Description :
Blessed Thistle is an annual native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. It grows even in rocky soil. The above ground parts of Blessed Thistle are almost completely covered with fine white hairs. Narrow leaves with white veins and spines grow off of small branches attached to a central stalk. Yellow flowers with prickly green flower heads appear in the summer. Internally, Blessed Thistle was used by early renaissance herbalist and even earlier to help stimulate milk production in women and as a digestive tonic for adults. Externally, Blessed Thistle was used to help heal wounds.
History and Folklore:
William Shakespeare mentions Blessed Thistle in Much Ado About Nothing ACT III SCENE IV. The History of the plant goes back much further, it was first used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the leaves and flowering tops in the summer, just after flowering. Cook the raw leaves and flowering branches for use as a vegetable, or dry them for use in teas and tinctures.
Precautions:
Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Bitter, Nutritive, Galactagogue
Other Names:
Holy Thistle
Tincture Ingredients: Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Michael –