Blessed thistle herb cut

Above ground Plant

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

Blessed thistle has a long history of use in folk medicine.

In Greek folk medicine, the 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 used, by the Quinalt Indians and others, as a contraceptive agent.

Blessed thistle stimulates digestive secretions, dries damp phlegm, improves memory, and lifts spirits.

Its essential oil has shown activity against Staphylococcus faecalis, S. aureus, Nycobacterium phlei, and Candida albicans. It is recommended (in the form of 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 tumours.

Topically, a blessed thistle can be used in a salve to treat boils, shingles, and wounds and to help stop bleeding.

Edible 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 har- mony. It is sometimes carried in medicine bags as a purifying talisman.

•  Calcium
•  iron
• magnesium
• manganese
• sesquiterpene lactones (cnicin)
• bitter glycosides
• tannin
• mucilage
• Antibacterial agents

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