Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is a flowering plant with sharp prickles on its leaves and stems. Although it is native to Asia and Europe, it is now cultivated in many areas of the world, like the United States.
Scientific Name: Cnicus benedictus
Common Name: Cardin, Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle, St. Benedict’s Thistle
Plant Family: Aster (Asteraceae) or Compositae
Etymology: Is said to have obtained its name from its amazing reputation of healing all, even allegedly curing the plague during the Middle Ages.
Traditional Uses
Traditionally, it has been used as a tea and a liquid extract. Folk medicine used the tea for digestive issues such as stomach upset, gas, and constipation.
Medicinal Uses
Using blessed thistle as a cold tea improves assimilation of fats and appetite. Contains chemicals called tannins that could help with cough and diarrhea. It may have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Blessed thistle stimulates the production of bile which assist in liver detoxification. Lastly, it is a strong galactagogue meaning it improves milk production during nursing.
Edible Parts
The stems, leaves, and flowers, are all used in herbal preparations such as hot and cold teas. As a bitter tonic, it is best taken after a meal.
Gathering and Using
In a single growing season usually two cuttings can be made. Harvested in the early flowering stage, whole aerial parts cab be used fresh or dried.
Permaculture Functions and Considerations
Combines well with anise or fennel and many species of songbirds use thistle down in their nests.
Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal north to southern France and east to Iran. Can be easily grown in ordinary garden soil but grows best in a well-manured soil.
How to Identify
Blessed thistle is seen with spiny, light green leaves and lax stems. They develop flower heads as a protection against grazing animals. Yellow flowers appear in July and once the seeds have set the plant dies.
Wildlife Support
In addition to supporting pollinators and other wildlife, thistles provide nesting materials for songbirds. Hummingbirds are also known to prefer native thistles for the high sugar content in their nectar.
Additional Information
This species is hermaphrodite meaning it has both female and male organs. Blessed thistle is often confused with milk thistle. To continue, many thistles contain bitter principles that are good for the liver and stomach.