- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (Mediterranean), Asia (west)
Europe · Herb · № 300
Cnicus benedictus
Herb · Europe
Blessed thistle
Cnicus benedictus
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter digestive stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, wound-healing.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Aerial parts.
Use in traditions
The name refers to the monasteries, where the thistle was grown as a remedy for everything, even the plague. In Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare has a character recommend 'carduus benedictus'. The bitter herb was used for digestive complaints and to promote milk production.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Bitter digestive stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, wound-healing.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Cleansing, carminative, promotes bile, induces sweating, diuretic, fever-reducing; stimulates breastfeeding, strengthens the liver and cleanses the blood, for headache and skin problems (acne, boils).
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture: 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day; compress externally on the skin.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureCompress, poultice and paste