blessed thistle
Cnicus benedictus, benediktenkraut, cardin, holy thistle, spotted thistle, St. Benedict thistle
Common trade names
Blessed Thistle Combo, Blessed Thistle Herb
Available forms
Available as capsules, decoction, dried herb, fluidextract*, infusion, oil, tea, and tincture. Extracts appear in “healing” skin lotions, creams, and salves.
Capsules: 325 mg, 340 mg
Dried herb: 1-ounce packets
Tincture: 1-ounce containers
Uses
Used orally to treat digestive problems such as liver and gallbladder diseases, loss of appetite, indigestion and heartburn, constipation, colic, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and flatulence. May also improve memory, relieve menstrual complaints and amenorrhea, regulate the menstrual cycle, increase perspiration, lower fever, increase lactation, dissolve blood clots, control bleeding, and reduce rheumatic pain. It’s also used as an expectorant and antibiotic.
Topically, blessed thistle poultice is used for boils, wounds, ulcers, and hemorrhages.
Blessed thistle is added to alcoholic beverages as a flavoring during manufacturing.
Adverse reactions
GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Hepatic: liver damage caused by tannin content (with excessive ingestion).
Skin: contact dermatitis.
Interactions
Herb-drug. Antacids, H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate: Because the herb increases stomach acidity, it may interact with these drugs. Monitor patient closely.
Disulfiram, metronidazole: Herbal products that contain alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Discourage use together.
Iron-containing products: Decreases absorption. Advise patient to separate times of use.
Herb-herb. Echinacea: May potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea. Monitor patient closely.
Herbs from the Compositae family, such as mugwort and cornflower: May cause cross-sensitivity. Discourage use together.
Cautions
Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should avoid using blessed thistle because it may promote menstruation. Patients with acute stomach inflammation, ulcers, or hyperacidity shouldn’t use the herb because it stimulates gastric juices.
Patients with a history of contact dermatitis, especially if it’s caused by other members of the Compositae family (including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) and those with diabetes, ulcers, acute stomach inflammation, or hyperacidity of the GI tract should use blessed thistle cautiously.
Patients with a history of liver disease or alcoholism should use herb cautiously.
Excerpted from comprehensive monographs in Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook, 3rd Edition.
Previously Posted
