Blessed Thistle

LATIN NAME:

Cnicus benedictus

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Blessed Thistle has leaves that are long, slender, sharply-toothed, and spiny which makes this plant a very unfriendly plant to collect.

The creamy yellow flowers are surrounded by a calyx that is just as spiny as the leaves.

During the Middle ages, Blessed Thistle was used to treat bubonic plague and used as a popular cure-all. Today it is considered a remedy for a range of problems. It can be used for:

1) to induce vomiting in individuals who have taken poison.

2) to regulate menstrual cycles.

3) an anti-inflammatory agent that also stops bleeding.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* poor digestion

* fever

* headache

* colic

* gas

* diarrhea

Apply externally for:

* cuts and wounds

* fever

* shingles

PREPARATIONS:

Over the counter:

This herb is available online or in health food stores as a tincture, extract and dried herb.

At home: Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in ½ cup boiling water. Drink 1 cup to 1½ cups a day, unsweetened, for problems with digestion.

Tincture: Take 20-40 drops of the tincture three times a day

Poultice: Mash leaves and other parts, and apply to wounds and sores.

Parts used: Leaves, flowers and seeds.

Collection: The leaves and flowering twigs should be gathered in early summer to late summer when blooming. Seeds are gathered in Fall when the plant has set seed.

Constituents: Cnicin, flavonoids, essential oil and mucilage.

Actions: Bitter tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, anti-bacterial, expectorant

Combinations: Combine with Balmony and Kola for a sluggish digestive system. For diarrhea combine with Meadowsweet and Tormentil. For menstrual difficulties use with Cramp Bark, Blue Cohosh Root, and Ginger.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not Serious:

Overdosing can cause vomiting.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Warning:

* Use recommended amounts only and under a doctor’s supervision. Blessed Thistle is a strong emetic (something that makes you want to vomit) and induces vomiting very effectively. * Avoid during pregnancy and any compounds that include the herb.

* This herb stimulates gastric activity so avoid using if you have an ulcer.