|
|
|
Blessed Thistle - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
St. Holy Ghost Herb, Bitter Thistle, Cardin, Chardon Benit, Cardo Santo, Carduus Benedictus, Cnici Benedicti Herba, Cnicus,Holy Thistle, Kardo-Benedictenkraut, St. Benedict Thistle, Salonitenolide, Carbenia Benedicta, Cnicus Benedictus, Spotted Thistle.
Herb Description
Blessed Thistle (Glandular) a low annual plant, is so named because of the ancient belief that it holded supernatural properties.Blessed Thistles are inhereted throughout North America. It matures up to 2 feet height, with thistle-like appearance found in meadows & along roadsides.Blessed Thistle bears pale yellow flowers,blossom in May to September, It flowers are hermaphrodite (has both male and female parts) and are fertilized by transfering pollen by Insects.The leaves are 3 - 6 inches long in size, more or less hairy, with margins lobed and spiny.It like better clay,sandy & loamy soils and needs well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral , alkaline and stony soils. It cannot develop in the shade, It requires sunny areas, dry or moist soil.
Its bitter properties, blessed thistle enheance the flow of gastric juices relieving dyspepsia, indigestion & headaches associated with liver congestion.As a medicinal plantit is used to stimulate appetite, cleanse the liver, bile flow, aid digestion and promote health.To strengthen and tonify the body,Traditionally it is used in most countries, including England, Germany, Russia, China, India and Africa.
Properties
- Abortifacient.
- Anorexia.
- Appetite stimulant.
- Astringent.
- Blood purifier.
- Breast milk stimulant.
- Bile flow stimulant.
- Diaphoretic.
- Diuretic.
- Menstrual flow stimulant.
- Salivation stimulant.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antioxidant.
Uses and Benefits
Blessed thistle is used internally for treating disorders such as excess mucus ,anorexia ,poor appetite ,indigestion ,flatulence ,insufficient lactation in nursing mothers.It can be externally used to treat wounds and ulcers.
Blessed thistle is also beneficial to cure gastrointestinal symptoms,diabetes,gallbladder disease, liver disorders, inflammation, jaundice, malaria, internal cancers, gout,rheumatism, bubonic plague,colds, contraceptive, painful menstruation, rabies, skin ulcers, wound healing & yeast infections.
Traditional usage includes are acne, anorexia,cellular regeneration,detoxifying ,digestive disorders,gastrointestinal disorders ,headaches ,hormone imbalances & skin disorders.Blessed thistle has also been used to cure the vaginal discharge known as leucorrhea.
Side Effects
High doses of blessed thistle, greater than 5 gm per cup of tea,may lead to stomach irritation & vomiting.
The plant contains some part of tannins. Excess use of blessed thistle containing greater than 10% tannins may lead to liver disease, gastrointestinal upset, kidney toxicity, or enheanced risk of developing esophageal or nasal cancer.
Blessed thistle can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, When taken by mouth.
Blessed thistle is not recommended to the presons who have ulcers or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Dosage
- Dosage :
3-4 capsules. 3 times daily.
- Tincture :
10-20 drops (2 ml). 3 times daily.
- Infusion:
A dose of 1.5 - 2 gm of blessed thistle in 150 ml of water.(orally) 3 times daily.
- Tea:
Drip 1.5-3 gm of dried blessed thistle in boiling water for 10- 15 minitus.3 times daily.
Drug Interactions
Blessed thistle is thought to stimulate stomach acid secretion, and may mitigate the efficacious of drugs such as zantac , cimetidine , famotidine & nizatidine .
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|