Blessed Thistle, Cut & Sifted (Carbenia benedicta) – Dried Herb, Organic

Blessed Thistle is also known as Holy Thistle, St. Benedict Thistle, Cardin and spotted Thistle. This herbaceous annual has been cultivated for centuries as a medicinal herb. It is a member of the Asteracea, or daisy, family. The bitter-tasting, prickly thistles are considered “noxious weeds” when they take root and grow abundantly in open fields and meadows.

First used in Ayurvedic medicine, Blessed Thistle eventually made its way to Europe. By the early 16th century, it had gained a footing in European folk medicine and was cultivated widely in monastery gardens. Even the famous poet Shakespeare mentioned Blessed Thistle in his play “Much Ado About Nothing”. The ancient Romans ate the leaf fresh and boiled the root as a vegetable. Thistle was once used as nutritious fodder for cattle in Scotland; and the leaf, folded between two slices of buttered bread, was eaten with the breakfast meal.

In the Middle Ages, Thistle was one of the most common European medicinal herbs. In the United States and Germany, Blessed Thistle has been used in various formulas, particularly as a component of digestive bitters. According to herbalist Michael Moore, Blessed Thistle may be used similarly to other bitters, like Barberry and Gentian, that stimulate the upper gastrointestinal. Herbalists today use Blessed Thistle to increase the production of breastmilk in nursing mothers.

Properties:

The energetic and taste of Blessed Thistle cooling, drying and bitter and has an affinity towards the Liver, digestive system, and reproductive system. Combine Blessed thistle with Fenugreek, Fennel or Goats Rue to support breast milk. As a bitter tonic combine Blessed thistle with Barberry root, Gentian root or Artichoke leaf. 

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Blessed Thistle to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

Blessed thistle is contraindicated in patients with gastric ulcers or other inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohns disease.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.