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Blessed Thistle
Also known as: Holy thistle, benedicten thistle, st. benedict thistle, blessed cardus.
Latin description: Cardus benedictus.
Parts to use: Root, aerial parts and the seeds.
Chemical constituents of Blessed Thistle: Mucilage, essential oil, cincin,
tannin.
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Blessed Thistle
- Bitter, alterative, antiseptic, antibiotic, antitumor, appetite stimulant (stimulates secretion of saliva and gastric juices), astringent, diuretic, expectorant, styptic, febrifuge, galactogogue, emmenogogue, diaphoretic, emetic, mild calmative, tonic (liver and heart), blood purifier, vermifuge; acts primarily on digestion, but also affects glandular, circulatory, liver, female reproductive (stimulant), and urinary systems; also said to strengthen memory, heart and lungs. Some anti-HIV activity has been reported (unable to confirm).
- Has been used internally for anorexia (combined with Turtlehead and seeds of Cola), poor appetite due to depression, arthritis, cancer, dropsy, dyspepsia, flatulent colic, diarrhea (combined with Meadowsweet, Agrimony, and Tormentil), excess mucous, liver and gall bladder problems, chronic headache, jaundice, kidney problems, leucorrhea, respiratory infections, senility, spleen problems, and insufficient lactation (often combined with Raspberry leaf and Marshmallow root). Also has a history of use for all types of liver problems, but has largely been replaced by Milk Thistle.
- In the treatment of fever a handful of leaves and flowering tips was infused in 1 pint of boiling water, steeped 10 minutes, then given in wineglassful doses or a mouthful at a time.
- Once considered a 'cure-all', it was also used to increase circulation and as a tonic for the heart.
- Has been used externally for wounds and ulcers. As a poultice has been used to treat chilblains and sores.
- Was once believed to strengthen the emotions and was used for melancholy, agitation, and nervous disorders.
- Has been used to treat painful menstruation (combined with Ginger, Cramp bark and Blue cohosh root; or simply combined with Chamomile) and amenorrhea. Is often found in female balancing formulas to regulate menstruation.
Side effects of blessed thistle
If taken in large dosages you have danger
of it being an emetic and a possible cause of diarrhea.
Dosage
Capsules: 4 “0” capsules 4x daily.
Infusion: (aerial parts) No more than 1/2 cup every two
hours.
Decoction: (Root and seeds) No more than 1/2 cup every
two hours.
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HERBS & THEIR MEDICINAL USAGE (P-Z)
 Parsley
Peppermint
Plantain
Pleurisy Root
Poke Root
Raspberry
Red Clover
Sarsaparilla
Shepherd's Purse
Skunk Cabbage
Slippery Elm
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Vervain
Violet
White Oak
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow Dock
HERBAL CURE OF DISEASES
Acne
Anxiety
Bedwetting
Heart Disease
Herb Teas |
