Blessed Thistle and Milk Thistle, although related plants, are used for entirely different purposes. Blessed Thistle has also been called: Bitter Thistle, Holy Ghost Herb, Cardo Santo, Spotted Thistle, St. Benedict’s Thistle, Carbenia Benedicta, and Cnicus Benedictus. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are taking the correct supplement for the relief that you are looking to achieve.
Blessed Thistle supplements are primarily taken for relief of diarrhea and stomach indigestion or to increase appetite. For centuries, the Blessed Thistle has been used as a flavoring for alcoholic drinks, particularly Benedictine liquor. It has also been used to treat skin conditions. A poultice can be made by soaking a clean cloth in Blessed Thistle tea and applied to the infected area of the skin. Often, warming of the poultice is encouraged for better results.
The plant is harvested while in full bloom. With the exception of the roots, most of the plant is used when preparing the supplement. The plant grows best in areas with milder climates. The supplement is available in a liquid, tincture, or tea.
Certain individuals should avoid Blessed Thistle, especially pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals who have gastrointestinal problems. Although in the past women have taken the supplement in an effort to increase the production of breast milk, this practice is no longer recommended. No studies on the effects of Black Thistle on infants have been done, and the effects of Blessed Thistle, ingested through breast milk, on young infants is unknown.
Taking Blessed Thistle may increase the amount of stomach acid that is produced. Therefore, it may increase problems with existing ulcers or bowel problems. Due to this, it is not recommended that individuals with ulcers, Crohn’s disease, or inflammatory bowel syndrome take Blessed Thistle supplements.
Overdoses of this supplement may cause vomiting. Taking more than five grams a day may be considered an overdose, although this is not always the case. Since studies on this supplement are sparse, it is important to note that interactions with other medications may occur. Individuals who have allergies to plants from the daisy family might also be allergic to the Blessed Thistle plant and therefore, could experience an allergic reaction to the supplement, either when handling or ingesting the plant. Allergic symptoms may include a rash, itching, or shortness of breath.
Since the supplement may cause an increase in stomach acids, it is not recommended that the product be taken in conjunction with any antacids, proton pump inhibitors, such as, Prevacid, Prilosec, Prontonix, or Nexium or Histamine-2 receptor blockers, such as Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, or Axid. Herbal products do not appear to react negatively when used in conjunction with this supplement. However, if any negative reactions occur, stop taking the supplement immediately.
The Blessed Thistle supplement may be brewed into a tea by soaking about one half of a teaspoon of dried thistle in boiling water for five to ten minutes. It is important to remember to take the leaves out of the tea before drinking. Since the taste of this tea is rather bitter, sugar should be added to make the tea more palatable.
Unfortunately, few definitive studies have been undertaken on Blessed Thistle or
Milk Thistle. The effectiveness and safeness for any of the conditions mentioned is still under investigation. Therefore, it is suggested that, as with any supplement, the individual seek a doctor’s care prior to beginning a regimen that includes Blessed Thistle.
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