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Blessed Thistle

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BLESSED THISTLE Cnicus benedictus (Gaetn.). Carduus benedictus (Steud.)

FOLKLORE/COMMON NAMES: Holy Thistle, Bitter Thistle, Bitterweed, Blessed Carduus, Our Lady's Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Thrissles, Saint Benedict's Thistle, Spotted Carduus, Spotted Thistle

PARTS USED: Entire herb in older use, primarily leaves and stem today

HISTORICAL REFERENCE: Blessed Thistle has been highly regarded for medicinal use for centuries and was cultivated throughout Europe and some say gained its moniker through its reputation as a 'heal-all', even credited with curing the Plague. It was in known cultivation as early as the mid-1500's and its benefits and 'virtues' were delved into in the Herbal of Turner in 1568.

In Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare praises its medicinal prowess: "Get you some of this distilled Carduus Benedictus and lay it to your heart; it is the only thing for a qualm.... I mean plain Holy Thistle... Therefore I counsell (sic) all that have Gardens to nourish it, that they may have it always to their own use, and the use of their neighbours that lacke it."

Mattheolus and Fuschius wrote of Carduus benedictus, saying "It is a plant of great virtue; it helpeth inwardly and outwardly; it strengthens all the principal members of the body, as the brain, the heart, the stomach, the liver, the lungs and the kidney; it is also a preservative against all disease, for it causes perspiration, by which the body is purged...therefore, give God thanks for his goodness, Who hath given this herb and all others for the benefit of our health."

MEDICINAL USES:

There are no cautions regarding Blessed Thistle. Those with allergies to the Daisy family should take care if considering Blessed Thistle; but outright allergic reaction is extremely rare.

Chemical Constituents Blessed Thistle contains Cnicin, a crystalline neutral body that is extremely bitter, but soluble in alcohol and slightly in water. The bitterness of the compound stimulates the digestive system, including the production of saliva and gastric juices, which is what leads to improved appetite and digestion. Blessed Thistle also shows evidence of some anti-inflammatory properties.

Ancient use of Blessed Thistle seemed to focus on the benefits to the liver; however, from ancient to modern times, the most beneficial use of Blessed Thistle is the use of the leaves in a warm infusion to promote breast milk in nursing mothers.

Blessed Thistle is also highly recommended for digestive troubles, based on the analysis of its chemical constituents as stated above.

Modern uses also include:

• Strengthen liver function, combat hepatitis

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