VitaNet ® LLC. Serving Customers Online Since 1995

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a type of thistle also known as St.Benedict's thistle, holy thistle and spotted thistle), and is native all around the Mediterranean, from Iran round to the South of France. It is also found in the USA, to where it was introduced centuries ago by explorers and pioneers, deliberately or by accident.

Blessed thistle offers a number of health benefits, and is recommended along with fenugreek by some public health nurses to aid lactation in nursing mothers. It also possesses diuretic properties and is also an antiseptic and antibiotic. It can be used to sterilize wounds and ulcers and help to aid healing. Blessed thistle is also useful in treating anorexia and improving appetite, particularly with those suffering depression.

Although blessed thistle is recommended for use by nursing mothers, where it helps increase the flow of milk, it should be confused with milk thistle which is an entirely different species. In addition to improving lactation when used along with fenugreek, a property supported by the Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation, blessed thistle is also a diuretic and can be used to improve appetite, particularly when appetite is lost by the depressed or those suffering anorexia.

It is also believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties, and although this has yet to be proved with human tests, it does contain sesquiterpenes, flavonoids and lignans, all known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken as a tea to treat indigestion, and is traditionally used as a poultice or dressing for suppurating wounds, boils and ulcers. Although there is insufficient official evidence for these uses, those that use it claim it to be effective, and this may be yet another example of popular usage awaiting official approval - not that it stops people using it!

Latin Name
Cnicus benedictus

Common Name
Holy or Sacred 
Thistle

Description
Encapsulated Blessed Thistle herb 
certified organically grown by Trout Lake Farm, 
Washington.

Usage
Historically used as a supplement for 
nursing mothers. Blessed Thistle is included in European tonics. 
Used as a healing agent in religious monasteries during the 
middle ages*

Recommended Daily Dosage
Take one to two 
capsules three times daily at mealtimes with water or prepared 
as a tea.

 

    

The following list is for serving size 
of 2 capsules

Primary Ingredients Amount  USRDA  
Blessed 
Thistle  750 mg  0%  


Other Ingredients
Gelatin