While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. PhysioFormulas, LLC DBA Your Healing Store assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.
Blessed Thistle
$14.25
In stock
Description
Native to the Mediterranean, Cnicus benedictus is an annual in the Asteraceae family. It has long narrow leaves and is completely covered in fine hairs, with a characteristic, prickly, green flowerhead. Blessed thistle herb has a long history of use in traditional European herbalism extending back to the Middle Ages. Bitter in
flavor, blessed thistle is commonly used in extracts and cordials.
Blessed thistle has been revered since the Middle Ages in Europe for its use as a digestive stimulant and nutritive tonic. It was also eaten as a vegetable. This herb is approved by the German Commission E for its ability to increase appetite and support the digestive process and is also an approved food additive in the United States for its flavoring of liqueurs such as Benedictine.
Blessed thistle leaves and flowering tops are best collected in the summer, just after flowering, in the late morning after the dew has evaporated.
First used in Ayurvedic medicine, blessed thistle eventually made its way to Europe. By the early sixteenth century, it had gained footing in European folk medicine and was cultivated widely in monastery gardens. Even the famous poet Shakespeare mentioned blessed thistle in his play Much Ado About Nothing.
Spiritually, it is associated with purification and therefore used in purification baths. It is also believed that wearing a bit of it would
protect one from evil. Further, it was associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aries, and the element fire.
In the United States and Germany, blessed thistle has been used in various formulas, particularly as a component of digestive bitters. Many of the other thistles, such as milk thistle, have similar qualities to blessed thistle. Milk thistle, in particular, has been used to support the healthy functioning of the liver. According to herbalist Michael Moore, blessed thistle may be used similarly to other bitters, like barberry and gentian, that stimulate the upper gastrointestinal.
Blessed thistle is also a part of the secret recipe used to make the Benedictine liqueur. As the story goes, in 1510, a Benedictine monk, Don Bernardo Vincelli, created the recipe for this liqueur that contains 27 different herbs, including angelica, hyssop, and lemon balm. It is said that only three people on earth (at a time) know the complete recipe for making it.
Blessed thistle is considered energetically cooling and drying with a bitter taste. Blessed thistle is closely related to
other Centaurea species that are often referred to as 'knapweeds' and are considered highly invasive species. Another common name of blessed thistle is holy thistle.
