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Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
Blessed Thistle is a world-famous bitter herb popular for promoting a healthy appetite and for nourishing the digestive system.
Blessed Thistle also is popular as a glandular tonic and liver rejuvenator. You often find this herb combined with other liver-nourishing herbs like milk thistle and dandelion. Alone or in combination, Blessed Thistle is a valuable herb for good health maintenance.
Blessed Thistle is a plant found primarily in Asia and Europe. Blessed Thistle is also referred to as "St. Benedict Thistle" and "Holy Thistle", names that reflect the fact that Blessed Thistle was a popular folk remedy and tonic appreciated by monastic monks in the Middle Ages. Blessed Thistle should not be confused with "Milk Thistle" (also known as Marian, St. Mary's, or Our Lady's Thistle).
In Europe, Blessed Thistle is regarded as an excellent appetite stimulant, and is used in the manufacture of "bitters" to be taken before meals to stimulate stomach and intestinal activity, and aid in digestion and circulation. Blessed Thistle is also used in the treatment of constipation and flatulence, and is considered an excellent heart tonic and blood purifier. The flowers of Blessed Thistle are commonly brewed to make a slightly bitter, and sweet, tea that has a mild diuretic activity. Blessed Thistle tea is used by contemporary herbalists for the treatment of a variety of liver problems, such as jaundice and hepatitis.
Because painful menstruation can involve the liver, Blessed Thistle is a common component of herbal formulas used to relieve menstrual symptoms. Containing B-complex, calcium, iron, manganese, cincin and essential oils, Blessed Thistle can be used to increase the appetite and alleviate inflammation caused by poor digestion. Blessed Thistle also improves circulation and purifies the blood increasing oxygen to the brain to stimulate memory.
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