Blessed Thistle - Cnicus Benedictus
This Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) monograph is an excerpt from the first edition of Dr. Sharol's book "Herbal Medicine From The Heart of The Earth." You can purchase the 2020, third edition of this book with an expanded materia medica/monograph section, herbal formulas and directions on making herbal products in Dr. Sharol's Book Store. You receive free shipping in the USA. The expanded 3rd edition materia medica, and additional herbal tidbits are also available as a kindle ebook at Amazon and details on this e-book are here.
Blessed thistle - Cnicus benedictus in the Asteraceae or Aster family
Part used: Aerial parts in flower.
Taste/smell: Aromatic, bitter.
Tendencies: Cooling.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:1 fresh plant liquid extract: 20-40 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.
Use: Blessed thistle enhances appetite and digestion. It promotes secretion of saliva and gastric juices. It is used as a bitter tonic for gastrointestinal colic with gas and loose stools, atony of the gallbladder and lack of appetite. It additionally is used in anorexia.
It may also be used to stimulate lactation.
Contraindications: High doses may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Do not use during pregnancy
If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.
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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
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