The Health Benefits of Blessed Thistle Are No Longer a Secret

Updated on April 29th, 2020
blessed thistle

Blessed thistle is a plant, also referred to as a herb due to its therapeutic properties. The flowers, tops, leaves, stems all have a medicinal purpose. It has been used since ancient times to treat the deadly bubonic plague and has been a favorable tonic for monks.

The uses of this herb today are plenty and are most famous in the form of tea. It stimulates hunger and treats indigestion. It can also treat other health issues like cold, diarrhea, fever, and other bacterial infections.

This herb is also used in alcoholic beverages, and also benefits in numerous ways.

Facts You Must Know

  • The herb contains tannins that offer medicinal benefits.
  • Blessed thistle is for lactating moms. It increases supply.
  • The antibacterial properties of the herb have made it quite popular to treat wounds on the skin.
  • It is believed that this herb can reduce hair loss when mixed with other ingredients. It also helps to grow new hair.

Blessed Thistle Benefits

1. Aids Digestion

digestion
Image: ShutterStock

Facing digestive troubles on a daily basis can be challenging and cause embarrassing situations. Common symptoms of digestive problems are gas, bloating, constipation, food intolerance, etc.

Blessed thistle herb contains c nicin, a compound that stimulates more production of saliva and gastric acid in the body, both of which helps in the process of digestion.

This herb has been used for years to treat constipation, gas, and stomach pain.

2. Cough

Blessed Thistle benefits in treating cough as it functions as an expectorant. The herb thins down the mucus and loosens it making breathing easier. It also eases in coughing it out.

Various factors can cause coughing, for example, an allergy, use of tobacco, change in weather, asthma, acid reflux, etc. Chronic cough, however, could indicate a severe problem that will need medical supervision.

3. Skin infections

A study in 2015(1) stated that the plants from the Asteraceae family have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explains this herb being used as antiseptic in treating cuts, wounds, and scars.

Many people use this by soaking in gauze and applying the herb straight on boils, abscesses, and other kinds of skin infections.

4. Blessed Thistle for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding
Image:ShutterstockThe Health Benefits of Blessed Thistle Are No Longer a Secret

Fenugreek and blessed thistle have seemed to work for many lactating moms in increasing their supply. Fenugreek causes hormonal changes in the body that increases milk production. It is also referred to as galactagogues – substances that boost milk production.

Many lactations teas commercially sold in the market have fenugreek blessed thistle as ingredients.

The Drugs and Lactation Database state that although a few studies have established a link between fenugreek and breastfeeding, there are no data to confirm the same(2).

Many moms swear by that blessed thistle benefits breastfeeding.

5. Acts as a Diuretic

This herb works as a diuretic and increases urine output of the body. It helps to get rid of the toxins and extra salt and is a boon for patients suffering from high blood pressure, swollen tissues, water retention, cardiac diseases, and kidney disease.

Right Ways to Use This:

The best way to use this is by making Blessed Thistle Tea. It is efficient in treating indigestion and increases milk supply.

Things You Will Need:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 3 tsp of dried herb

Method

  • Boil the water in a pan and add the dried herbs to it. Turn off the heat source and allow it to steep for 15 minutes. Strain the herb and drink it.
  • The herb is also available as tinctures in local shops or online. It comes with a vinegar or alcohol base and has the extracts of the herb added to it.
  • Dilute a drop of the tincture with water and drink.

Precautions and Side-effects

  • Although considered safe for many, exceeding a dosage of 5 gms for a cup of tea can cause stomach irritation and nausea.
  • Don’t consume blessed thistle while pregnant. Some studies state it is unsafe during pregnancy.
  • If you suffer from IBS, Crohn’s Disease, and other inflammatory diseases, do not use this herb. It may aggravate the existing condition.
  • People allergic to plants belonging to the Asteraceae family or Compositae family should steer away from the herb. Check with a medical practitioner before taking blessed thistle if you are allergic to the marigold, daisies, chrysanthemum, etc.

Verdict

It is beneficial for lactating moms who have a low supply of milk. Being a herbal remedy, it comes with little or no side effects. It has a long history of medicinal use and has been considered safe when taken in the right dosage. It is available as extracts, supplements, tinctures and has been recommended by various studies as an external dressing for certain wounds.


FAQs

1. How long does it take to work?

This herb and fenugreek work very quickly, and its effects can be seen within 24 hours of taking them.

2. Can I take the herb to boost my appetite?

Yes, it definitely will help in increasing your appetite. It stimulates the production of gastric juices that increases hunger. It is a prevalent ingredient in tonics sold commercially for gastric health.

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