Botanical Overview
Cnicus benedictus, commonly known as Blessed Thistle, belongs to the Asteraceae family. This herb is native to the Mediterranean region, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The aerial parts, leaves, and flowering tops are traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Energetics
Blessed Thistle is considered warming and drying in nature, with a distinctly bitter taste. It has an ascending directionality and is tonifying in action.
Primary Actions
- Bitters
- Choleretic (promotes bile flow)
- Digestive stimulant
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Mild liver dysfunction
- Poor bile flow
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Cholestasis
- Anorexia
- Cachexia
Unani
- Weak digestion
- Loss of appetite
Syndromes
- Su‘-e-me‘da (indigestion)
- Kum (cachexia)
TCM
No established traditional indications.
Ayurveda
No established traditional indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The herb contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones including cynaropicrin, along with flavonoids, phenolic acids, and diterpenes which contribute to its choleretic, digestive stimulant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-3 g, 1-3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol: 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
- Extracts standardized to sesquiterpene lactones
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated when used as recommended. Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation. Contraindicated in bile duct obstruction and gallstones. Caution in peptic ulcer cases as it may increase gastric acid secretion. Potential interactions with bile acid sequestrants.
Astrological Correspondences
Astrological and elemental correspondences are not established for this herb in authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Plants for a Future Database: Cnicus benedictus – Blessed Thistle
- European Medicines Agency (EMA), HMPC Assessment report on Cnicus benedictus L., herba (2016)
- British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1983)
- Unani Medicine Texts on Blessed Thistle