Blessed Thistle

Common Name:

Blessed Thistle

Botanical Name:

Cnicus benedictus

Short Description:

Blessed Thistle is a bitter, stimulating herb traditionally used to promote digestion, liver function, and lactation. It enhances appetite, supports bile flow, and was historically revered as a “holy” herb for purification and recovery.

Parts Used:

Aerial parts (leaf and flower)

Actions:

Bitter tonic, cholagogue, digestive stimulant, galactagogue, antimicrobial

Energetics:

Warming, drying, bitter

Body Systems:

Digestive, liver, reproductive (lactation), immune

Spiritual/Energetic Uses:

Promotes spiritual and physical purification. Blessed Thistle awakens digestion—both literal and emotional—and is associated with resilience, penance, and rebirth after illness or challenge.

Planetary/Dosha Associations:

Planetary: Mars
Dosha: Balances Kapha; may aggravate Pitta and Vata if overused

Safety Notes:

Avoid during pregnancy. Not for use in active ulcers or dry constitutions without balance. Best used in small doses as a bitter or in formulations.