SafePlants

Blessed Thistle: A Botanical Overview

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a thistle-like plant with a rich history of traditional uses. Also known as St. Benedict's thistle, holy thistle, or spotted thistle, this herb has been used for centuries in European herbal medicine.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cnicus benedictus
• Family: Asteraceae (also referred to as Compositae)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • St. Benedict's thistle
  • Holy thistle
  • Spotted thistle
  • Bitter thistle
  • Cardin
  • Carduus benedictus
  • Carbenia benedicta
  • Blessed Cardus

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Mediterranean region.
• Found mostly in North Africa, Western Asia, and Southern Europe.

Morphological Characteristics

• Described as a small, annual herb.
• Possesses yellow, prickly flowers.

Traditional and Historical Uses

• Revered since at least the Middle Ages in Europe for its healing properties.
• Historically used as a digestive stimulant and a purifying agent.
• Used in religious monasteries during the Middle Ages as a healing agent.
• Used to treat bubonic plague in the Middle Ages.
• The leaves, stems, and blossoms have historically been employed in bitter tonic beverages asserted to promote good health.
• Has a long history of use in European herbal medicine.
• Historically used for treating smallpox, fever, anorexia, dyspepsia, indigestion, and constipation.

Modern Applications and Uses

• Commonly used with fenugreek to help breastfeeding mothers increase breast milk production.
• Used as a bitter tonic for the liver and digestion.
• Used in European tonics.
• Approved by Germany’s Commission E as a treatment for loss of appetite.
• Traditionally used to aid digestion.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Often used in conjunction with fenugreek for lactation support.

Further Information

• WebMD
• Encyclopedia.com