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Blessed thistle

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus), a plant found primarily in Asia and Europe, is a common component of herbal formulas used to relieve menstrual symptoms. In Europe, Blessed thistle is regarded as an excellent appetite stimulant and is used in the manufacture of bitters to be taken before meals to stimulate stomach and intestinal activity and aid in digestion and circulation. Blessed thistle has a long history for stimulating milk production in nursing mothers, relieving cramps, painful menstruation, treating headaches associated with female cycles, balances female hormones, promotes lactation, enriches breast milk, and strengthens the body during pregnancy. It has also been used to treat constipation and flatulence, and is also considered to be an excellent heart tonic and blood purifier. The active constituents in Blessed Thistle are the sesquiterpene lactones (such as cnicin) which provide the main beneficial effects of the plant. The bitterness of these compounds stimulates digestive activity, including the flow of saliva and secretion of gastric juice, which leads to improved appetite and digestion. There is some evidence that Blessed Thistle also has anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves, stems and flowers of the plant are all used in herbal preparations.

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