Blessed Thistle- A Holy Herb With Pure Intentions
Blessed Thistle not only has an interesting name, but also has an amazing history, medicinal uses, and common day applications. It is also known as “Holy Thistle”. The term “blessed” was applied centuries ago to this plant from its reputation as a remedy even for the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. It’s mentioned in all the treatises on the Plague, and, according to a botanical site, was used especially by Thomas Brasbridge, who in 1578 published his Poore Man’s Jewell, that is to say, a Treatise of the Pestilence, unto which is annexed a declaration of the vertues of the Hearbes Carduus Benedictus and Angelica.
Traditional usage of Blessed Thistle includes; acne, anorexia/appetite loss, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cellular regeneration, cleansing, detoxifying, digestive disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, hormone imbalances, skin disorders. Through its bitter properties, blessed thistle increases the flow of gastric juices relieving dyspepsia, indigestion, and headaches associated with liver congestion. British & German Pharmaceutical studies recognize that ‘bitters’, including blessed thistle, stimulate bile flow and cleanse the liver. In Europe, blessed thistle is considered to be a medicinal agent used to stimulate appetite, aid digestion and promote health. Studies confirm that bitters increase gastric juice and bile acid secretions by increasing the flow of saliva through stimulation of specific receptors on the mucus membrane lining of the mouth.
According to a description in an online store that sells blessed thistle, “Blessed Thistle Herb is an excellent herbal source of potassium and sodium. Blessed Thistle herb is most commonly used to enrich and increase milk in nursing mothers, and to help balance female problems such as dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. However you should avoid internal use of Blessed Thistle herb during pregnancy.” And according to a book called The How to Herb Book, “Blessed Thistle is most commonly used to help female problems; to enrich and increase milk in nursing mothers, balances female hormone problems, strengthens heart and lungs, takes oxygen to the brain and strengthens memory, as well as brings circulation to every part of the body.”
According to Botanical.com, “four different ways of using Blessed Thistle have been recommended: It may be eaten in the green leaf, with bread and butter for breakfast, like Watercress; the dried leaves may be made into a powder and a drachm taken in wine or otherwise every day; a wineglassful of the juice may be taken every day, or, which is the usual and the best method, an infusion may be made of the dried herb, taken any time as a preventive, or when intended to remove disease, at bed time, as it causes copious perspiration.”
Blessed Thistle, otherwise known as Holy Thistle, has been mentioned in literature, history, as well as is used for numerous ailments, health issues, and female needs. Whether it’s taken to stimulate appetite, saliva, and digestion, to help nursing mothers, it helps to balance female hormones, as well as strengthens memory. Blessed thistle is one of the herbs that fully fits the name; it blesses those who need it, who use it, and improves health, vitality, and cirulation.
Category: HERBS
