Blessed Thistle Boyang Dong (Pharmacy Student) Spring 2022 Scientific Name: Cnicus benedictus L., Carduus benedictus Steud., Carbenia benedicta Adans Common Names: Holy thistle, St.-Benedict's-thistle, our Lady's thistle, bitter thistle, spotted thistle, cursed thistle, blessed cardus
Common use: Background/History:
diarrhea cough swelling indigestion infections wounds other conditions with no scientific
Native to the Mediterranean, Blessed thistle was a medieval panacea and was known everywhere in Europe by the Latin name Carduus benedictus. "Blessed" is thought to derived from the thistle's reputation as an aid in many diseases, especially as People use it for many other a plague cure. conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.
Mechanism of Action:
The bitterness of cnicin within blessed thistle stimulates the activity of the digestive system and increases the flow of saliva as well as the secretion of gastric juice, which therefore improves the appetite and digestion of people. Moreover, some pharmacological evidence suggests that blessed thistle may have antiinflammatory properties.
Dosage Forms: tea or liquid extract capsules topicals
Typical Dosing: 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb with 250ml of boiling water to make a tea and drink three cups daily No detail found for topical dosing Two capsules 3three times daily
Citations: Health topics A-Z. PeaceHealth. Accessed February 26, 2022. Blessed thistle. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Published July 19, 2021. Accessed February 26, 2022. Blessed thistle: Medlineplus supplements. MedlinePlus. 23 Accessed February 26, 2022. Blessed Thistle. Blog.metmuseum.org. Accessed February 26, 2022.
