemostatic, vulnerary

Medicinal Uses

Blessed thistle has a long history of use in folk medicine. In Greek folk medicine, blessed thistle was used to treat malaria. During the Middle Ages, it was believed to cure smallpox and the plague. In Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare's characters advises, "Get you some of this distilled Carduus benedictus and lay it to your heart: it is the only thing for a qualm." The Zuni Indians used it to treat venereal disease. The herb has also seen use by the Quinalt Indians and others as a contraceptive agent. Blessed thistle stimulates digestive secretions, dries damp phlegm, improves memory, and lifts the spirits. Its essential oil has shown activity against Staphylococcus faecalis, S. aureus, Nycobacterium phlei, and Candida albicans. It is recommended (in the form of a tea) for adolescent females and menopausal women with low hydrochloric acid secretions. It is also used to help detoxify the body, particularly of drug and alcohol residues. It can be used to treat ague, alcoholism, anorexia, appetite loss, cancer, catarrh, colic, constipation, depression, flatulence, headache, hepatitis, indigestion, jaundice, memory problems, menorrhagia, menstrual cramps, and tumors. Topically, blessed thistle can be used in a salve to treat boils, shingles, and wounds and to help stop bleeding.          

Culinary Uses

The young leaves can be added to salads, and the young flowerheads can be eaten like the hearts of artichoke, to which the plant is related. The tops can be added to aperitif wines. The root is used as a potherb.

Other Uses

Blessed thistle has been used as cattle fodder in Scotland. European folklore holds that growing the plant outside the home promotes love, peace, and harmony.

Constituents

Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sesquiterpene lactones (cnicin), bitter glycosides, tannin, mucilage, antibacterial agents

Contradictions

Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of ulcers. Large doses can cause stomach irritation and vomiting.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/