Blessed Thistle
Cnicus benedictus
Also known as Holy Thistle, and Spotted Thistle
History: Blessed Thistle is a rare European plant that grows frequently along roadsides. The plant has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages, when monks prescribed it as a cure for smallpox. Since then herbalists have used Blessed Thistle as a cure all, using it as a remedy for everything, from headaches to skin disorders to fevers. Traditional herbalists have employed it to support lactation in nursing mothers. 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
Modern Use: The Commission E approved the internal use of blessed thistle for loss of appetite and dyspepsia. The British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for loss of appetite, anorexia, and flatulent dyspepsia. It is used as an aromatic bitter for stimulation of appetite and increasing gastric juice secretion.