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Herbs > Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
Also know as Holy thistle or Holy Ghost herb, Blessed thistle looks very similar
to the common thistle and often seen as a stubborn weed, however, it is a useful healing herb.
It was regarded as a heal-all in medieval times,
believed to cure even the plague. The name
"blessed thistle" stems from the belief
that it repelled psychic attacks and hexes. It has an
unproved reputation as an aphrodisiac, and was also
used as birth control by the Quinault Indians.
Healing
uses:
Blessed thistle is extremely effective for
promoting breast milk in nursing mothers. Drink a
mild infusion of the herb about 30 minutes before
breast feeding for a one-off boost to the quantity of
milk produced. To make the infusion, boil 500ml of
water, remove from the heat and add 1 level
tablespoon of dried, ground blessed thistle. Allow to
steep for 30 minutes, strain and drink.
Alternatively, 2 capsules of powdered blessed thistle
taken three times daily throughout the breast-feeding
period will improve the amount of milk produced
consistently.
It is effective
for other women’s problem, including menstrual
cramps and hormone balance. It will also ease the
effects of menopause. Take as an infusion, as
described.
In addition, this
infusion helps balance the stomach and stimulate the
appetite. It can also ease headaches and strengthen
the memory, as it increases the oxygen supply to the
brain.
Blessed thistle is
a powerful emetic, and so should be avoided in large
doses. However, this can be a useful application of
the herb - it will induce vomiting to hastily expel
poisons from the body. Make an infusion as described,
using double the amount of blessed thistle.
Cautions:
Large amounts of blessed thistle will cause vomiting.
Growing blessed thistle:
Blessed thistle is grown from seed, which
should be sown in the Spring. It is a very hardy
plant, but it prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
It should be harvested when it is flowering. Cut the
whole plant at ground level and dry hanging upside
down. The blessed thistle will regrow from the roots.
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Index
Quick Reference
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera
Arnica
Asafoetida
Betel Leaves
Bishop’s Weed
Blessed Thistle
Burcock
Cascara Sagrada
Cardamom
Chamomile
Chaparral
Chicory
Cinnamon
Comfrey
Coriander
Curry Leaves
Dandelion
Echinacea
Euphrasia
Fenugreek
Garlic
Ayurvedic Garlic
Ginger
Aurvedic Ginger
Ginko Biloba
Ginseng
Goji
Gotu Kola
Guarana
Henna
Holy Basil
Hoodia Gordonii
Horny Goat Weed
Hyssop
Isapghula
Kalonji
Kava
Lavender
Liquorice
Mullien
Sage
Sandalwood
Sarsaparilla
St Johns Wort
Tee Tree
Thyme
Tribulus
Turmeric
Yohimbe
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