Biological Name: Cnicus benedictus

Family: Compositae

Other Names: cardin, blessed thistle, Holy Thistle, blessed cardus, Saint Benedict thistle, bitter thistle, spotted thistle

Elements Applied: Herb is the commonly applied element.

Active Components: Blessed thistle’s effectiveness is linked with high content of cnicin, a sesquiterpene lactone, in the plant. Due to the bitter taste this substance has it produces a positive effect on the gastro-intestinal tract, stimulating its functionality, and boosting secretion of gastric juice, and saliva, which are responsible for sufficient appetite and metabolic rates. This substance also ensures the anti-inflammatory capacity of black thistle.

History: Blessed thistle was applied in conventional medicine due to its ability to stimulate the digestive tract, and treat several conditions, like stomachaches, constipation, and flatulence. The plant is also an effective hepatic remedy, as well as its close neighbor, milk thistle.

Blessed thistle was once used in monasteries for healing skin conditions. In the ancient times the herb was a panacea. According to early scriptures, it was applied to treat headaches, induce perspiration, improve memory, stimulate stomach and heart, and heal skin conditions like itching, boils, and severe sores.

In the XIX century homeopathists recommended the remedy in form of tea or infusion for treating respiratory diseases, liver conditions, and fevers.

Used For: Blessed thistle is beneficial for decreased appetite, heartburn, and indigestion. In modern herbal therapy the herb is applied to prevent conception, cure cancer, and bacterial infections, as well as fevers, liver and heart conditions.

Blessed thistle has a strong capacity to cleanse blood and promote its stable circulation. Due to its miraculous ability to cleanse blood, a cup of thistle tea two times a day will relieve recurrent headaches.

It is additionally applied for gastro-intestinal conditions, like liver diseases, constipation, and flatulence. The plant is successfully used for dropsy, heart conditions, liver, kidney and lung diseases. To induce sufficient lactation, a woman should drink hot thistle tea. Young girls at the start of their menstrual activity will also benefit from taking blessed thistle.

Additional Info: Being indigenous to Asia and Europe, blessed thistle is specially raised across the globe, including the USA. Flowers, stems, and leaves of the plant are applied in herbal medicine.

Blessed thistle grows annually and may reach 2 feet in height. The straight stem is brown-colored and covered with fuzz. The leaves are lanceolate. The plant blossoms from the end of spring through summer, when it’s covered with multiple yellow flowers, appearing at the top of the plant.

Preparation and Intake: The majority of patients employ 2 ml of thistle tincture thrice a day.

For an infusion take 2 grams of herb extract, fill it up with a cup of boiling water and infuse for 15 minutes. The daily dose is three cups.

To impede the infection the herb is taken before going to bed.

Safety: Blessed thistle produces no negative impact on the organism when used in recommended dose. Only people allergic to the family it belongs to should exercise care when using it.

Strong thistle tea may lead to vomiting.